Expert-Guided 5-Hour Fishing Trip in New Smyrna

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

New Smyrna Beach
$250 - $550 price range

Summary

Ready for a day of fishing in New Smyrna Beach? Join us for a 5-hour trip that'll have you reeling in some great catches. We'll head out to either the Indian River or Mosquito Lagoon, both known for their rich fishing grounds. You'll be targeting a mix of fish like Redfish, Snook, and Black Drum - all fun to catch and great for sharpening your angling skills. Don't worry about gear; we've got all the fishing equipment you'll need. This means you can focus on what matters: enjoying the water, improving your technique, and hopefully landing some impressive fish. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to fishing, our guides will help you make the most of your time on the water. It's a great way to spend a day in Oak Hill, Florida, creating some lasting memories and maybe even some fish stories to take home. So grab a friend and let's get out on the water for some serious fishing action!

Expert-Guided 5-Hour Fishing Trip in New Smyrna

Rods, Reels, and Catches

Angler fishing with rod and reel at Oak Hill location

Gator Trout

Fishing New Smyrna Beach Waters

Family Fishing In New Smyrna Beach

Redfish Fishing In New Smyrna Beach

Reel in the Action: New Smyrna Beach Fishing

Hey there, anglers! Ready for a day of non-stop fishing action in the sunny waters of New Smyrna Beach? Our 5-hour trip is the perfect chance to wet your line and fill your cooler. We'll cruise out to the hottest spots in the Indian River or Mosquito Lagoon, where the fish are always biting. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, we've got everything you need for a day of rod-bending excitement. So grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's hit the water!

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're casting your line into the crystal-clear waters of New Smyrna Beach, the sun warming your face as you feel that telltale tug on your rod. That's what you're in for on our 5-hour fishing expedition. We'll navigate the rich fishing grounds of the Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon, known for their abundance of gamefish. Don't worry about bringing gear - we've got top-notch rods, reels, and bait all ready to go. Our experienced captain knows these waters like the back of their hand, so you're in for a day of non-stop action. And with a max of two guests, you'll get plenty of one-on-one attention to hone your skills and land that trophy catch.

Techniques & Tactics

On this trip, we'll be using a mix of live bait and artificial lures to target the local hotshots. We might start with some sight fishing in the shallows, looking for those telltale signs of redfish tailing in the grass flats. As the day heats up, we'll switch to working the deeper channels for snook, using soft plastics or live mullet to entice these hard-fighting predators. For the black drum, we'll set up near oyster beds or bridge pilings, using fresh shrimp or crab to tempt these bruisers. And if we're lucky enough to spot some tarpon rolling, we'll break out the heavy gear and see if we can't hook into the "silver king" for the fight of your life.

What Anglers Are Saying

"Captain Neal went above and beyond—I've never seen a charter captain put in so much effort. He really knows the local waters, and it showed throughout the trip. My grandson and I had a fantastic time on the water, and I'd gladly recommend fishing with him." - George

Species You'll Want to Hook

Snook: These hard-fighting linesiders are the rock stars of inshore fishing. They love to hang out near structure, ambushing bait fish with lightning-fast strikes. Snook can grow up to 40 inches long and put up a fight that'll leave your arms aching. They're most active in the warmer months, making summer and early fall prime time for snook fishing. Anglers love targeting snook for their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps - it's a rush you won't soon forget!

Black Drum: Don't let their drumming sound fool you - these bruisers are no pushovers. Black drum can grow to over 100 pounds, though we usually target the "puppy drum" in the 5-30 pound range. They're bottom feeders, so we'll be dropping baits near oyster beds and bridge pilings. Black drum are available year-round, but the bite really heats up in the cooler months. Anglers love targeting these fish for their hard-pulling fights and excellent table fare.

Tarpon: Known as the "silver king," hooking into a tarpon is like trying to stop a freight train with a fly rod. These prehistoric fish can grow over 200 pounds and are famous for their spectacular aerial displays. Tarpon migrate through our waters in the late spring and summer, offering anglers a chance at the fight of a lifetime. Even if you don't land one (and trust me, many don't), just hooking up with a tarpon is an experience you'll be talking about for years.

Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored beauties are a staple of inshore fishing in New Smyrna Beach. They range from "rat reds" of a few pounds to trophy-sized bull reds over 40 inches long. Redfish love to cruise the shallow flats, often revealing their presence with their characteristic tail visible above the water. Fall is prime time for redfish, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers love targeting redfish for their hard fights, beautiful coloration, and delicious meat.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, folks, let's recap what you're in for: A full 5 hours of non-stop fishing action in the rich waters of New Smyrna Beach. We're talking about the chance to battle with hard-fighting snook, muscular black drum, high-flying tarpon, and bull redfish that'll make your drag sing. All the gear is provided, so all you need to bring is your sense of adventure and maybe a cooler for your catch. Our experienced captain will put you on the fish and help you improve your skills, whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned angler. So what are you waiting for? The fish are biting, and your spot on the boat is waiting. Book now and get ready for a day of rod-bending, reel-screaming action that'll have you hooked on New Smyrna Beach fishing for life!

Customer Review

Neal Knows Best

Captain Neal went above and beyond—I've never seen a charter captain put in so much effort. He really knows the local waters, and it showed throughout the trip. My grandson and I had a fantastic time on the water, and I’d gladly recommend fishing with him.

George B.

June 1, 2025

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black drum are some of the hardest-fighting fish in our waters. They range from 5-30 pounds typically, but can get up to 90 pounds or more. You'll find them in brackish areas around oyster beds and mudflats. Spring is spawning season when they school up, making them easier to target. Black drum make a distinctive croaking sound, so listen for that drumming noise. They're not the prettiest fish, but they put up a stubborn, powerful fight. Smaller ones under 15 pounds are great eating too. Use natural baits like crab or shrimp on the bottom. My top tip is to fish the outgoing tide around those oyster bars - that's when they come in to feed. Just be ready for a battle when you hook into a big one!

Redfish

Redfish are a favorite target for many anglers here. They're easily identified by that distinctive black spot near the tail. Most are in the 5-10 pound range, but they can get up to 50 pounds or more. You'll find them tailing in very shallow water - sometimes with their backs sticking out. Look for them around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangroves. Fall is prime time as they school up. Redfish put up a great fight, with strong runs and head shakes. They're also excellent eating, with a mild, sweet flavor. I like using gold spoons or soft plastics, but live bait works great too. My top tip is to look for pushing water or "nervous" bait - that often means redfish are feeding nearby. Just approach quietly so you don't spook them in that shallow water.

Snook

Snook are one of the most exciting fish we target around here. They're sleek, powerful, and known for their explosive strikes. You'll find them hanging around mangroves, docks, and other structures in shallow water. Most are 1-2 feet long, but they can get up to 4 feet and 50 pounds. Spring and fall are prime seasons when water temps are right. Snook put up an amazing fight - they'll make blistering runs and leap clear out of the water. Their meat is delicious too, with a mild, sweet flavor. Light tackle works best - I like using live bait like pinfish or mullet on a circle hook. Let them take the bait and swim off before setting the hook. Just watch out for those gill plates when you're handling them - they're razor sharp!

Tarpon

Tarpon are the ultimate bucket list fish for many anglers. These prehistoric beasts can reach 8 feet and 280 pounds, though 4-5 footers are more common. You'll find them in coastal waters, inlets, and even up rivers. They're migratory, so spring and summer are peak seasons here. Tarpon are famous for their acrobatic leaps and blistering runs. Landing one is a real feat - they have bony mouths that make it tough to set the hook. But the thrill of seeing a 100-pounder go airborne makes it all worth it. Live bait like mullet or crabs works well. My best tip is to bow to the fish when it jumps to give some slack. Otherwise that powerful head shake can throw the hook in a heartbeat. Just remember, these are catch and release only - but the memories last a lifetime.

About the Polar (Flats boat)

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 30

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 90

Ready for some fishin' fun in New Smyrna Beach? Hop aboard for a 5-hour adventure on the water that'll have you hooked! We'll cruise the Indian River or Mosquito Lagoon, depending on where the fish are biting. You and a buddy can try your luck catching Redfish, Snook, Black Drum, and other local favorites. Don't worry about gear - we've got all the rods, reels, and bait you'll need. Just bring your sense of adventure and maybe a snack or two. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to fishing, you'll have a blast reeling in the big ones. The calm waters and sunny skies of Oak Hill, Florida make for perfect fishing conditions. So grab a friend and get ready to make some waves (and maybe some fish tales) on this laid-back day out on the water. Who knows? You might even catch dinner!

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