5.0(1 Reviews)Hooked on Adventure: 5-Hour Fishing in New Smyrna
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
River Fishing
5hour fishing expedition targeting redfish, snook, and black drumIndian River and Mosquito Lagoon locations with provided equipmentSmall group experience accommodating up to 2 guests maximum
New Smyrna Beach isn't just another pretty coastline—it's where serious anglers come to test their skills against some of Florida's most prized inshore species. This top-rated 5-hour fishing charter puts you right in the heart of the action, whether we're working the grass flats of the Indian River or stalking the edges of Mosquito Lagoon. Captain Neal knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got a reputation for putting clients on fish when other guides are striking out. You'll be fishing prime spots where redfish cruise the shallows, snook ambush bait in the shadows, and black drum patrol the deeper cuts. With all your tackle provided and a captain who genuinely cares about your success, this isn't just another fishing trip—it's your chance to experience what makes New Smyrna Beach a world-class angling destination.
We'll meet at the dock in Oak Hill, where Captain Neal will have the boat rigged and ready to go. The first thing you'll notice is how well-maintained everything is—from the quality rods and reels to the organized tackle boxes loaded with the right baits for the day's conditions. This customer favorite charter accommodates just two anglers, which means you get personalized attention and plenty of elbow room to fight fish properly. Depending on the tide, wind, and what's been biting lately, we might start in the Indian River's expansive flats or head straight to Mosquito Lagoon's legendary backcountry. The beauty of fishing these connected waterways is the variety—one minute you're sight-casting to tailing redfish in two feet of water, the next you're working deeper structure for black drum and tarpon. Captain Neal reads the water constantly, adjusting our approach based on what he's seeing. His local knowledge runs deep, and he's not shy about sharing techniques that'll make you a better angler long after this trip ends.
We fish smart here, not just hard. Captain Neal stocks the boat with medium to medium-heavy spinning setups spooled with quality braided line—perfect for the structure-heavy environment and hard-fighting fish we're targeting. Live bait is often the go-to choice, with live shrimp, pilchards, and mud minnows kept fresh in the boat's aerated live wells. When the fish are finicky, we'll switch to soft plastics like paddle tails and shrimp imitations rigged on jig heads or weighted hooks. The grass flats require a different approach than the deeper channels, so expect to use everything from popping corks for suspended fish to free-lined baits for cruising predators. Captain Neal excels at reading fish behavior and water conditions, often switching techniques before you even realize the bite has changed. He'll teach you how to feel the difference between a pickup and grass, how to work a bait through different current speeds, and when to set the hook on species that require different approaches. The boat's trolling motor keeps us positioned perfectly, whether we're holding on structure or following a school of feeding fish.
"Captain Neal went above and beyond—I've never seen a charter captain put in so much effort. He really knows the local waters, and it showed throughout the trip. My grandson and I had a fantastic time on the water, and I'd gladly recommend fishing with him." - George
Snook are the crown jewel of New Smyrna Beach fishing, and for good reason. These ambush predators love the area's abundant structure—docks, mangrove shorelines, and oyster bars provide perfect hunting grounds. Snook are notorious for their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights, often jumping clear of the water multiple times before you get them to the boat. They're most active during the warmer months, particularly around dawn and dusk when they move into the shallows to feed. What makes snook so special is their intelligence—they've seen every lure and learned from every mistake, making each hookup a genuine achievement. The slot size here runs from 28 to 33 inches, but we practice catch and release to keep this renowned fishery healthy for future generations.
Black drum might not win beauty contests, but they'll test your tackle and your patience like few other species. These bottom-dwelling bruisers can exceed 30 pounds in these waters, using their broad tails and stubborn nature to wage war against even heavy tackle. They're year-round residents, though spring brings the big spawning fish into shallower water where they're more accessible to anglers. Black drum have excellent senses of smell and taste, making fresh bait essential for consistent success. When you hook a big drum, don't expect a spectacular fight—instead, prepare for a bulldogging battle where the fish uses its weight and power to try wearing you down. Many anglers underestimate black drum until they hook their first quality fish and realize why they're considered one of the area's premier gamefish.
