Ready to wet a line in some of Florida's most fish-rich waters? Our 2-hour fishing charter in New Smyrna Beach is the perfect way to get your feet wet (figuratively speaking) and experience the thrill of inshore fishing. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your sea legs, this trip offers a chance to tangle with some of the area's most sought-after gamefish in the scenic Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon.
As soon as you step aboard, you'll feel the excitement in the air. Our experienced captain will cruise you out to prime fishing spots in either the Indian River or Mosquito Lagoon - both legendary for their productive fishing grounds. These shallow, protected waters are perfect for light tackle fishing and offer a mix of environments from grass flats to mangrove shorelines. You'll be armed with top-notch gear (all included), so all you need to bring is your sense of adventure and maybe a lucky fishing hat.
Don't sweat it if you're new to fishing - our guides are patient teachers and will show you the ropes. We'll likely be using light spinning tackle, perfect for the species we're after. Depending on conditions, we might be sight-fishing (spotting fish and casting to them) or using more traditional methods like live bait or artificial lures. The beauty of these waters is their diversity - one minute you could be working a topwater lure for snook, the next you might be feeling the telltale thump of a black drum taking your bait.
"My 16-year-old son and I were visiting Florida from New York, and fishing with Captain Neal was a highlight of our trip. He went above and beyond, taking us to nearly a dozen spots to make sure we got on the fish. Throughout the charter, he shared great info about the area and patiently answered all of our questions. He even cast my line for me every time—truly top-notch service. It was an awesome experience, and I highly recommend him!" - Krystel
"We took our 6- and 8-year-old boys out fishing with Captain Neal, and it was an incredible experience from start to finish. He was patient, kind, and so helpful with the kids, making sure they were involved and having fun the whole time. They reeled in all kinds of fish—catfish, lots of pufferfish, a few trout, and even a blue crab! A manatee and dolphin swam right up to the boat, which made the day even more magical. Truly a core memory for our family. Huge thanks to Captain Neal for such an unforgettable trip!" - Patti
Snook: These hard-fighting, silver-sided gamefish are a favorite among Florida anglers. Known for their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps, snook put up a fight that'll have your drag singing. They love to hang around structure, so we'll be targeting mangrove edges and dock pilings. The best part? Snook are year-round residents in these parts, so there's always a chance to hook into one of these bucket-list fish.
Black Drum: Don't let their plain appearance fool you - black drum are tough customers on the end of a line. These bottom-dwellers can grow to hefty sizes, with some "big uglies" topping 50 pounds in our waters. We'll likely find them rooting around on the bottom for crabs and shrimp. When you hook one, get ready for a workout - they pull like a freight train!
Tarpon: Known as the "silver king," tarpon are the stuff of fishing legend. These prehistoric-looking fish can reach sizes over 100 pounds in our area, and their gill-rattling jumps are a sight to behold. While we might not specifically target them on this short trip, if we're lucky enough to hook one, it'll be the fight of a lifetime. Tarpon are most active in our waters from late spring through summer.
Redfish: With their copper-penny coloration and distinctive spot near the tail, redfish (also known as red drum) are a staple of inshore fishing in Florida. These hard-fighting fish love to cruise the shallow flats, often revealing their presence with their trademark "tailing" behavior as they root for crabs in the grass. Redfish are year-round residents, but fall tends to be prime time when big schools gather.
It's not just about the fish (though they're a big part of it). Our 2-hour charters offer a perfect taste of what makes fishing in New Smyrna Beach so special. You'll get to experience the natural beauty of the Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon, with a good chance of spotting dolphins, manatees, and a variety of shore birds. Our knowledgeable captains aren't just fish-finders - they're local experts who can share the area's rich history and ecosystem insights.
The short duration is perfect for families with kids, first-timers who want to test the waters, or experienced anglers looking to squeeze in some fishing time between other vacation activities. And let's be honest - there's nothing quite like the bragging rights of landing a trophy fish on your first time out!
Ready to make some waves (and maybe catch dinner while you're at it)? Our 2-hour New Smyrna Beach fishing charters book up fast, especially during peak seasons. Whether you're looking to introduce the kids to fishing, impress a date with your angling skills, or just enjoy some quality time on the water, this trip offers something for everyone. Don't let the big one get away - reserve your spot today and get ready for some reel fun on the water!
April 17, 2025
We took our 6- and 8-year-old boys out fishing with Captain Neal, and it was an incredible experience from start to finish. He was patient, kind, and so helpful with the kids, making sure they were involved and having fun the whole time. They reeled in all kinds of fish—catfish, lots of pufferfish, a few trout, and even a blue crab! A manatee and dolphin swam right up to the boat, which made the day even more magical. Truly a core memory for our family. Huge thanks to Captain Neal for such an unforgettable trip!
March 26, 2025
Black drum are an underrated catch that can really test your gear. Adults average 5-30 pounds but can top 90 pounds in deeper waters. You'll find them in brackish areas like oyster beds and mudflats, often in just a few feet of water. Spring is prime time as they school up to spawn. Black drum aren't known for speed, but big ones put up a stubborn, plodding fight. Anglers enjoy their powerful pulls and drumming sounds. For best results, use fresh crab or shrimp on a Carolina rig. Work it slowly along the bottom - these guys are methodical feeders. Just mind the size - smaller "puppy drum" under 15 pounds taste great, but the big ones get tough and wormy.
Redfish are a favorite inshore target here. Adults typically run 28-33 inches and 8-15 pounds. You'll find them tailing in super shallow water - sometimes with their backs out of the water! Look for them around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangroves, especially on a rising tide. Fall is prime time as they school up. Redfish put up a great fight with powerful runs. Anglers love sight-casting to tailing fish. For best results, work a gold spoon or soft plastic slowly across the flats. When you see a tail, cast beyond it and retrieve past the fish. Just don't reel too fast - redfish prefer an easy meal. The meat is delicious too, with a mild, sweet flavor perfect for blackening.
Snook are a real treat to catch around here. They typically run 1-3 feet long and put up an amazing fight. You'll find them hanging around mangroves, inlets, and structures in shallow coastal waters. Spring and fall are prime seasons when water temps are in the 70s. Snook are ambush predators - they'll explode on bait and make powerful runs. Anglers love their acrobatic leaps and hard-pulling strength. For the best shot at landing one, try free-lining live bait like pilchards or mullet near structure during moving tides. Just be ready for that initial strike - it can catch you off guard if you're not paying attention! Snook are catch-and-release only most of the year, but they're still a blast to target.
Tarpon are the silver kings of sportfishing. Adults average 4-5 feet and 80-100 pounds but can reach 8 feet and 280 pounds. You'll find them in coastal waters, inlets, and even up rivers. May through July is prime time as they migrate along the coast. Tarpon are famous for their spectacular aerial displays - they'll leap 10 feet high trying to throw the hook. Anglers love the challenge and raw power. For the best shot, use live bait like mullet or crabs and let it drift naturally. When you hook up, bow to the king when it jumps to prevent the line breaking. Just remember, these prehistoric fish are catch-and-release only. The real trophy is in the experience and a great photo.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 90
My 16-year-old son and I were visiting Florida from New York, and fishing with Captain Neal was a highlight of our trip. He went above and beyond, taking us to nearly a dozen spots to make sure we got on the fish. Throughout the charter, he shared great info about the area and patiently answered all of our questions. He even cast my line for me every time—truly top-notch service. It was an awesome experience, and I highly recommend him!