Private 3 Hour Inshore Fishing in New Smyrna Beach
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Three-hour inshore fishing trip targeting redfish, snook, and troutCaptain Brad guides guests to prime fishing spots in calm watersPerfect for beginners and families with maximum two guests
New Smyrna Beach offers some of Florida's most productive inshore fishing waters, and this private 3-hour charter puts you right in the action. Captain Brad knows these backwaters like the back of his hand, taking you to proven spots where redfish cruise the grass flats and snook lurk under docks. This top-rated trip accommodates up to 2 anglers, making it perfect for couples, father-son outings, or solo adventures when you want personalized attention on the water.
You'll launch from New Smyrna's protected waters and head straight to where the fish are biting. The inshore environment here is incredible - shallow grass flats, mangrove shorelines, and oyster bars create the perfect habitat for gamefish. Captain Brad adjusts the game plan based on tides, weather, and what's been producing lately. Some days you'll sight-cast to tailing redfish in skinny water, other times you'll work structure for snook and black drum. The beauty of a 3-hour window is you get quality fishing time without the full-day commitment, plus the boat stays in calm, protected waters so seasickness isn't a concern. First-time anglers love how approachable this trip feels, while experienced fishermen appreciate accessing local knowledge and prime spots they'd never find on their own.
Captain Brad provides all the gear you'll need - medium-action spinning rods paired with reels that can handle anything from feisty trout to powerful tarpon. Live bait is the name of the game here, typically shrimp, pinfish, or mullet depending on what's available and what the fish are eating. You'll learn proper presentation techniques for different species - bouncing shrimp along oyster beds for sheepshead, free-lining live bait near structure for snook, or working soft plastics through grass for trout and redfish. The captain carries artificial lures too, including spoons, jigs, and topwater plugs for when the fish are aggressive. Don't worry if you've never used spinning tackle before - Brad breaks everything down step by step, from proper casting form to fighting techniques that'll help you land more fish.
Snook are the crown jewel of New Smyrna's inshore waters. These ambush predators love hanging around docks, mangrove edges, and bridge pilings where they can dart out to grab unsuspecting baitfish. They're incredibly strong fighters that'll make screaming runs and try to wrap your line around structure. Spring through fall offers the best snook action, with fish ranging from schoolie-sized "rats" to trophy fish pushing 30+ inches. What makes snook so special is their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll jump, gill-rattle, and test every inch of your drag system.
Redfish are another customer favorite that patrol these waters year-round. These copper-colored bruisers cruise the grass flats in schools, often with their backs and tails visible above the surface. Sight-fishing for "reds" is pure adrenaline - spotting the fish, making an accurate cast, and watching them inhale your bait. They typically run 18-27 inches in these waters and fight like freight trains, making long runs in shallow water. Fall and winter months are prime time when cooler temperatures concentrate big schools in predictable areas.
Black drum provide steady action and are perfect for anglers wanting to bend a rod. These bottom-dwellers love oyster bars and structure where they root around for crabs and shellfish. They're not the prettiest fish, but what they lack in looks they make up for in pulling power. Drum in the 5-15 pound range are common, with occasional giants pushing 20+ pounds. They're available year-round and bite consistently, making them great confidence builders for new anglers learning proper fish-fighting techniques.
Tarpon show up seasonally and turn every hook-up into an unforgettable experience. These silver kings can range from juvenile fish in the 10-30 pound class to mature adults over 100 pounds. When a tarpon eats your bait, get ready for a rodeo - they'll launch themselves completely out of the water multiple times, shaking their heads violently to throw the hook. Spring and summer bring the best tarpon opportunities, especially around bridges and deeper channels where they ambush baitfish.
Crevalle jack round out the target species list and are absolute fish-fighting machines. These aggressive predators hunt in schools and hit baits like freight trains. They're not much to look at, but pound-for-pound they might be the strongest fish in these waters. Jacks will test your tackle to the limit with bulldogging runs and relentless pressure. They're around year-round and provide excellent backup action when other species aren't cooperating.
