Ponce Inlet Watersports

#BoatOfTheMonth

Ponce Inlet Watersports

Captains Avera Williams & Alex Maxwell

386-405-3445

Nestled along the picturesque shores of Ponce Inlet, Florida, Ponce Inlet Watersports stands out as a unique destination for tourists seeking fishing charters and unforgettable open water wildlife experiences. Guiding these trips are knowledgeable Captains, accustomed to navigating the waters and finding the best spots, maximizing your chances of reeling in a prized catch. From inshore fishing for snook, redfish and trout to nearshore trips targeting snapper and amberjack, Ponce Inlet Watersports offers a diverse range of fishing opportunities to suit every angler's preference and price range. Whether you are seeking the thrill of topping your P.B. or simply want to enjoy a leisurely day on the water while the dolphins swim along side, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

One of the defining features of Ponce Inlet Watersports is its diverse fleet of vessels, which offer trips to fit every hobby and price range. Whether embarking on a public inshore fishing trip or a private charter, guests can enjoy a variety of charter options tailored to their interests and skill levels. Their public fishing trips are an affordable option that allows you to both sight see our intracoastal waterway while inshore fishing the areas favorite fishing holes; as anglers cast their lines into the shimmering waters, they are greeted by the sight of dolphins playing in the distance and pelicans soaring overhead.

Private charters will enjoy their brand new 21 foot Parker S.E. center console, powered by a 150 HP Yamaha outboard engine. Offering an unmatched variety of options for what you are able to do on the vessel: from inshore & nearshore fishing, to scenic river cruising, island & bar hopping, and more! Standard inclusions on this vessel include: live well, Bimini top, GPS fish finder, sound system & a water mat for island days. At the helm of their private charter boat are two experienced fishermen, Captain Avera Williams and Captain Alex Maxwell.

Captain Avera Williams grew up in a family deeply rooted in the fishing culture of Florida and obtained his Captains license six years ago, after years of working the deck. Insisting he loves the versatility the industry requires, he is happy for the opportunity to be able to think on his feet daily in our forever changing fishery. Captain Avera's favorite times to fish are the Spring & Fall; when the areas most sought after species are the hungriest and on the move. Our incredible snook & redfish fishing is something that always keeps him busy, plus it's guaranteed to keep anglers coming back for more!

Captain Alex Maxwell always had a deep love for fishing, and always dreamed of being a Captain. Being a carpenter, and previously working building sets in the movie industry, 5 years ago he decided to follow his dreams of spending his days on the open water. Captain Alex's favorite fishing will always be sight fishing, adding that nothing comes close to seeing the whole process for yourself in shallow waters. It truly is a sight to see, waiting patiently for the fish to take your bait as you reel it in and land them!

Beyond the thrill of the catch, Ponce Inlet Watersports also prides itself on its commitment to sustainable and responsible fishing practices. With a deep respect for the delicate marine ecosystem, the crew emphasizes the importance of conservation and stewardship on their dolphin & manatee ecotours, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonders of the sea. In addition to its fishing charters, Ponce Inlet Watersports offers a host of other activities and amenities to enhance the overall experience. From nearby waterfront dining options serving up fresh seafood; to kayaks, parasailing, and pontoon rentals for exploring the inlet's tranquil waters, there is no shortage of ways to make the most of your time in this idyllic coastal paradise.

Trips Aboard Ponce Inlet Watersports include: 2 HR Inshore, 4 HR Inshore/Nearshore, 6 HR Inshore/Nearshore Fishing Trip.

Meet the Sea Spirit's New Owners!

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Sea Spirit Fishing

Captain Nic Stephens

(386) 763-4388

The year is 2004 and 22-year-old Nic Stephens makes his way aboard the Sea Spirit for his first day as its third mate. At the time there are five other head boats operating the waters in Ponce Inlet; a number that would continue to dwindle as time goes by. His morning is spent cutting bait and readying the vessel while assisting then Captains Leebo Lingo, Bryan Pinkley & Mark Leppla in any way he can, all while carefully taking note of every step of their morning rituals. The F.V. he has landed this entry-level position on is a special one; it serves as one of the original pillars of Ponce Inlet's fishing charter community. At this moment he doesn't know it, but he has firmly placed his foot on the ladder he will spend the next two decades climbing, and his choice of vessels is perfectly on point for the future. Spending his first couple of years mastering deck work before learning the ins & outs of the wheelhouse, he obtained his captain's license in 2010 and took over the helm after Captain Lingo's retirement in 2017. Maintaining the devotion to both the vessel and its place in its community, Captain Nic Stephens and his wife Haley are thrilled to announce that they've officially purchased the Sea Spirit, intending to continue this historically family-based local tradition into the next generation.

