Policies and Frequently Asked Questions for Captain Doug Hicks Fishing Charters

• Everything You Need to Fish is Included!
All of our prices include fishing licenses, rods, reels, bait, tackle and fish cleaning. All you need to bring is your food, drinks, sunscreen, sunglasses, hats and a camera!

• Credit Cards
We accept all major credit cards.
A 5% service fee will be charged for credit card payments.

• Gratuity
A gratuity of 15-20% is customary and is very much appreciated.

• Cancellation Policy
Any charter cancelled for weather, at the captain’s discretion, will not be charged. Charters cancelled by the customer more than 5 days prior to their trip will not be charged. Charters cancelled by the customer within 5 days of a scheduled trip will be charged 25% of the cost of the scheduled charter. Customers that do not show up on the day of their scheduled trip will be charged 50% of the cost of their scheduled charter.

~ Frequently Asked Questions ~

Are children welcome?
Yes! All our charters are family friendly. Children and beginners of all ages are welcome. Our trips are suitable for all ages and skill levels. Safety equipment is provided, and we focus on making trips enjoyable for children while offering productive fishing experiences for adults.

How far away are you from Daytona Beach?
Our charters depart 15.2 miles from the center of Daytona Beach, about a 25 minute drive down Hwy 1 to New Smryna Beach, the center of activity for fishing charters in the Daytona Beach area!

Where do we depart?
We depart from the North Causeway Boat Ramp in New Smyrna Beach. Free public parking is available.
See Where We Depart

What do we need to Bring?
All you need to bring is food, drinks, sun screen lotion, a hat and sunglasses. Long sleeve, light-colored clothing is recommended for sun comfort, and a camera is great for capturing your memorable catches. (We will supply a cooler with ice for your food and drinks or you can bring you own cooler if you like). You may bring beer and wine but NO glass bottles, liquor or any illegal substances (no matter how minor). We are a FAMILY FRIENDLY fishing charter!

What’s included in a Captain Doug Hicks Fishing Charter?
All trips include bait, tackle, ice, and all necessary fishing equipment, along with US Coast Guard-approved safety gear. We also provide the required State fishing license and handle fish cleaning. Whether you’re going inshore or offshore, everything is prepared to ensure a smooth and productive day on the water.

How much does a fishing charter with Captain Doug Hicks cost?
Pricing varies depending on the trip type, duration, and number of passengers. Prices include all licenses, tackle, bait, and fish cleaning. Please note that cash is preferred, and a 5% upcharge applies for credit card payments.
See Charters & Rates

Do I need to bring my own fishing gear?
No. All necessary fishing gear, including rods, reels, bait, and tackle, is provided on every trip. You only need to bring food, drinks, sun protection, and a camera to capture memories!

Is fish cleaning included on the trip?
Yes. Fish cleaning is included as part of your charter. On longer trips, cleaning is done when returning to port to comply with local regulations, ensuring the freshest and safest handling of your catch.

What is the best time of year to fish in the Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach area?
New Smyrna Beach and Daytona Beach offer excellent fishing year-round, with seasonal highlights for different species. Tarpon peak in late spring to early summer, Redfish and Snook are most active in spring and fall, and Snapper season Florida offers prime offshore opportunities in summer. Trout are abundant throughout the year.

Are night fishing trips available with Captain Doug Hicks Fishing Charters?
Yes, night fishing trips are available on request. Night excursions allow anglers to target species that feed after sunset, such as Snook and Redfish, providing a unique and exciting experience in the Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach area.

How many passengers can join a fishing charter?
Trips accommodate up to six passengers comfortably. This ensures personalized guidance from Captain Doug Hicks and allows all guests to enjoy a safe and productive fishing experience in both inshore and offshore waters.

Do you offer both inshore and offshore fishing trips?
Yes. Captain Doug Hicks Fishing Charters offers a full range of trips. Inshore trips focus on backcountry and Mosquito Lagoon species like Redfish, Snook, and Trout, while offshore trips target Red Snapper, Grouper, Kingfish, Dolphin, Sharks, and more in the Gulf Stream.