Inshore Fishing Charters New Smyrna Beach
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour guided inshore fishing trip targeting redfish and troutLight tackle gear provided aboard wellequipped 22' Pathfinder boatPerfect for all skill levels with capacity for two guests
Looking for a world-class inshore fishing experience that won't break the bank or wear you out? This six-hour guided charter aboard a top-rated 22' Pathfinder puts you right in the heart of Mosquito Lagoon's most productive fishing grounds. Captain and crew provide all the light tackle gear you'll need to target the area's best inshore species - think redfish cruising the flats, speckled trout ambushing baitfish, and hefty sheepshead hanging around structure. Whether you're a weekend warrior or just getting your feet wet, this trip delivers consistent action in some of Florida's most renowned shallow water fisheries. Perfect for couples or small groups who want personalized attention and a real shot at filling the cooler.
Your day starts early with a meet-up at the dock, where you'll board a well-equipped Pathfinder that's built for navigating skinny water and getting you to fish fast. Mosquito Lagoon is legendary among inshore anglers for good reason - its grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines create the perfect storm for holding game fish year-round. The shallow, clear water lets you sight-fish when conditions are right, but there's also plenty of structure to work when the fish are holding tight. Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on the most productive spots based on tides, weather, and what's been biting lately. The boat stays comfortable even on longer runs, and with just two anglers max, you'll get plenty of personalized coaching and prime fishing time.
This charter focuses on light tackle fishing - think spinning reels spooled with 10-15 pound test and rods that let you feel every bump and run. You'll be throwing everything from live shrimp under popping corks to soft plastics worked along grass edges and oyster bars. The captain provides all tackle, but if you've got a favorite setup, feel free to bring it along. Much of the fishing happens in 2-6 feet of water, where you can actually see the structure you're fishing and sometimes spot the fish before you cast. Techniques vary based on conditions and target species - you might be pitching jigs to redfish tailing in the shallows one minute, then drifting live bait over deeper holes for trout the next. The beauty of Mosquito Lagoon is its variety - there's always a backup plan when one pattern isn't producing.
Snook are the glamour fish of the inshore world, and Mosquito Lagoon holds some beauties. These ambush predators love hanging around mangrove points, dock pilings, and anywhere baitfish get funneled by current. Best fishing happens during warmer months when they're most active, though you can find them year-round if you know where to look. They hit hard and make blistering runs that'll test your drag system. What makes snook special is their attitude - they're aggressive feeders that will crush topwater lures and put on a real show when hooked.
Black drum are the bulldogs of the lagoon system, with bigger fish pushing 30+ pounds and smaller "puppy drum" providing steady action. They're bottom feeders that love crab and shrimp, so live bait fished near oyster bars and shell piles produces best. Fall and winter months see some monster black drum move into the shallows, creating opportunities for truly memorable catches. These fish don't jump, but they'll dig deep and make long, powerful runs that'll have you wondering what you've hooked into.
Sheepshead are the technical challenge every angler should try at least once. These black-and-white striped fish have human-like teeth and a knack for stealing bait without getting hooked. They hang around any kind of structure - docks, pilings, rock piles - and require patience and finesse to catch consistently. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring when they stack up for spawning. Landing a big sheepshead feels like solving a puzzle, and their firm white meat makes them a customer favorite for the dinner table.
Sea trout, or speckled trout as locals call them, are probably the most reliable target in Mosquito Lagoon. These spotted beauties school up over grass flats and can provide fast action when you find them. Spring and fall offer the best opportunities for bigger "gator trout" over 20 inches, while summer brings numbers of smaller fish. They're aggressive feeders that will hit everything from live shrimp to artificial lures, making them perfect for anglers still learning the ropes. The fight isn't as spectacular as snook, but few things beat the sight of a nice trout coming to the net.
