Full Day Inshore Fishing New Smyrna Beach
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour inshore fishing adventure targeting redfish and speckled troutProfessional captain provides all gear and local expertise included22' Pathfinder boat accommodates up to four guests comfortably
Eight hours on the water means serious fishing time, and that's exactly what you get with this full-day inshore charter out of New Smyrna Beach. We're talking about hitting Mosquito Lagoon's most productive spots aboard a 22-foot Pathfinder that'll get you everywhere you need to be. Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and comes loaded with all the gear, bait, and local knowledge to put you on fish. Whether you're after that slot redfish, a keeper trout, or hoping to tangle with a snook, this trip gives you the time to really work the water and chase what's biting.
This isn't your typical half-day rush job. With eight full hours, you'll cover serious ground and fish multiple spots throughout Mosquito Lagoon's maze of grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines. The 22-foot Pathfinder is built for these shallow waters and can slip into places where the big fish like to hide. Your captain starts early to beat the crowds and the heat, positioning you on the best structure and grass beds based on tides, weather, and what's been producing lately. You'll move between spots as conditions change throughout the day, always staying on the most active fish. The boat's equipped with a trolling motor for silent approaches, plus all the rods, reels, and terminal tackle you need. Live bait and artificials are both in play depending on what the fish want, and your captain will adjust techniques as the day unfolds.
Inshore fishing here is all about finesse and reading the water. We're using spinning gear in the 2500-3000 class range spooled with 10-15 pound braid, perfect for making long casts to spooky fish in skinny water. Live shrimp under popping corks work magic around structure, while soft plastics on jig heads are deadly when worked through the grass. Your captain knows when to switch from live bait to artificials based on water clarity, tide movement, and fish activity. Top water plugs come out during low-light periods when predators are actively feeding in the shallows. The key is staying quiet and making accurate casts to visible fish or likely holding spots. You'll learn to read the water signs - bait schools, bird activity, and subtle surface disturbances that signal feeding fish below.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Mosquito Lagoon, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters love the shallow grass flats and oyster bars throughout the system. Slot-sized fish in the 18-27 inch range are common, with bigger bulls occasionally showing up to test your drag. Reds feed aggressively on crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish, making them willing biters on both live and artificial baits. Best action typically happens during moving water, especially on the incoming tide when baitfish get pushed up onto the flats. What makes catching redfish so addictive is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight in shallow water.
Speckled trout, or spotted sea trout, are another staple that keeps anglers coming back. These fish school up in deeper grass beds and along channel edges, especially during cooler months from fall through early spring. Trout in the 14-20 inch range are common, with occasional gator trout pushing 24+ inches. They're suckers for live shrimp under a popping cork, but also hammer soft plastics worked slowly through their preferred depths. Cold fronts often trigger excellent trout fishing as they stack up in warmer, deeper pockets.
Snook are the glamour species that get every angler's heart pumping. These ambush predators lurk around mangrove shorelines, docks, and structure waiting to hammer unsuspecting baitfish. Their slot size runs 28-33 inches, and they're only legal to keep during certain seasons, making catch-and-release the norm most of the year. Snook hit hard and jump repeatedly, putting on an aerial show that's hard to match. They're structure-oriented fish that require precise casts and quick hook-sets before they can cut you off on barnacles or mangrove roots.
Sheepshead show up around any hard structure - bridges, docks, oyster bars, and rock piles. These black-and-white striped fish have human-like teeth perfect for crushing crabs and barnacles. They're notorious bait thieves with light bites that require sensitive tackle and quick reflexes. Sheepshead in the 12-16 inch range are excellent table fare, making them a favorite target when they're schooled up thick during their late winter and early spring spawning runs.
Black drum round out the regular cast of characters, especially the smaller "puppy drum" in the 14-20 inch range. These bottom feeders love crabs and shrimp, often found rooting around oyster bars and grass edges. Larger drum occasionally show up during their spring spawning run, providing a serious test on light tackle. They're strong, steady fighters that use their broad sides to leverage against the angler in shallow water.
