Private 5 Hour Inshore Fishing In New Smyrna Beach
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fivehour inshore fishing adventure in famous Mosquito Lagoon waters.Target trophy Tarpon, Flounder, Snook, and Redfish species.Private charter accommodates up to two guests maximum.
When you book this private inshore charter, you're signing up for some of the best fishing action Central Florida has to offer. We'll spend five full hours working the legendary Mosquito Lagoon, where crystal-clear flats and backcountry waters hold some serious fish. This isn't your typical half-day rush job – with five hours on the water, we've got time to hit multiple spots, adjust tactics when needed, and really dial in on what's biting. The lagoon's shallow waters stay relatively calm even when offshore conditions get rough, making this trip perfect for anyone who wants steady fishing without the seasick factor. Just you and one other angler, so there's plenty of room to cast and no waiting for your turn at the hot spots.
Mosquito Lagoon is a sight-fishing paradise, and that's exactly how we'll approach this trip. The water here runs anywhere from knee-deep to about four feet, with grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines creating the perfect habitat for our target species. We'll start early to take advantage of the morning bite, running shallow draft through areas that bigger boats can't touch. You'll see me up on the poling platform quite a bit, quietly pushing us into position while you get ready to make your cast. The water clarity here is amazing – on a good day, you can spot fish from 50 yards out. That's where those polarized sunglasses become absolutely essential. Without them, you're fishing blind in some of the best sight-fishing water on the East Coast. I'll call out fish positions and help you get lined up for the shot, but the hookset is all yours.
We'll be fishing light tackle the entire trip – mostly spinning gear in the 2500 to 4000 size range spooled with 15-20 pound braid. The shallow water and clear conditions mean these fish are spooky, so finesse is key. Live bait works great here, and I always keep a good supply of shrimp, pilchards, and finger mullet in the wells. For artificials, we'll throw everything from soft plastics on jig heads to topwater plugs, depending on what the fish want. DOA CAL jigs, Gulp shrimp, and Z-Man paddle tails are go-to lures that consistently produce. When the fish are up shallow and cruising, nothing beats a well-placed topwater cast – the explosions are something else. I'll have all the tackle you need, but if you've got favorite lures or a lucky rod, bring them along. The casting here is all about accuracy over distance. Most shots are 30-60 feet, but they need to be on the money to avoid spooking the fish.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Mosquito Lagoon fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters cruise the flats in schools, especially during the cooler months from October through April. You'll spot their backs and tails breaking the surface as they root around in the grass looking for crabs and shrimp. Reds here typically run 18-27 inches, with plenty of slot fish and some oversized bulls mixed in. They hit hard and make long, powerful runs that'll test your drag system. What makes them special is how they feed – head down, tail up, completely focused on their next meal until your bait lands right in front of them.
Snook are the glamour fish of these waters, and summer is prime time to target them. They love structure – mangrove edges, docks, and oyster bars where they can ambush baitfish. Mosquito Lagoon snook are known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. They'll jump, gill-rattle, and do everything possible to throw your hook. The slot size here is 28-33 inches, and these fish grow fat in the lagoon's rich waters. Early morning and late afternoon are peak feeding times, and they absolutely crush topwater lures when conditions are right. The sound of a big snook crushing a plug in two feet of water is something you won't forget.
Tarpon show up in good numbers during the warmer months, particularly from May through September. The fish we see in the lagoon are typically juveniles in the 10-40 pound range, but they fight like fish twice their size. These silver kings are famous for their jumping ability – expect multiple jumps and long runs when you hook one. They feed heavily on small baitfish, and you'll often see them rolling and free-jumping throughout the area. Live pilchards and DOA Baitbusters are top producers. Fair warning – tarpon have bony mouths and throw hooks easily, so keeping steady pressure without pulling too hard is crucial.
Summer flounder might not be the flashiest fish on this list, but they're excellent table fare and put up a surprisingly good fight for a flatfish. They hang around sandy bottoms and grass edges, where they bury themselves and wait for prey to swim by. The lagoon holds some nice-sized fish, with many in the 16-20 inch range. They hit live shrimp and small soft plastics worked slowly along the bottom. What's fun about flounder fishing is the bite – it's often subtle, just a slight tick in your line, but once they grab on, they rarely let go. They're also one of the best eating fish you'll find in these waters.
