5.0(2 Reviews)New Smyrna Beach 2-Hour Fishing Charter
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
River Fishing
Twohour fishing charter in Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon watersTarget Black Drum, Redfish, Snook, and Tarpon with provided gearSmall group experience accommodating up to two guests maximum
When you're looking for solid fishing action without burning your whole day, this 2-hour charter out of New Smyrna Beach hits the sweet spot. Captain Neal knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's not the type to just anchor up and hope for the best. You'll be working the Indian River or Mosquito Lagoon—two of Florida's most productive inshore fisheries where the fish are hungry and the action stays consistent year-round. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first real fishing trip or you're an experienced angler wanting to sample some new water, this charter delivers the goods without any fluff or filler.
This isn't your typical sit-and-wait fishing trip. Captain Neal runs a mobile operation, meaning if the fish aren't biting in one spot, you're moving to the next. He's got a reputation for hitting up to a dozen different locations in a single charter, always chasing the bite and putting you on active fish. The Indian River system and Mosquito Lagoon offer shallow flats, deeper channels, and structure that holds everything from aggressive snook to heavyweight black drum. You'll be casting into mangrove shorelines, working grass beds, and targeting drop-offs where the big fish cruise for easy meals. The beauty of these waters is their diversity—one cast might bring in a feisty redfish, while the next could hook you into a tarpon that'll test your drag and your patience. All your tackle is provided, so you can focus on reading the water and perfecting your presentation instead of worrying about rigging up.
Captain Neal keeps things simple but effective with proven techniques that work in these brackish waters. You'll be using medium-action spinning rods matched with reels that can handle both the light-biting trout and the bulldogging black drum that patrol these flats. Live bait is the name of the game here—shrimp, pinfish, and mullet that get the local fish fired up and ready to eat. Depending on the tide and conditions, you might be sight-fishing to cruising reds in skinny water or bottom-bouncing for drum around structure. The captain handles all the rigging, bait prep, and net work, so even first-timers can focus on feeling the bite and setting the hook. He's also quick to adjust tactics based on what the fish are telling him—switching from live bait to artificials, changing depths, or moving to different structure until you find what's working that day.
"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 are the crown jewel of these waters, and for good reason. These ambush predators love to lurk around mangrove edges and under docks, waiting to slam anything that looks like an easy meal. They're most active during the warmer months from spring through fall, but you can find them year-round if you know where to look. What makes snook so special is their aggressive strike and their habit of jumping when hooked—they'll test your skills with sudden runs toward structure. The slot-size fish in these waters typically run 24 to 28 inches, perfect eating size with firm white meat that's hard to beat.
Black drum might not be the prettiest fish in the lagoon, but they're absolutely one of the strongest. These bottom-dwellers can grow massive in the Indian River system, with fish over 30 pounds not uncommon. They feed heavily on crabs and shellfish, which gives their meat a sweet, clean flavor. Fall and winter are prime time for big drum, when they school up in deeper holes and around structure. When you hook into a big drum, you'll know it immediately—they don't jump or run fast, but they'll put a serious bend in your rod and test your patience with their bulldogging fight.
Tarpon are the silver kings of these waters, and even the smaller "baby" tarpon that frequent these lagoons will give you a fight you won't forget. These prehistoric fish are pure muscle and acrobatics, often jumping multiple times when hooked and peeling drag like it's going out of style. Summer months bring the best tarpon action, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding on baitfish. Most of the tarpon you'll encounter here run 20 to 60 pounds—smaller than their offshore cousins but every bit as feisty. They're strictly catch-and-release, but landing one is a badge of honor that'll have you talking for years.
Redfish are the bread and butter of inshore fishing in this area, and they're cooperative enough to keep both kids and experienced anglers happy. These copper-colored fighters are year-round residents that feed aggressively in shallow water, often with their backs and tails visible as they root around for crabs and shrimp. Spring
Your fishing adventure awaits aboard our restored 19' Polar flats boat, perfectly designed for navigating the shallow waters of Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon. This classic 1996 hull received a complete makeover in 2015 and runs smooth with a reliable 90HP Suzuki engine that'll cruise at 30 knots to get you to the hotspots quickly. The shallow draft design lets us slip into those productive backwater areas where the big redfish and snook like to hide. With room for up to 2 anglers, you'll have plenty of casting space whether you're sight fishing the flats or working structure for black drum and tarpon. The boat's low profile keeps you close to the action while the stable platform makes fighting fish a breeze. All your tackle is included, so just bring your enthusiasm for some serious Florida inshore fishing in these legendary waters.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the gentle giants of our flats, and they're a blast to target around oyster beds and muddy bottoms in 2-10 feet of water. These powerful fish typically weigh 5-30 pounds, though we see some monsters pushing 50+ pounds. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear them "drumming" underwater, making those deep croaking sounds. They're bottom feeders with crushing jaws built for oysters and crabs, so the fight is all about raw power and endurance. Smaller ones under 15 pounds make great table fare with firm, white meat. The bigger bulls are better released. My go-to tip: use fresh cut crab on a Carolina rig and be patient. These fish are deliberate feeders, so let them take the bait and run before setting the hook.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are our bread and butter species - aggressive, beautiful copper-colored fish with distinctive black spots near their tails. Most run 18-28 inches and fight like bulldogs, making powerful runs and never giving up easy. You'll find them tailing in 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines throughout our lagoons. They feed year-round, but fall and winter months are especially productive when they school up. What guests love is their willingness to eat almost anything - live shrimp, topwater plugs, spoons, or soft plastics. Plus, they're fantastic table fare with sweet, flaky meat. The black spots actually fool predators into attacking their tail instead of their head. Local tip: look for nervous water or copper flashes on the flats, and make long casts ahead of cruising fish to avoid spoking them.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most sought-after species here in the Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon. These sleek, golden fish typically run 1-3 feet long with that signature black lateral line running down their sides. You'll find them hugging mangroves, docks, and structure in shallow water where they ambush baitfish. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially around the spawning months of May through September when they're most aggressive. What makes snook special is their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll jump and make blistering runs that test your drag. The meat is excellent too, white and flaky. Here's a local tip: cast your lure past the structure and work it back slowly. Snook are ambush predators, so they want that bait coming right to them.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate bucket list fish - pure silver rockets that can hit 100+ pounds and jump 10 feet out of the water. We see juveniles year-round in our backcountry, but the big adults show up May through September during their migration. They cruise shallow flats, channels, and around bridges in 5-20 feet of water, often rolling on the surface. The fight is what dreams are made of - long runs, multiple jumps, and battles that can last 30 minutes or more. Most anglers practice catch and release since they're not great eating. Live mullet, pinfish, or crabs work best, but they'll hit topwater plugs and flies too. Here's the key: bow to the fish when it jumps. Lower your rod tip toward the fish to give slack - it prevents them from throwing the hook on those spectacular leaps.
5.0 out of 5.0My 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 a...
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...
New Smyrna Beach