In 1948, Valda & B.G. Timmons opened Timmons Fish Camp in Ponce Park, continuing Valda's family boating business. At the same time, legendary boat builder Bob Sherbert was returning from serving in World War II, settling back into his work at Daytona Marina & Boat Works. [Originally building submarine chasers, Mr. Sherbert is renowned for his custom-built wood yachts. The Timmons' son, Frank Timmons would purchase the Marianne in the 1960s, pioneering the charter boat industry we see now in Ponce Inlet.] As demand for both F.V.s and fishing trips continued to increase, both Frank Timmons and Bob Sherbert were quickly expanding their businesses to keep up. Bob Sherbert would launch his own boat-building business, Open Seas Marine at Sea Love Marina in the 1970s. Shortly thereafter, his long time friend Captain Frank Timmons purchased two of his builds, the Marianne II and the Sea Love. The Sea Love would later be renamed the Sea Spirit, and she would continue to remain a staple in the party boat industry here for the next 50 years.

The Sea Spirit, a 65' cold molded double planked mahogany hull, offers its community & their visitors a modern-day hands-on adventure that celebrates our rich fishing culture. For years Captain Nic has held his predecessors with the utmost regard, and being able to keep this working piece of Florida's fishing history right here where it truly belongs is more than just a dream come true. It seems fitting that the last remaining head boat in Ponce Inlet would end up being one of its first, a legacy that continues to weather the storms in search of clear skies. The tides of the fishing industry have drastically changed over the course of Captain Nic's twenty-year career; as overregulation, outdated models and ideals, and improperly placed oversight both dampen and quell the vast majority of US fisheries. Landmark and current Supreme Court cases, such as Loper Bright Enterprises Inc. v. Raimondo & Relentless Inc. v. Department of Commerce, aim to dismantle the no longer useful 'Chevron Deference' which has allowed federal agencies to write regulations without judicial process or involvement since 1984. The vast majority of the regulations that currently inhibit and wreak havoc on our fishery were enacted after the implementation of this very precedent, by officials who were simply hired rather than being dutifully elected.

Captain Nic reflects back to 2004, to a conversation with Captain Chris Gercken (FV Grouper Therapy), in which the fellow surfers discussed the best career options for a devoted surfer. Crediting Captain Chris with making the lightbulb go off in his head, Captain Nic quotes him as if he was told the secret yesterday; "Whenever the waves are big, I have the day off!". Captain Nic is not just an accomplished fisherman; he's also a barrel-riding, bluegrass-playing, true friend, father, and husband. He has built his outstanding reputation over the past two decades based on honesty, integrity, and dedication. After fully committing to the career and taking over the helm in 2017, the natural progression of owning the vessel was all that was left to accomplish. He has been patient in his approach to ownership, his faith never wavering that the opportunity would come when the time was right. Now that the time is right, his next focus is improving the already successful business with exciting and innovative ideas that will continue to involve the local community and all of its visitors.

Call it fate, Captain Nic and Haley first met aboard the Sea Spirit back in June of 2011. Invited by then 2nd mate and friend Bradley, Haley hopped on for a full day of fishing that she'll surely never forget. While Haley's 20 lb gag grouper (pictured below) may have been the jackpot winner that day, she insists she caught something far more important and that catch was certainly 'love at first bite'. Already having his 100-ton license at the time it would only be one year before Captain Nic ran his very first solo trip, the first of countless trips that Haley would personally be at the dock to see off. When they met Haley was already an accomplished professional surfer, holding many titles, and continues to surf every chance she gets. She is also a philanthropist and President of the Mayday Memorial Surf Classic, which she founded in the wake of her mother's untimely death due to heart disease. Her devotion to the community is visible in all that she does, and she is looking forward to incorporating these ideals going forward.