This five-hour private charter gives you the best shot at experiencing what makes Mosquito Lagoon famous among serious inshore anglers. With just two people on board, you'll get personalized instruction, prime casting opportunities, and enough time to really get into the rhythm of sight fishing. The lagoon's fish populations are healthy and the habitat is pristine, making this one of Florida's most consistent fisheries year-round. Whether you're
Hit the flats in this sweet 18-foot Beavertail that's ready to put you on fish! This 2015 skiff got a full makeover in 2024 and runs like a dream with its 90HP Suzuki pushing you across the shallows at 50 knots when you need to cover water fast. Perfect for up to 2 anglers who want to chase tarpon, snook, redfish, and flounder in Mosquito Lagoon's legendary waters. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're stalking fish in skinny water, while the fish finder helps locate those holding spots. GPS keeps you on track, and the radar's got you covered if weather rolls in. Keep your catch fresh in the built-in icebox and stay connected with the multimedia system and VHF radio. This flats boat was built for precision fishing - whether you're sight-casting to tailing reds or working structure for snook. The shallow draft gets you into backcountry spots bigger boats can't reach, and the stable platform gives you solid footing for long fights with bull reds and silver kings. Ready to bend some rods and make some memories on one of Florida's best fisheries? This Beavertail will get you there and put you on the action.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing here in the lagoon. These copper-colored beauties average 20-28 inches, with the big bulls pushing 40+ inches and 30 pounds. Look for them cruising the shallow flats in just 1-4 feet of water, especially around oyster bars, grass beds, and mangrove shorelines. They're year-round residents, but spring and fall offer the most consistent action when water temps are just right. Reds are popular because they eat almost anything and put up a solid fight with strong, steady runs. The slot-sized fish (18-27 inches) are outstanding table fare too. Their signature black spot near the tail makes them easy to identify. The best local trick I can share: look for nervous water or slight wakes on the flats. Redfish push water when they're feeding in skinny water, and spotting that disturbance often leads to sight-fishing opportunities that'll get your heart pumping.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of my favorite fish to target here in Mosquito Lagoon. These golden-colored ambush predators average around 18 inches, but we regularly see them push 3-4 feet and over 20 pounds. They love hanging around mangroves, docks, and any structure where they can hide and strike baitfish. You'll find them in 1-6 feet of water, especially where fresh water meets salt. Best fishing is May through September when they're most active and feeding heavily. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and strong runs - they'll test your drag for sure. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Here's a local tip: when fishing around structure, cast past it and work your lure back alongside the cover. Snook rarely chase baits in open water - they want that ambush opportunity right next to their hideout.
Paralichthys DentatusFlounder are the masters of disguise on our sandy and muddy bottoms. These flatfish typically run 15-20 inches in our area, though we catch some nice doormat-sized fish over 4 pounds during peak season. They bury themselves in sand and mud in 3-15 feet of water, especially around channel edges, drop-offs, and structure. Fall is prime time - September through November when they're fattening up before their offshore spawn. Flounder are popular because they're fairly easy to catch and absolutely delicious - sweet, white, flaky meat that's perfect for the dinner table. They're also fun for kids since they don't fight as hard as other species. Here's the key to landing more flounder: when you feel that subtle tap or weight on your line, don't set the hook right away. Let them chew on the bait for 5-10 seconds before a gentle hookset - they bite sideways and need time to get it in their mouth properly.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of inshore fishing, and we see plenty of juvenile "baby" tarpon in the lagoon system. These fish typically run 10-40 pounds in our waters, though the big girls can push 100+ pounds offshore. They love shallow flats, channels, and areas with good current flow where baitfish concentrate. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially on warm, overcast days when they're rolling on the surface. What draws anglers to tarpon is simple - they jump. A lot. Their aerial acrobatics and bulldogging runs make every hookup memorable. They're catch-and-release only, which keeps the fishery healthy. The meat isn't great eating anyway due to lots of small bones. My advice: keep steady pressure but don't horse them. When they jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip - it prevents them from throwing the hook on those wild leaps.
Daytona Beach, FL