Redfish are what most people think of when they picture Florida inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers cruise the shallows in schools, often with their backs out of water as they root around for crabs and baitfish. Sight-fishing for reds on the flats is about as good as inshore fishing gets - you can watch them eat your bait and feel that first powerful run as they head for deep water. They're available year-round in Mosquito Lagoon, with fall bringing the largest concentrations as they prepare for their offshore spawning runs.
This charter hits the sweet spot for anglers wanting a legitimate fishing experience without the crowds or chaos of larger boats. Six hours gives you time to work different spots and techniques, while the two-person limit ensures everyone gets plenty of rod time and personal attention from the captain. Mosquito Lagoon consistently ranks among Florida's top inshore fisheries, and this trip puts you right in the heart of it with an experienced guide who knows how to put fish in the boat. Whether you're looking to check species off your bucket list
Our 22' Pathfinder is built for serious inshore fishing in the shallow waters around New Smyrna Beach. Powered by a reliable 200 HP Suzuki, this flats boat gets you into the skinny water where the big redfish and speckled trout like to hide. The shallow draft design lets us slip into the backwater pockets of Mosquito Lagoon and Indian River that bigger boats can't reach. With plenty of casting room and a stable platform, you'll have clean shots at tailing reds in knee-deep water. The boat handles chop well and runs quiet, so we won't spook fish as we move between productive spots. Whether you're sight-casting to cruising fish or working the grass flats, this Pathfinder puts you right where the action is.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, commonly running 5-30 pounds with some pushing 50+ pounds. You'll recognize them by their dark coloration and the drumming sounds they make underwater. We target them around oyster beds, shallow flats, and creek mouths in 2-8 feet of water. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them easier to locate. These fish are pure muscle and will test your drag with long, steady runs. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make great table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Pro tip: fresh crab is your best bet for bait. Pin it right to the bottom and be patient - drum take their time inspecting before they commit.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the stars of our shallow water fishing, with those copper-red backs and distinctive black spots near the tail. Most slot fish run 18-27 inches, but we see bulls over 40 inches too. They love super shallow flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines - sometimes in water so shallow their backs show. Year-round fishing is good, but fall and spring are peak times when they're most active. What makes reds special is their power and the sight fishing opportunities on clear days. They're also excellent on the table with firm, mild meat. Watch for their tails when they're feeding head-down in shallow water. A gold spoon or live shrimp works great, but here's the key: approach quietly and make accurate casts ahead of cruising fish.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are probably our most reliable year-round catch, averaging 12-18 inches with those beautiful spotted sides. They cruise grass flats and sandy potholes in 2-6 feet of water, feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. Dawn and dusk are prime times, especially during cooler months when they school up in deeper channels. Trout are perfect for beginners - they bite readily and fight with lots of head shakes and jumps. The meat is tender and mild, though it's delicate so don't overcook it. In winter, we find big schools in deeper holes of the lagoon. My go-to technique is a soft plastic shrimp under a popping cork. Work it slow with gentle twitches - trout prefer a subtle presentation over aggressive action.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of our waters with those distinctive black and gray stripes. Most run 1-3 pounds and 12-18 inches, but we catch some nice 5-pounders around the docks. They're always hugging structure - pilings, bridges, and oyster bars where they feed on barnacles and crabs with those human-like teeth. Winter through early spring is when they're most active and easiest to catch. What guests love about sheepshead is the challenge - they're notorious bait thieves and require quick hook sets. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in our waters, sweet white meat that's hard to beat. Key tip: use small hooks and get your bait tight to structure. When you feel that subtle tick, set the hook hard.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most sought-after inshore species, typically running 1-3 feet with that distinctive black lateral line and golden color. They love structure - mangroves, docks, and creek mouths where they ambush prey like shrimp and small fish. Around New Smyrna, we find them in shallow waters year-round, but they really turn on during warmer months from May through September when they're spawning. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and strong runs - they'll take you into cover fast. The meat is excellent too, firm and white. Here's a tip: cast tight to structure and work your bait slowly. Snook are finicky and will often follow before striking, so don't give up on a spot too quick.
New Smyrna Beach