5-Hour New Smyrna Beach Inshore Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
5hour inshore fishing adventure on Mosquito Lagoon targeting redfishAll tackle, bait, and valid fishing license includedSingle guest charter with experienced local guide
Welcome to one of Florida's hottest fishing spots! When you book with Inland Fishing Charters, you're getting a top-rated guide who knows every grass flat, oyster bar, and drop-off in the legendary Mosquito Lagoon. This isn't your typical crowded charter boat experience – it's just you and your captain working the shallows for some of the East Coast's most sought-after gamefish. We're talking redfish tailing in knee-deep water, monster sea trout hanging around structure, and the chance at hooking into snook and tarpon that'll test your drag system. Your license, tackle, and bait are all covered, so you can focus on what matters most – putting fish in the boat.
Mosquito Lagoon is a world-class fishery that's part of the Canaveral National Seashore, and it's where serious anglers come to chase trophy inshore species. Your captain will pick you up right here in New Smyrna Beach, and within minutes you'll be poling through pristine backcountry waters that most people never see. The lagoon system is massive – over 14,000 acres of shallow grass flats, mangrove shorelines, and oyster beds that create the perfect habitat for feeding gamefish. Depending on the tide, season, and what's biting, you might find yourself sight-fishing for reds in two feet of water, working live shrimp around docks for snook, or drifting deeper channels for sea trout. The beauty of a five-hour trip is having time to hit multiple spots and adapt to what the fish are telling you. Early morning and late afternoon are prime feeding times, so you'll be on the water during peak activity periods when these fish are most aggressive.
Your captain comes equipped with quality spinning gear perfectly matched to the lagoon's conditions – typically 7-foot medium-action rods paired with 3000-series reels spooled with 15-20 pound braided line and fluorocarbon leaders. The shallow, clear water here demands finesse, so you'll be using circle hooks, split shot rigs, and Carolina rigs depending on what you're targeting. Live bait is king in these waters – fresh shrimp, finger mullet, and mud minnows are the go-to options that consistently produce strikes. Artificial lures have their place too, especially soft plastics like DOA shrimp, paddle tails, and topwater plugs when the fish are feeding aggressively. The lagoon averages just 4 feet deep, so your captain will be using a shallow-draft skiff that can access areas where bigger boats can't go. Expect to do a mix of drifting, anchoring, and sight-fishing depending on conditions. Your guide will handle the boat positioning and net your fish, while teaching you the local techniques that make the difference between a good day and a great day on Mosquito Lagoon.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Mosquito Lagoon, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 18-27 inches here, with plenty of oversized bulls that'll peel drag and test your patience. Reds feed year-round in the lagoon, but fall and winter months are particularly hot when they school up in deeper channels and around oyster bars. What makes catching them so addictive is the visual aspect – you'll often see them tailing in shallow water, their bronze backs exposed as they root around for crabs and shrimp. The fight is pure power, with long runs and head-shaking that'll leave your arms burning.
Sea trout are another customer favorite, especially the gator trout that call these waters home. These spotted beauties love grass flats and channel edges, and the lagoon system produces some of the biggest specks on the East Coast. Most fish run 14-20 inches, but don't be surprised when you hook into a 24-inch trophy that'll have you grinning for days. Spring and fall are peak seasons, though you can catch quality trout year-round by adjusting your depth and technique. They're ambush predators that hit live shrimp and soft plastics with authority.
Snook are the holy grail for many anglers, and Mosquito Lagoon's mangrove shorelines and dock structures provide perfect habitat. These golden-sided fighters are most active during warmer months, with summer being prime time when they move shallow to feed and spawn. A slot-sized snook will give you everything – explosive strikes, acrobatic jumps, and bulldogging runs back to structure. They're notorious for their gill-rattling jumps and ability to throw hooks, which makes landing one even more satisfying.
Tarpon show up seasonally, typically from late spring through early fall, and hooking into one of these silver kings will be a day you'll never forget. Even the smaller resident tarpon that range 20-60 pounds will put on an aerial show that'll have you whooping and hollering. They're known for their spectacular jumps and long fights that can last 20 minutes or more.
