Hey there, fellow anglers! Ready to wet a line in some of Florida's most fish-rich waters? Our 3-hour charter in New Smyrna Beach is just the ticket. We'll cruise the Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon, hitting prime spots where the big ones love to hang out. Whether you're after a trophy redfish or a hard-fighting black drum, we've got you covered. No need to fuss with gear – we provide top-notch rods, reels, and bait. All you need to bring is your game face and maybe a lucky hat!
Picture this: you're standing on the bow, scanning the crystal-clear shallows for that telltale flash of a redfish tail. Or maybe you're feeling the solid thump of a black drum taking your bait in deeper water. That's what you're in for on our New Smyrna Beach charter. We'll mix it up between sight fishing in skinny water and working deeper holes, depending on what's hot. And don't worry if you're new to this – our seasoned captains will show you the ropes and put you on fish. It's all about having a blast and hopefully putting some fish in the cooler!
We've got a few tricks up our sleeves to help you land the big one. In the shallows, we might use light tackle and artificial lures to sight cast for tailing redfish – it's like hunting, but on the water! For black drum and snook, we'll often use live bait and fish around structure or deeper channels. The beauty of fishing these waters is the variety – one minute you're quietly poling through a mangrove-lined lagoon, the next you're drifting a deep channel as the sun starts to set. And hey, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and manatees – they love these waters as much as the fish do!
"We booked our trip with less than two days' notice, and Captain Neal got in touch within the hour to confirm everything. From start to finish, the entire process was seamless. We wanted to target trout, and he brought us to the right spots—we managed to reel in a few! The kids had a blast, and the morning couldn't have gone any better. Overall, it was a great experience." - Antti
"We went out with Captain Neal for a trip with our two boys, ages 11 and 4, and he was absolutely fantastic. He showed incredible patience with our chatty kids, happily answering every question they had—and ours too! He was hands-on the entire time, helping with bait, hooks, and landing fish. We caught plenty, including three keepers, and our 11-year-old said it was a day he'll always remember. We had such a fun, memorable time and even spotted manatees and dolphins along the way. The Indian River was beautiful, and we're so thankful to Captain Neal for such a great experience!" - Kari
"I highly recommend fishing with Captain Neal. Having grown up in Oak Hill, he knows Mosquito Lagoon like the back of his hand. His local knowledge really shines through, and he's an absolute pleasure to spend the day with on the water." - James
Snook: These hard-fighting linesiders are the rock stars of inshore fishing. They love to hang around structure, so we'll often target them near docks, mangroves, or bridge pilings. Snook are known for their spectacular runs and acrobatic jumps – when one of these bad boys hits your line, hold on tight! They're most active in the warmer months, making them a perfect summer target. And let me tell you, there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of outsmarting a wily snook.
Black Drum: Don't let their somewhat drab appearance fool you – black drum are a blast to catch and great eating too. These cousins of the redfish can grow to impressive sizes, with some real bruisers lurking in deeper holes. They're bottom feeders, so we'll often use natural baits like shrimp or crab to tempt them. Black drum are year-round residents, but the fishing really heats up in the cooler months. When you hook into a big one, get ready for a serious tug-of-war!
Tarpon: Known as the "silver king," tarpon are the stuff of fishing legend. These massive, prehistoric-looking fish can top 100 pounds, and they're famous for their gill-rattling jumps and long, dogged fights. Targeting tarpon is a game of patience and skill – we'll often spend time looking for rolling fish before making our casts. The tarpon migration typically peaks in late spring and early summer, offering a chance at the fish of a lifetime. Even if you don't land one (and trust me, that's no easy feat), just hooking up with a tarpon is an experience you'll never forget.
Redfish: Ah, redfish – the heart and soul of inshore fishing in these parts. These copper-colored beauties are a favorite among anglers for their hard fights and willingness to eat a variety of baits and lures. In the shallows, you might spot them tailing – their distinctive spotted tails breaking the surface as they root for crabs in the grass flats. It's a sight that'll get any angler's heart racing! Redfish are around all year, but the fall "bull red" run, when big spawning fish move into the area, is something special. Whether you're casting to tailing fish in skinny water or working a school in deeper channels, redfish never disappoint.