Tarpon transform any fishing trip into something special, even when they're juveniles. The "poon" that frequent New Smyrna's waters typically range from 20 to 60 pounds—perfect size for incredible fights without requiring heavy tackle that eliminates the fun. These silver kings are most active during the warmer months, often rolling and feeding in the deeper channels and around bridge structures. What sets tarpon apart is their aerial displays; a hooked tarpon will often jump six or seven times, shaking its head violently to throw the hook. They're notorious for their hard mouths and their ability to throw hooks, making each landed tarpon a real trophy regardless of size. The best tarpon action typically happens on moving water, and Captain Neal knows exactly when and where to position the boat for the best shots at these legendary gamefish.
Redfish are the bread and butter of New Smyrna Beach angling, and they've earned that reputation through sheer
Step aboard our beautifully restored 19' Polar flats boat and get ready to chase some serious fish in New Smyrna Beach's legendary waters. This shallow-draft vessel was given a complete makeover in 2015 and features a reliable 90HP Suzuki engine that'll cruise at 30 knots, getting you to the hottest fishing spots quickly and quietly. Whether we're working the grass flats of the Indian River or sneaking into the skinny waters of Mosquito Lagoon, this boat handles like a dream and gets us right where the redfish, snook, and black drum are feeding. With room for up to two anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work your lures and fight those hard-pulling fish. The shallow draft design lets us access backcountry spots that bigger boats can't reach, giving you first crack at untouched waters where the big ones hide.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the bulldogs of the flats - thick, powerful fish that can grow anywhere from 5-30 pounds, with some bulls pushing 50+. They cruise shallow oyster bars and muddy bottoms in 2-10 feet, using those crushing jaws to demolish crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them easier to target. You'll hear them before you see them - that drumming sound they make is unmistakable. Guests love the steady, hard fight they put up, and the smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with firm, white meat. The bigger fish are better released since the meat gets tough. Pro tip: use fresh crab on a circle hook and let it sit on the bottom. Black drum are deliberate feeders, so patience pays off. When you feel that steady pull, resist the urge to set the hook hard.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are our bread and butter - copper-colored fish with distinctive black spots near the tail that cruise the shallow flats in 1-4 feet of water. Most run 18-27 inches and fight like freight trains, making long runs across the grass beds. They love oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and sandy potholes year-round, but fall and winter offer the most consistent action when they school up. What makes reds special is their aggressive appetite and willingness to hit topwater lures, creating explosive surface strikes that'll get your heart pumping. Plus, slot-sized fish make outstanding table fare with sweet, firm meat. The real thrill is sight fishing - watching their copper backs and tails waving in skinny water as they hunt for crabs. Here's the trick: when you spot a redfish tailing, cast well ahead of where it's heading and work your bait slowly into its path.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the perfect ambush predator - sleek, golden fish with that signature black lateral line running down their sides. Most run 18-24 inches, but we see plenty in the 28-32 inch range that'll test your drag. They love hanging around mangroves, docks, and bridge pilings in 2-8 feet of water where baitfish get trapped. Spring through fall gives you 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, run, and try every trick to throw your hook. The meat is outstanding too, white and flaky with a clean taste. Here's a local secret: cast your lure past the structure and work it back slowly along the edge. Snook rarely chase - they want an easy meal drifting right by their hideout.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of our waters - massive, prehistoric fish that can reach 6 feet and 100+ pounds. They patrol deeper channels, around bridges, and near inlet mouths in 10-30 feet during their spring migration through summer. May through August is peak season when they roll through in schools. What sets tarpon apart is pure spectacle - when hooked, they launch themselves 8 feet out of the water in heart-stopping jumps. It's strictly catch and release since they're bony and not great eating, but landing one is a lifetime achievement. Most fish run 40-80 pounds, perfect for testing your skills and tackle. The key is keeping steady pressure without overdoing it - too much and they'll throw the hook on those acrobatic jumps. When you see them rolling on the surface, position yourself ahead of the school and let your live bait drift into their path.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Neal went above and beyond—I've never seen a charter captain put in so much effort. He really knows the local waters, and ...
New Smyrna Beach