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.

Top Notch Adventures

#BoatOfTheMonth Top Notch Adventures Captain Aaron Highers 386-316-9874

The holidays are upon us and our next feature boat is the perfect choice if you're looking to get some holiday fishing in before the new year! Based in Port Orange, Captain Aaron Highers has fished the Ponce Inlet area his entire life and now provides Top Notch Adventures to anglers for the last 7 years. Specializing in all areas of both inshore and offshore fishing, Captain Aaron will be sure to put you on the fish no matter your choice in destination.

Top Notch Adventures has dual vessels available depending on what kind of trip you decide on! For inshore trips with lower capacity you'll enjoy a 17' Carolina Skiff flats boat, powered by a 60 HP Yahama outboard, the perfect setup for a 2 angler trip. Looking for a higher capacity & wanna head offshore? Their 24' Carolina Skiff Offshore Series, freshly repowered with brand new twin 140 HP Suzuki Outboards, can comfortably accommodate up to 6 anglers. Vessel features include: top of the line electronics, wireless trolling motor, outriggers, live well, and plenty of cooler space for your catch. As with all of our charters, all fishing equipment and licensing are provided at no additional cost.

First starting out mastering inshore fishing and working his way offshore in early adulthood, Captain Aaron knows the waters here well and has spent his life figuring out how to maximize his adventures for all who join him. Growing up he worked at Brigadoon Fish Camp, where he would run crab traps, sell bait and seafood. His career growth later in life was heavily influenced by the adage 'do what you love & you'll never work a day in your life'; and he is quick to remember his own excitement those first couple of trips. Though Captain Aaron is the first fisherman in his family, he will certainly not be the last. His devotion to teaching the trade is already readily visible in his children, who have all happily picked up the hobby themselves.

Captain Aaron insists his favorite aspect of guiding is the opportunity to help anglers get to their next respective level of experience. Whether it's first timers looking to get acquainted with the gear while they stay busy with jacks & mangroves, to the seasoned sportsman looking to one up his personal best catch. His favorite fishing days are usually those spent with friends and family, noting that fishing with people close to you is what it's all about.. 'With good company.. good things will follow!'

Offering a wide range of inshore and offshore fishing trips, Top Notch Adventures provides a unique and exciting opportunity to explore the diverse waters of Florida's east coast. Make memories that you'll treasure forever — book a trip today!

Trips aboard Top Notch Adventures include: 4/6/8 HR Inshore Trips, 4/6/8 HR Nearshore Trips, and 4/6/8/10 HR Offshore Trips.

Davy Jones Fishing Company

#BoatOfTheMonth Davy Jones Fishing Company Captain David Jones 904-307-6307

Captain David Jones of Davy Jones Fishing Company began his charter career many years ago as a part time hand in Jacksonville; which is known for having an incredible sheepshead, redfish, and trout fishery. There he befriended local legend Captain George Strait, who is renowned for his decades of work on the Mayport Princess Headboat. Under the tutelage of his uncle Dylan Jones, an FWC fisheries scientist, and Captain George, he built an incredible knowledge base of tactics for targeting both inshore and offshore species.

After moving to Edgewater in 2016 he continued perfecting his craft out of New Smyrna Beach and Mosquito Lagoon. Captain Dave fished often with Captain Dusty Cartrette, who was instrumental in showing him tricks specific to the area as well as encouraging him to start his own guide service. By late 2019 as business was ramping up, David left his job as District Manager in the multi-family industry and Davy Jones Fishing Company was officially launched. Shortly thereafter in 2021, Captain Dave partnered with fellow Captain Andrew Schutte and opened SaltFishing.com, an outdoor shop that covers a wide range of products catering to fisherman and hunters alike.

Davy Jones Fishing Company's vessel can comfortably accommodate a total of 6 anglers for an exciting inshore trip, or as a federally permitted vessel, you can head offshore to battle some real sea monsters! The boat is a well equipped Sailfish 266 with twin Yamaha 115 outboards, allowing for lower fuel costs while still easily reaching cruising speeds of 35-40mph with the added safety of two engines. Sailfish boats are known for their smooth ride, and ample fishing space. The vessel has a ton of features; from its t-top, new Garmin electronics, private head, live wells & fish boxes, epirb gps location, 7 batteries connected to the Power Pole Charge unit, and a 36v Rhodan GPS trolling motor with the latest spot lock technology.

Captain Daves quick rise is attributed to his consistency and willingness to make significant changes to the plan depending on how the water reads that day. While catching a dream trophy fish is often accomplished, being able to adjust on the fly to whatever is eating, and keeping the rods bent is just as rewarding. Captain Dave takes pride in teaching everyone from kids on their first trip, to corporate leaders on team building outings, how to increase their catches. He allows you to do all the fishing, while guiding you all along the way.

The winter season is the perfect time of year to take a trip! Captain Dave will often target his favorite inshore species, Sheepshead, on light tackle. These hard fighting fish are known for their finicky behavior and subtle bite, but once you've ace it and felt the thump of 10+ lb fish you’re sure to be hooked. Ponce Inlet boasts a wide range of highly sought after inshore species such as snook, tarpon, sheepshead, flounder, redfish, trout and more. You are sure to enjoy yourself no matter the target, book a trip soon!

Trips with Davy Jones include: 3/4/6/8HR Inshore Trips, 3 HR Shark or Night Trips, and. 4/6/8/HR Offshore trips.