Eight hours on Mosquito Lagoon gives you the best shot at experiencing everything this world-class fishery has to offer. You'll have time to target multiple species, learn proven local techniques, and really understand what makes this place special. The extended trip means no rushing between spots and plenty of opportunities to capitalize when the bite gets hot. Your captain provides everything except your fishing license, so all you need to bring is sunscreen, snacks, and drinks for the day. This full-day adventure is perfect for serious anglers who want to maximize their time on the water and come away with both fish stories and real fishing knowledge they can use anywhere.
Our 22' Pathfinder is purpose-built for stalking redfish and speckled trout in the shallow backwaters around New Smyrna Beach. Powered by a reliable 200 HP Suzuki, this flats boat gets you into skinny water where the fish feed, from the grass flats of Mosquito Lagoon to the oyster bars along the Indian River. The shallow draft design lets us slip into spots bigger boats can't reach, while the stable casting platform gives you clean shots at tailing reds and cruising snook. With room for up to four anglers, there's plenty of space to work lures without tangling lines. The boat's quiet operation won't spook fish in these clear, calm waters where stealth matters. Whether we're poling the flats or running between honey holes, this Pathfinder handles it all with the smooth, dry ride you need for a full day chasing Florida's premier inshore species.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the bulldogs of the flats - powerful, determined fighters that'll give you a real workout. Most run 8-15 pounds, though we occasionally hook into 30+ pounders that'll make you question your tackle choices. They cruise oyster beds and muddy bottoms in 2-8 feet, using those crushing jaws to crunch crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you hear them "drumming" underwater, making those deep croaking sounds. What's great about drum fishing is the steady pull they give - no fancy jumps, just pure strength trying to get back to structure. The smaller ones make excellent table fare too. My go-to trick? Fresh crab on a circle hook, and don't set it hard - just reel tight and let the circle hook do its job. They've got tough mouths, so patience pays off.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the stars of our shallow water game, and once you hook one, you'll understand why. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 20-28 inches around here, with that signature black spot near the tail. They patrol oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines in water so shallow their backs sometimes show. Year-round fishing is good, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action. What makes reds special is their power - they make blistering runs across the flats and fight dirty, using every oyster bar and grass bed to try breaking you off. They're also excellent eating in the slot size range. The secret to consistent red fishing is working the edges - where deep water meets shallow, or where current flows around structure. Use a gold spoon or white jig, and when you see that telltale wake or tail, put your lure right in their path and hang on tight.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them, are the bread and butter of inshore fishing here. They typically run 12-18 inches and 1-3 pounds, covered in those distinctive black spots. You'll find them over grass flats in 3-8 feet of water, especially where there's moving water and baitfish. They're most active during cooler months and low-light periods - dawn, dusk, and overcast days are prime time. What makes trout fishing addictive is their willingness to hit artificials and their decent table fare qualities, though the meat is delicate so don't overcook it. They school up in winter, making for some fast action when you find them. The key is matching your lure to the water depth - use a 1/4 oz jig in shallow grass and let it tick the bottom. Trout have soft mouths, so keep steady pressure but don't horse them in, or you'll pull the hook right out.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the masters of larceny on the water - those human-like teeth make them bait-stealing pros. Most run 2-4 pounds and 12-16 inches, with those telltale black stripes earning them the "convict fish" nickname. They hang tight around any structure - docks, pilings, rocks - anywhere barnacles and crabs gather. Winter through early spring is peak season when they move shallow to spawn. What keeps anglers coming back is the challenge - they're incredibly finicky and will clean your hook without you feeling a thing. But when you connect, they make strong runs and taste phenomenal, with sweet white meat that's worth the effort cleaning those tough scales. Here's the secret: use the smallest hook you can get away with and keep constant tension on your line. The moment you feel weight, not a bite, set the hook immediately. They're already stealing your bait by then.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Florida's most sought-after gamefish, and for good reason. These sleek predators typically run 18-28 inches in our waters, with that distinctive black lateral line and golden coloring. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths in 2-6 feet of water. They love ambush points where they can dart out with those lightning-fast bursts to nail baitfish. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially around the new and full moons when they're more active. What makes them special? They fight like crazy, jumping and making powerful runs that'll test your drag. Plus, they're great eating with firm, white meat. Here's the key - get your lure tight to structure. Snook won't chase far from cover, so that perfect cast right along the mangrove edge is what separates success from just casting practice.
New Smyrna Beach