New Smyrna Beach Inshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
4-8 hour inshore and nearshore fishing adventureTarget redfish, trout, snook, and tarpon speciesAll equipment and tackle provided by experienced captains
Looking for a solid fishing charter that won't break the bank but still delivers the goods? You've found it. This New Smyrna Beach inshore trip with Davy Jones Fishing Company puts you right where the fish are biting, whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's been chasing tails for decades. We're talking 4 to 8 hours on some of Florida's most productive waters, targeting the kind of fish that make for great stories and even better table fare. The Mosquito Lagoon system and surrounding flats are legendary among anglers who know their stuff, and there's a reason guides have been working these waters for generations.
Your day starts early when the bite is hot and the water's still calm. We'll pick you up from one of the local boat ramps – New Smyrna Beach has several prime launch points depending on conditions and where the fish are holding. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety. One minute you're working shallow grass flats for tailing redfish, the next you're casting live bait around structure for hungry snook. The boat holds three anglers max, so you're not fighting for elbow room or waiting forever for your turn. Your captain knows these waters like his backyard – every oyster bar, every drop-off, every spot where the current creates those magical feeding zones. All your tackle, bait, and gear comes included, though plenty of regulars bring their favorite rods. The pace is relaxed but focused, with plenty of time to soak in the scenery between hookups. You'll see dolphins working bait schools, maybe catch a glimpse of manatees cruising the shallows, and definitely understand why this stretch of coast has such a reputation among serious anglers.
Inshore fishing around New Smyrna Beach is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. We fish everything from sight casting with artificials to soaking live bait on the bottom, depending on what's working that day. The Mosquito Lagoon's grass flats are perfect for sight fishing – you'll spot tailing reds from a hundred yards out and get your heart pumping on that stalk. We use shallow-running boats that can get into skinny water where the big fish feel safe. Live shrimp, finger mullet, and mud minnows are staples, but don't overlook the topwater bite at dawn and dusk. Your captain carries a full selection of proven lures: spoons, soft plastics, jigs, and topwater plugs that have been putting fish in the boat for years. Structure fishing around docks, bridges, and mangrove shorelines requires a different game plan – we're talking precision casting with heavier jigs and live bait presentations. The tide plays a huge role in where we fish and when. Moving water equals feeding fish, and your guide knows exactly which spots turn on during specific tide phases.
Redfish are the bread and butter around here, and for good reason. These bronze beauties cruise the shallow flats year-round, with fish ranging from slot-sized eating fish to bruiser bulls that'll test your drag and your arms. Spring and fall are prime time when they're most aggressive, but even summer offers solid action if you know where to look. They're ambush feeders that love to cruise grass edges and oyster bars, and watching one blow up on a topwater plug in two feet of water never gets old. The slot limit keeps the fishery healthy, and a fresh red on the grill is hard to beat.
Cobia are the wildcards that can make your trip legendary. These curious fish show up when you least expect them, often following rays and sharks in slightly deeper water. They're strong fighters with an attitude, and a 30-pound cobia will give you a workout you won't forget. Spring through fall is your best shot, especially when the water warms up and they start their spawning migration. They're excellent table fare and impressive enough to earn some serious bragging rights at the dock.
Tripletail might be the most underrated fish in these waters. They're weird-looking but absolutely delicious, and they have this habit of floating around structure like pieces of debris until you get too close. Finding them requires a sharp eye and some patience, but once you dial in their behavior, you'll start spotting them everywhere. They're phenomenal eating and put up a surprising fight for their size, with a tendency to jump and shake their heads like mini tarpon.
Snook are the glamour fish that keep anglers coming back for more. These ambush predators love structure – docks, bridges, mangrove cuts – anywhere they can pin baitfish against something solid. They're incredibly line-shy and demand precise presentations, but the reward is worth the challenge. A good snook will make several explosive runs and aerial displays before coming to the net. They're catch-and-release only during certain seasons, but when they're open, they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean.
This isn't just another fishing trip – it's your chance to experience some of Florida's most consistent inshore action with guides who actually know what they're doing. The small boat capacity means personalized attention and more fish per angler, while the flexible 4-8 hour options let you customize your day based on your schedule and stamina. New Smyrna Beach's inshore waters produce year-round, but the best dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Whether you're looking to put dinner on the table, introduce someone to the sport, or just get away from the daily grind for a few hours, this trip delivers. Davy Jones Fishing Company has built their reputation on putting clients on fish, not just taking them for expensive boat rides. Give them a call and find out why anglers keep coming back to these waters season after season.
Jump aboard our well-kept 26' Sailfish and get ready to chase redfish, speckled trout, and snook in New Smyrna Beach's productive waters. This solid fishing platform handles up to 6 anglers comfortably, with everything you need for a successful day on the water. The fish finder helps locate schools while the wireless trolling motor lets us slip into shallow spots without spooking fish. Stay cool with the onboard icebox for drinks and snacks, plus there's a multimedia system and GPS navigation. The boat includes a head for convenience during longer trips. Our experienced local captains know exactly where the fish are biting, whether you want to work the inshore flats for reds or head nearshore for bigger targets like tarpon. All rods, reels, bait and tackle provided - just bring yourself and get ready to bend some rods in Florida's surf city.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - these solo hunters average 20-40 pounds and can hit 6 feet long. They cruise near the surface around structures like buoys, wrecks, and channel markers in 20-60 feet of water. Spring migration from April through June is prime time, especially during their spawn. What gets anglers hooked is their aggressive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll make multiple runs and jump when hooked. Plus, cobia are top-shelf eating with firm, white meat that tastes like a cross between grouper and mahi. Since they're usually alone, sight fishing is key. Here's my local trick: when you spot one, don't cast directly at it. Cast well ahead and let your bucktail jig sink as the fish approaches - they're curious and will investigate.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are one of our most unique targets - they look like floating debris until they hit your bait. These oddball fish average 2-8 pounds with three fins that look identical, giving them their name. They float on their sides near weed lines, crab trap buoys, and channel markers from the surface down to about 30 feet. Summer months from June through September are best when water temps stay above 70 degrees. Anglers love them because they're scrappy fighters that jump and make acrobatic runs despite their chunky build. They're also fantastic eating - firm white meat that rivals snapper or grouper. The key is stealth: when you spot one floating like a leaf, cast your live shrimp or small jig well past it and work the bait slowly back. Get too close and they'll spook instantly.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are Florida's signature gamefish - sleek, silver predators with that bold black lateral line running down their sides. Most run 18-28 inches, but the big girls can push 3-4 feet and really pull drag. They hang around mangrove shorelines, dock lights, and creek mouths in depths from 2-20 feet, moving between fresh and saltwater. Best fishing runs May through September when they're spawning and feeding heavily near structure. What makes snook special is their explosive topwater strikes and strong runs toward cover. They're catch-and-release only, but the fight is addictive. These fish are incredibly structure-oriented, so work your lures tight to the mangroves or pilings. Pro tip: use live pilchards or pinfish around dawn and dusk when they're most active feeding.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of our most reliable inshore targets here in New Smyrna Beach. These copper-colored beauties typically run 20-30 inches and are famous for that distinctive black spot near their tail. You'll find them cruising the shallow flats in just 1-4 feet of water, especially around oyster bars, grass beds, and dock pilings. Spring through fall gives you the best action, but they bite year-round in our warmer waters. What makes reds special is their powerful runs and that telltale "thump" when they hit your lure. They're excellent table fare too with mild, flaky meat. My go-to trick: look for their backs pushing water or tails waving in the shallows, then cast topwater plugs or live shrimp just ahead of where they're heading.
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