Meet Captain Darius Vargo

Expert Local Guide And Military Veteran

Captain Darius Vargo didn't just choose the charter life; you could say it was in his DNA. Born in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, a place legendary for its rugged coast and world-class angling, fishing has been more than a hobby—it’s been his lifelong passion. He moved to the Volusia County area as a young child and has spent nearly 20 years intimately learning the nuances of the local waters around Port Orange and Ponce Inlet. For Darius, those two decades represent countless hours studying the tides, the seasonal migrations, and the intricate habits of both inshore and offshore species, building the kind of deep, local knowledge that only comes from true dedication.

Following his upbringing on the water, Captain Darius spent the better half of a decade serving in the military. This experience not only instills a high level of discipline and attention to detail—traits that translate directly to a safe and well-run charter—but it also offered him the unique opportunity to fish in diverse locations around the globe. During his service, he picked up a wide variety of angling techniques and perspectives that he still utilizes today to help his guests find success. He brings that military precision to his preparation, ensuring every knot is tight, every piece of gear is top-tier, and the boat is ready for the day's challenge.

For Captain Darius, running Nauti-Cartel Charters isn’t just a job; it’s a true labor of love. He spent years taking family and friends fishing for free, perfecting his craft and realizing that his favorite part of the day was always sharing his passion with others. He decided to turn that joy into a business, focusing on providing an exceptional experience above all else. He places his clients' goals and comfort at the forefront of every trip, striving to ensure they have a great time and, most importantly, creating memories that last a lifetime. For Darius, bringing smiles to people’s faces while doing what he loves is a daily reward.

The Nauti-Cartel Vessel: 26ft Sea Hunt Gamefish

When you head out with Nauti-Cartel Charters, you’ll be fishing aboard a premier 2016 26ft Sea Hunt Gamefish. This vessel is designed specifically for comfort, speed, and fishability, making it the perfect platform for both nearshore reefs and deep-water offshore runs. Powered by twin 150HP Yamaha engines, the boat offers a smooth, reliable ride and gets you to the fishing grounds quickly. It features a spacious center console design that accommodates up to 5 passengers with ease and was fully restored in 2025 to ensure peak performance. The boat is outfitted with professional-grade electronics, including GPS and fishfinder, as well as a wireless trolling motor for pinpoint precision when bottom fishing. It also features outriggers for a wider spread when trolling and a live bait well, providing everything needed for a successful and enjoyable day on the water.

Nauti-Cartel Charters LLC Available Trips

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Expertise & Attributes

20 Years of Experience

fishing Attributes

Master Guide

Nature / Wildlife Views

Saltwater Fishing

Live Bait

Technical Fishing

Good with New Anglers

Good with Families

Good with Kids

Gear & Equipment

Available Fishing Gear

Live Bait

Lures

Reels

Rods

Good to Knows

Trip Includes: Everything You Need for Success

Top-Tier Gear: We provide high-quality rods, reels, and all the tackle required for your specific trip, whether we are bottom fishing or trolling.

Fresh Live Bait: We stop at local "honey holes" to load up on live bait at the start of the trip. Any unused bait is released back into the wild at the end of the day.

Fishing Licenses: As a USCG licensed fishing charter in Port Orange, Captain Darius covers the licensing for everyone on board. You don’t need to worry about any extra paperwork or fees.

Professional Fish Cleaning: We never charge for filleting your catch. At the end of the day, Captain Darius will clean and bag your fish so it is ready for the kitchen.

Hydration & Storage: We provide plenty of bottled water for every guest. We also have a large, iced-down cooler ready for any additional refreshments or snacks you want to bring.

Expert Instruction: Whether you are on an experienced fishing charter in Port Orange, FL or this is your very first time, the Captain is there to provide as much or as little guidance as you need.

What to Bring: Preparing for Your Day on the Water

To make the most of your Port Orange fishing charter, a little preparation goes a long way. Here is a quick checklist of what we recommend bringing along:

1. Sun Protection

The Florida sun is no joke, especially out on the open water.

Sunscreen: We highly recommend lotion-style sunscreen. If you bring spray, please apply it before boarding to keep the boat deck from becoming slippery.

Polarized Sunglasses: These are a game-changer for seeing through the surface glare and spotting fish.

Hats & Performance Gear: A wide-brimmed hat or a light long-sleeve fishing shirt will keep you cool and protected.

2. Proper Footwear

Please wear non-marking, rubber-soled shoes (like boat shoes or sneakers). This keeps you stable on the deck and helps maintain the boat’s finish.

3. Food and Drinks

While we provide water, feel free to bring your favorite Gatorades, sodas, or snacks.

The "No Glass" Rule: For everyone’s safety, please ensure all containers are plastic or aluminum. No glass bottles are allowed on board.

Alcohol Policy: Moderate alcohol consumption is permitted for those of legal age. We want everyone to have a great time while staying safe on the water.

4. A Small Cooler for Your Catch

While we have a cooler on the boat for your drinks, we recommend leaving a separate cooler in your vehicle. Once we fillet your fish at the docks, you’ll want a cold place to store them for the ride home.

5. Camera or Smartphone

You’ll definitely want to capture the moment when that first fish hits the deck!

Booking & Logistics

Location: We operate out of Port Orange, FL. Specific meeting instructions will be provided upon booking.

Cancellations: We offer free cancellations up to 3 days prior to your scheduled trip.

The "Head" (Toilet): We do have a bathroom on board for emergency use, though we recommend using the shore facilities before we depart whenever possible.

Ready to join the Cartel? [Link: Book Your Port Orange Fishing Charter Now]

BOAT

Nauti-Cartel

Boat Type: Motorboat (engine-powered)

Boat Guest Capacity: 5

Boat Length: 26

Manufacturer Name: Sea Hunt

Model Year: 2016

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 150

Maximum Cruising Speed: 47

Boat Registration: Not Given

Features: GPS, Fish Finder, Radar, Toilet, Wireless Trolling Motor, Ice-Box, Livewell / Live Bait Tank, Outriggers