Sea Spirit Fishing

#BoatOfTheMonth Sea Spirit Fishing Captain Nic Stephens (386) 763-4388

Throughout Ponce Inlet's long fishing history there has always been a number of head boats navigating its waters. That legacy now rests safely & solely in the hands of Sea Spirit Deep Sea Fishing, helmed by Captain Nic Stephens and owned by Captain Michael Mulholland. Captain Nic, an almost 20 year veteran of the Sea Spirit, has spent the majority of his life perfecting his fishing style & technique to provide the ultimate experience to every angler that steps aboard their vessel.

The Sea Spirit, a custom built F.V. with a long & centered history starting not far from where she is currently docked, was built by local master boat builder Bob Sherbert at Sea Love Marina back in 1977. This 65' cold molded double planked mahogany hull vessel was handcrafted to stand the tests of time and continues to fulfill its job with poise and strength. Recently restored in 2016 she is powered by twin 550 horsepower Detroit Diesel engines, features state of the art navigational electronics and all the necessary safety equipment. Need to take a break? You can comfortably spend your down time relaxing in her air conditioned day room, complete with two rest rooms.

Captain Nic got his start as a mate on the Sea Spirit back in 2004, working his way up the ranks and learning as much as he could from then Captain's: Leebo Lingo, Bryan Pinkley and Mark Leppla. Getting his Captains license back in 2010 he continued to pace himself in mastering all there was to operating a head boat, a staple that has dominated the charter fishing industry for so long. After the retirement of the Sea Spirit's former Captain Leebo, Captain Nic took his rightful place at the helm and has been artfully boxing fish ever since.

The life of a head boat Captain is a grueling one; with incredibly long hours, bigger crews to manage, and significantly more fish to handle than smaller boats. Captain Nic handles this challenge with a sense of style and grace not typically seen in this industry, and you are guaranteed to always find him with a smile on his face. One of the perks of making a career out of doing something you truly love is the translation of that feeling live and in action; here you find yourself fishing next to the best friend you never knew you had.

Captain Nic's favorite part of being a Captain is most definitely the satisfaction that comes with a well laid out plan coming together; providing an opportunity for the people on board to have a world class experience. Being an avid surfer, he also notes that his love/hate relationship with Mother Nature is probably one of the most interesting aspects of his captaincy. On the days that the Sea Spirit is forced to stay harbored due to weather, you can often find him in the water— manning another man powered 'vessel', but nonetheless still navigating the waves. When asked what his favorite style of fishing was, he stayed true to his roots stating simply that his best days are those he gets to spend fishing with his family. Expecting baby number two, Captain Nic and wife Haley Stephens are both accomplished surfers & anglers that routinely take the time to instill the same love of the water in their children. Whether they are fishing inshore for snook or offshore for mangroves snapper, they both love the challenges these species of fish offer them specifically.

Trips aboard the Sea Spirit include: 5 HR Half Day Offshore Trips, 9 HR Full Day Offshore Trips, and the rare but highly sought after 12 HR Offshore Trip they offer exclusively to avid followers following their FB page.

Book Your Trip Today!

Tails Up Charters

Tails Up Charters, one of Ponce Inlet’s rising stars, hit the ground running in 2020 and has been riding the wave ever since. Captained by Ed Defeo, Tails Up has consistently been in the rankings for best catches since Ponce Inlet Fishing Charter Network’s inception early last year.

An Ormond Beach native, Captain Ed fell in love with fishing in Ponce Inlet as a child and spent his life learning the trade. In his younger years he would often sit at the helm on fishing trips out to the Gulf Stream, experiences that definitely sealed his career path for the future. Captain Ed’s favorite aspect of running charters is getting to see his clients with the same excitement he grew up accustomed to, which allows him to relive his best memories daily. Noting that he doesn’t have a favorite style of fishing; whether it be trolling, bottom or live bait fishing— he is always well equipped to catch whatever is biting that day. His greatest catch thus far he says was the 74 lb cobia he caught while snook fishing the inlet early last year. (Pictured Below)

On your offshore trip you will be fishing on a newly restored 32’ Jarrett Bay sport fishing boat, powered by twin Mercury Verado 300HP outboard engines. With a cruising speed of 30 knots this vessel will easily navigate you all the way to the Gulf Stream or any fishing ground in between. Onboard amenities include: a bathroom, top of the line electronics, outriggers, live bait wells, bean bag chairs & a freshly installed SeaDek to ensure you are comfortable from head to toe.

Available trips aboard Tails Up Charters include: 4 HR Inlet Trip (Seasonal), 4 HR Shark Trip, 6 HR Offshore Trip, 8 HR Offshore Trip, 10 HR Gulf Stream Trip, 12 HR Gulf Stream Trolling Trip or 12 Gulf Stream Bottom Fishing Trip.

Book Your Trip Today!

Waterproof Charters Fishing

One of Ponce Inlet’s most legendary & well renowned charters, Waterproof Charters Fishing Captained by Tim Garrett, is also one of the original charter boat businesses in the area. With over 40 years of experience in both charter fishing as well as commercial fishing, Captain Tim has an incredibly long and seasoned history fishing the Ponce Inlet area. As with most of the long standing charter businesses in Ponce Inlet, this is a family run business that prides itself on the happiness of each and every one of the anglers that step aboard their vessel.

The Waterproof, a 40 foot custom built Number One boat, specifically designed for bottom fishing & trolling, is powered by a 650 horsepower inboard John Deere engine. Featuring a large cockpit and cabin, the vessel has a restroom, fly bridge for sightseeing and fighting chairs for the most epic of fish fights. Their docking was handpicked, being less than a mile from Ponce De Leon Inlet, ensuring that you have more time to fish & less time traveling.

Originally from Ohio, Captain Tim fell in love with the area as a child when he was vacationing in Daytona Beach with family. The Garrett’s family tradition of offshore fishing the areas then charters sealed Captain Tim’s heart in what he wanted his career and future to hold. Relocating here after, he initially worked as a mate and commercially fished in the winters. In 1986 he had The Waterproof custom built & has been blessed year after year with highlight reels that are sure to make just about anyone’s jaw drop! While he is well known for his offshore fishing, he most enjoys wiggling a crappie jig through the lily pads in his free time.

No matter what type of fishing you end up doing, you can rest assured that you are in the best of hands. Captain Tim & The Waterproof are well known for their fish hauls, whether they be gaffer mahi’s, stud groupers, or just the perfect sized sailfish. Captain Tim’s years of experience allow The Waterproof to stay at the top of the charts year after year.

Trips aboard the Waterproof include: 4/6/8/10/12 hour Offshore trips & a 4 hour Shark trip.

Book your Trip Today!