Ladyfish might not win any beauty contests, but they make up for it with non-stop action. These silver speedsters hit everything and fight way above their weight class, making them perfect for keeping your rod bent when the premium species are being finicky. Kids especially love them because they're aggressive biters that provide constant entertainment.
Mosquito Lagoon fishing doesn't get much better than this. You're getting a renowned local captain who lives and breathes these waters, quality gear, and access to one of Florida's most productive inshore fisheries. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to target trophy fish or someone wanting to experience what makes New Smyrna Beach fishing so special, this five
Your fishing adventure starts aboard a well-equipped motorboat designed for navigating New Smyrna Beach's productive inshore waters. The boat features GPS navigation to get you to the hottest fishing spots and a quality fish finder that'll help locate schools of redfish and sea trout hiding in Mosquito Lagoon's grass flats and oyster bars. With room for one angler, you'll have plenty of space to cast and fight fish without crowding. The shallow-draft design lets us access those back-country spots where the big reds like to cruise. All your gear is provided, so just bring yourself and get ready to target some of Florida's finest gamefish in waters known for consistent action year-round.
Elops SaurusLadyfish might be called "poor man's tarpon," but don't let that fool you - these silver rockets put on quite a show. They average 12-24 inches and are built for speed with their streamlined bodies and deeply forked tails. You'll find schools of them in bays, canals, and along beaches throughout the year. Any tide works, but moving water gets them fired up. While they're not prized table fare, ladyfish are fantastic light tackle fun, especially for kids or beginners. When hooked, they jump repeatedly and make screaming runs that'll test your drag. They're also prime bait for bigger predators like snook and tarpon. Best technique is fast-moving lures like spoons or jigs, or live shrimp under a popping cork. Use a wire leader - their small but sharp teeth will cut through mono quickly.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our shallow water fishing here in Mosquito Lagoon. These copper-colored bruisers average 18-30 inches with that telltale black spot near their tail - nature's false eye to confuse predators. You'll find them cruising grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove edges in water so shallow their backs sometimes show. They're year-round residents, but fall and spring offer the best action when they're most active. What makes reds special is their powerful fight and the visual aspect - watching them cruise the shallows and tracking them like hunting. They're also fantastic table fare with firm, sweet meat. The key to success is staying quiet and making long, accurate casts ahead of cruising fish. Use natural baits like shrimp or crab, and be patient.
Salmo TruttaSea Trout, or "specks" as we call them, are bread-and-butter fish that'll keep your rod bent all day. They typically run 12-18 inches and 1-3 pounds, with their signature spotted sides making them easy to identify. These fish love grass flats, especially in 2-8 feet of water around Mosquito Lagoon. They're most active during cooler months when they school up, but you can catch them year-round. Early morning and evening bites are usually best. What makes trout fishing fun is their willingness to hit lures and their decent fight for their size. Plus, they're excellent eating - mild, flaky white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. Here's a local trick: use a popping cork with live shrimp or soft plastics. The noise draws them in from a distance and triggers aggressive strikes.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most popular targets here in Mosquito Lagoon. These sleek predators average 1-3 feet but can push over 4 feet, and they're known for that distinctive black lateral line running down their golden sides. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and structure where they ambush baitfish. They love brackish water and can handle both salt and fresh. 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 strong fight - they'll jump and make powerful runs. They're great table fare too, with firm white meat. Pro tip: work your lure slowly near cover and be ready for that sudden hit. They're spooky, so keep noise down and make accurate casts.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of our waters - absolute bucket list fish that'll test every bit of your tackle and technique. Most of what we see run 4-6 feet and 80-150 pounds, though giants over 200 exist. These prehistoric fish love shallow flats, channels, and around bridges where they roll and gulp air. Late spring through summer is prime time when they migrate through our area. What draws anglers is simple: the jump. When a tarpon goes airborne, thrashing 10 feet out of the water, it's pure magic. They're not great eating due to their bony structure, so we practice catch and release. These fish can live 50+ years, so every one counts. My best advice: when they jump, bow to the king by lowering your rod tip. It keeps tension off and prevents break-offs during their aerial show.
New Smyrna Beach