Alright, folks, let's recap what makes this New Smyrna Beach fishing charter a must-do. You've got crystal-clear waters, a variety of fish species that'll test your skills and fill your cooler, and some of the most beautiful scenery Florida has to offer. Our experienced captains know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're ready to put you on fish and show you a great time. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, this trip has something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? The fish are biting, and your spot on the boat is waiting. Let's make some fishing memories you'll be bragging about for years to come. Book your charter today and get ready for some real Florida fishing action!
May 25, 2025
We went out with Captain Neal for a trip with our two boys, ages 11 and 4, and he was absolutely fantastic. He showed incredible patience with our chatty kids, happily answering every question they had—and ours too! He was hands-on the entire time, helping with bait, hooks, and landing fish. We caught plenty, including three keepers, and our 11-year-old said it was a day he'll always remember. We had such a fun, memorable time and even spotted manatees and dolphins along the way. The Indian River was beautiful, and we’re so thankful to Captain Neal for such a great experience!
March 27, 2025
I highly recommend fishing with Captain Neal. Having grown up in Oak Hill, he knows Mosquito Lagoon like the back of his hand. His local knowledge really shines through, and he's an absolute pleasure to spend the day with on the water.
February 26, 2025
Black drum are common in our waters year-round, but spring is prime time when they school up to spawn. Most run 5-30 pounds, though the big ones can top 90. You'll find them in shallow flats, around oyster bars, and near creek mouths. They love crustaceans, so fresh crab is your best bet for bait. Black drum aren't known for long runs, but they put up a stubborn fight. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make great eating too - nice white, flaky meat. Here's a local trick: when you spot a school of drum, cast well ahead of them and slowly drag your bait into their path. The sound and vibration will often trigger a bite. Just listen for that distinctive croaking sound they make!
Redfish are a favorite target in our shallow waters. They're easy to spot with that copper color and black tail spot. Most run 3-10 pounds, but you can find some real bruisers over 20. Look for them tailing in grass flats or cruising near oyster bars, especially on falling tides. They'll hit just about anything - live bait, soft plastics, even flies. Redfish put up a great fight, often making several strong runs. The smaller ones are excellent eating too, with a mild, sweet flavor. For the best action, try sight fishing on clear, calm days. Watch for their tails sticking up as they root for crabs in shallow water. Cast well ahead and work your bait slowly into their path. When you see that tail go down, get ready for the thump!
Snook are a prized catch around here, known for their strength and acrobatics. These sleek fish typically run 1-3 feet long but can grow much bigger. You'll find them hanging out near mangroves, docks, and other structures in shallow water. Spring and fall are prime snook seasons when water temps are just right. Anglers love targeting them for the explosive strikes and powerful fights. To up your chances, try using live bait like mullet or pinfish. Work it slowly along mangrove edges or dock pilings. When a snook hits, be ready - they'll often make a hard run right after the strike. Landing a big one is quite the rush. Just remember, snook are catch-and-release only from December through February to protect the spawning population.
Tarpon are the silver kings of our waters, and hooking one is an experience you won't forget. These prehistoric beasts can top 100 pounds and put on quite a show with their acrobatic leaps. Look for them rolling in deeper channels or cruising the flats on calm days. Spring and summer are prime tarpon time here. Anglers come from all over to test their skills against these giants. The fight can last hours, leaving your arms feeling like jelly. Live mullet or crabs are top baits, but artificial lures work too. Pro tip: when a tarpon jumps, lower your rod tip to give it slack. This "bowing to the king" helps keep the hook set. Remember, these fish are catch-and-release only - they're more valuable as a sport fish than on a dinner plate.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 90
We booked our trip with less than two days' notice, and Captain Neal got in touch within the hour to confirm everything. From start to finish, the entire process was seamless. We wanted to target trout, and he brought us to the right spots—we managed to reel in a few! The kids had a blast, and the morning couldn’t have gone any better. Overall, it was a great experience.