This private 3-hour charter delivers everything you want from a Florida fishing trip - variety, action, and personalized service in some of the state's most productive waters. Captain Brad's local expertise and commitment to putting clients on fish has made this a world-class fishing experience that keeps anglers coming back. Whether you're looking to learn new techniques, introduce someone to fishing, or just enjoy a few hours chasing gamefish, this trip hits all the marks. The 2-person capacity ensures you get plenty of individual attention and coaching. Don't wait - prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons when the fishing is hottest.
Step aboard this sleek 18-foot Beavertail flats boat, freshly restored in 2024 and ready to get you into the shallow waters where the fish are biting. With a powerful 90HP Suzuki pushing you along at up to 50 knots, you'll reach those prime fishing spots in no time. This skiff handles like a dream in the shallows, letting you sneak up on redfish, snook, and trout without spooking them. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you need stealth mode, while the fish finder helps locate schools hiding below. Stay comfortable with the onboard icebox for your drinks, GPS to navigate the flats, and VHF radio for safety. Whether you're casting to structure or working the grass beds, this boat puts you right where the action is.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters and a favorite for anglers wanting to feel some serious power on the other end. These bruisers typically weigh 10-30 pounds around here, though we catch them up to 50+ pounds. They're bottom feeders that love oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths in 3-15 feet of water. Spring is prime time, especially March through May when they school up for spawning. What guests love about drum fishing is the bulldogging fight - they don't jump, but they pull hard and steady, testing your tackle and patience. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Here's my local trick: use fresh blue crab or cut mullet on a fish finder rig, and don't be afraid to fish right in the thick oyster beds where most people won't go. That's where the big ones live.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jack are the bullies of the inshore waters and will give you an arm-burning fight you won't forget. These brassy-colored speedsters typically weigh 8-20 pounds around New Smyrna and are built like football players - all muscle and attitude. Look for them busting bait on the surface near the inlet, around structure, or on grass flats in 5-25 feet of water. They're most active during warmer months but can be caught year-round. What guests love is their aggressive nature and powerful runs - they'll strip line off your reel like a freight train. While they're not the best eating due to strong flavor, they're pure fun to catch. Watch for diving birds working over schools of baitfish - that's your cue to get there fast. Cast silver spoons or large topwater plugs into the chaos and hang on tight. The key is keeping your bait moving quickly since jacks love to chase.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are our bread and butter species and perfect for anglers of all levels. These copper-colored beauties with distinctive black spots near the tail typically run 20-30 inches and 5-15 pounds in our waters. They love super shallow flats, oyster bars, and grass beds in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and spring offer peak action when they school up. What makes reds special is their willingness to eat almost anything and their strong, steady fight. Plus, they're outstanding table fare with sweet, flaky meat. You'll often spot them tailing in shallow water as they root around for crabs and shrimp. My go-to technique: sight cast a gold spoon or live shrimp ahead of cruising fish in skinny water. Keep your approach quiet and your casts accurate for best results.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most sought-after inshore targets, and for good reason. These sleek, silver-sided fish with that distinctive black lateral line typically run 18-28 inches around New Smyrna, though we occasionally hook into real bruisers over 30. They love structure - docks, mangroves, oyster bars, and bridge pilings are prime spots. You'll find them in 2-8 feet of water where they ambush baitfish. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially around the new and full moons when they're most active. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight - they'll jump and make blistering runs toward cover. The meat is fantastic too, white and flaky. My tip: cast live shrimp or pinfish tight to structure and let it drift naturally. When a snook hits, resist the urge to horse them - let your drag do the work and keep them away from barnacle-covered pilings.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of Florida fishing and easily our most spectacular catch. These prehistoric giants average 80-120 pounds around New Smyrna, with some reaching 150+ pounds and 6 feet long. They patrol our inlet, surf, and deeper channels from May through September, with peak action in summer months. What makes tarpon legendary is their aerial show - they'll jump 8 feet out of the water multiple times during a fight that can last over an hour. Most anglers fish them for the pure sport since the meat isn't great eating due to all the bones. We typically find them rolling on the surface in 10-30 feet of water near the inlet or cruising the flats on incoming tides. Pro tip: when a tarpon jumps, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward the water. This prevents the line from breaking when they shake their heads violently in the air.
Daytona Beach, FL