Having both been raised on the water, Captain Nic and Haley harbor a deep respect for Mother Nature and all that she commands, and they are excited for the opportunity to be able to teach their sons (Mason 5, Miles 1) all of the lessons they have learned over the years. They invite you to join them this year to celebrate the next chapter of local fishing history, right at the very dock it all began at so long ago.

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.

Knot On Duty Fishing Charters

#BoatOfTheMonth

KNOT ON DUTY fishing charters

Captain Mike Nelson

386-527-0470

Our next feature charter, Knot On Duty Fishing Charters, helmed by Captain Mike Nelson has a long and well documented family history in the Ponce Inlet areas fishing industry. This is a very special edition of Boat of the Month, as it highlights both the present day business while also paying homage to this family's rich history, as well as our very own our charter community here. Keep your eyes peeled this month for an exclusive edition of our Kickin' It Old School photo series!

Captain Paul Nelson Senior's family moved from Kalamazoo Michigan when he was child, his father was a builder and built several houses in the area, including the one he still lives in to this very day. Paul Nelson Sr. got his start in fishing working at Dave’s dock (now Aunt Catfish's), renting out their Jon boats & helping out around the dock- also working on a couple charters there, the Maria Lane & the South Pole. Paul Sr. then moved onto other local charter boats down at Inlet Harbor; the Papoose, Mako, Dona Rosa, Miss Juanita, Laura K, Black Duck and the Broadbill. Officially getting his Captains license in 1969, he Captained the Snow White boats for Al Kline, working there for several years. Charlie Schammel, owner of the Critter Fleet later offered him a job that would double his pay, sealing his career until retirement. Charlie had grown tired of being out fished by Captain Paul Sr., and he took the job and ran the Critter boats for 40+ years, retiring about 8 years ago.

Captain Mike Nelson first started working on the Critter Fleet boats with Paul Sr. at the age of about 7/8, and worked there during the summers until he was about 16. He landed his first mate job on the Snow White 2 with Jerry Masters (Masters Electric), later working the Teaser with Danny Day in NSB, for the Sea Harvest restaurant. Over the years he worked on the Hooker with Billy Smitherman, and was still working with Billy when Paul Sr. decided to buy a boat, the Double Portion. Captain Mike and his brother Paul worked the boat for a year, before he got his captains license. Captain Mike ran the Double Portion from 1992-1999, before becoming a firefighter like his brother had in the years prior. The Double Portion was eventually sold and he took a break from fishing for a couple years before purchasing his current vessel. He now fishes mostly in the summers, and commercial fishes every once in a while.

The Knot On Duty is a spacious 29 foot Carolina built Maycraft powered by new twin 150 HP Yamaha engines. With all the bells and whistles, you are sure to have a fantastic day out on the water. Built with a high rail and featuring high stability on the anchor, it is very comfortable for all types of fishing. Decked with all the latest Garmin electronics, VHF, EPIRB, and top of the line brand such as Penn, Shimano, and Star Rods. This vessel also has a private restroom with a porta-potty, for your convenience After year of working on a slew of different vessel it's perfect for what he needs to do.

Captain Mike's favorite thing about being a Captain is helping people that are new to fishing; and watching their excitement grow when they catch the biggest fish that they’ve ever caught. Making memories for the anglers that step aboard his vessel is a top priority for him, having so many of his own; and he is happy that he has a hand at creating memories that will last a lifetime. Captain Mike maintains that bottom fishing will always be his favorite, noting the excitement of feeling the bite, coupled with fighting the fish from the bottom is an absolute ride of pure adrenaline. Talking trolling he notes that being able to see the surface bite live and in action is also incredible, especially mahi fishing when the highly sought after species is moving through the area.

Knot on Duty fishing charters offers shark trips as well as a variety of offshore fishing trips, providing an exciting and unique way to Florida's coastal culture. Schedule a trip now to create moments you'll always remember!

Trips aboard the Knot On Duty include: 5/8/10 HR Offshore fishing trips & a 3 HR shark trip.