Half Day Inshore Fishing in New Smyrna Beach
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday inshore fishing targeting redfish, snook, and flounderCaptain Falon provides all equipment and local expertise aboard 21' skiffFourhour adventure near Ponce Inlet accommodates up to three guests
Captain Falon Morse knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish. This top-rated half day charter out of New Smyrna Beach gives you four solid hours to target some of Florida's best inshore species. You'll be fishing the productive flats and channels around Ponce Inlet aboard a well-equipped 21' Carolina Skiff that's perfect for getting into those shallow spots where the big fish like to hang out. Whether you're just getting started or you've been wetting a line for years, Captain Falon tailors each trip to match your experience level and keeps things fun for everyone on board.
Your morning starts at the dock where you'll meet Captain Falon and get a quick rundown of the day's game plan. The 21' Carolina Skiff is built for inshore work – shallow draft, stable platform, and room for up to three anglers to fish comfortably without getting in each other's way. All your tackle is provided, from quality rods and reels matched to the target species, to a variety of live and cut baits that produce results in these waters. You'll spend your time working the grass flats, oyster bars, and deeper channels where redfish, snook, and trout like to feed. The calm inshore environment makes this trip perfect for families and first-time saltwater anglers, while still offering enough action to keep experienced fishermen engaged. Captain Falon reads the water conditions, tides, and fish behavior to position you in the right spots at the right times.
Inshore fishing around New Smyrna Beach calls for finesse and local knowledge. You'll be using medium-light spinning gear loaded with braid for sensitivity and hooksets in the grass. Live shrimp is the go-to bait here – rigged on circle hooks and fished under popping corks or free-lined near structure. When the bite gets tough, Captain Falon switches to artificial lures like soft plastics, spoons, and topwater plugs that trigger reaction strikes. The key is matching your presentation to the conditions and what the fish are feeding on that day. You'll learn to read the water for signs of life – nervous baitfish, diving birds, and subtle movements in the grass that give away feeding fish. The shallow water means sight fishing opportunities too, especially for redfish tailing on the flats during the right tides. Captain Falon handles boat positioning and navigation while teaching you to feel the difference between a bite and bottom contact, how to set the hook properly, and when to apply pressure during the fight.
Redfish are the bread and butter of New Smyrna Beach inshore fishing. These copper-colored bruisers range from slot-size fish around 18-27 inches up to bull reds that can stretch the tape past 40 inches. They're year-round residents that love the oyster bars and grass flats, especially during moving tides when they get aggressive feeding on crabs and shrimp. What makes reds so exciting is their hard pull and the way they use their broad sides to fight in shallow water. You'll often see them with their backs out of water, tailing in knee-deep flats during low tide periods.
Snook are the glamour fish of the inshore scene, and the waters around Ponce Inlet hold some beautiful specimens. These ambush predators hang around docks, mangrove shorelines, and bridge pilings where they dart out to crush baitfish. Snook are most active during the warmer months from spring through fall, and they put on an amazing aerial show when hooked. Their razor-sharp gill plates and aggressive headshaking make every hookup a challenge, and their distinctive black lateral line makes them one of the most recognizable catches you can land.
Sea Trout provide consistent action throughout the year, with the bigger "gator" trout showing up during cooler months. These spotted beauties love grass flats and sandy potholes where they feed on shrimp and small fish. Trout bite readily and fight with quick runs and head shakes that test your drag settings. They're excellent table fare and a customer favorite for anglers looking to take home a fresh fish dinner.
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the flats, often weighing 20-40 pounds with some true giants pushing 50-plus. These bottom feeders use their pharyngeal teeth to crush oysters and crabs, making them a unique catch that fights with pure power rather than speed. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring when they school up in deeper channels and around structure.
Southern Flounder are the chameleons of the inshore world, perfectly camouflaged on sandy and muddy bottoms. These flatfish are ambush predators that bury themselves and wait for prey to swim within striking distance. Flounder fishing peaks during their fall migration when they move from inshore areas toward deeper water to spawn. Spanish Mackerel bring high-speed action to the mix, especially during their seasonal runs when schools move through the area. These toothy speedsters hit fast-moving baits and lures, providing non-stop action when you find a school.
This half day fishing adventure with Captain Falon delivers everything you want from a New Smyrna Beach inshore charter – variety, action, and local expertise that puts you on fish. The four-hour format gives you plenty of time to experience different fishing techniques and target multiple species without committing to a full day on the water. With all gear and bait provided, you just need to bring sunscreen, drinks, and your fishing license. The small group size ensures personal attention and plenty of room to fish comfortably. Whether you're looking to learn inshore techniques, introduce kids to saltwater fishing, or just enjoy a fun morning on the water, this trip delivers the goods. Book your
Get ready to fish the productive waters around New Smyrna Beach aboard "Nothin To It," a reliable 21-foot Carolina Skiff that's built for serious inshore action. This 2006 vessel packs a 115 HP Yamaha outboard that'll get you to the fish fast, whether you're targeting redfish in the shallows or hunting flounder near structure. The boat's equipped with GPS and fish finder to locate the best spots, plus a live bait tank to keep your bait frisky. An onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh during the 4-hour adventure. Captain Falon knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on snook, black drum, sea trout, and Spanish mackerel around Ponce Inlet's productive flats and channels. With space for up to 3 anglers, quality tackle provided, and calm inshore conditions, this setup delivers consistent fishing action for both rookies and experienced anglers looking to bend some rods in Florida's prime fishing grounds.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the bulldogs of our inshore waters - thick, powerful fish with crushing jaws made for eating oysters and crabs. They typically range 5-30 pounds around here, with some real monsters pushing 40-plus. You'll find them around oyster beds, creek mouths, and shallow flats where they root around like underwater pigs. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, but we catch them year-round. What makes them special is their incredible fight - pure power that'll test your tackle. They're also unique because you can actually hear them "drumming" underwater. The smaller ones make decent eating, though most folks prefer the fight over the fillet. Pro tip: use fresh crab or cut mullet on the bottom, and when you feel that slow, heavy pull, set the hook hard and hold on tight.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the ultimate inshore prize - bronze-backed beauties with distinctive black spots near their tails. They range from slot-sized fish around 18-27 inches up to bull reds pushing 30+ pounds. These fish love super shallow water, often feeding in just 1-3 feet around oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and grass flats. Year-round fishing is good here, but fall brings the best action when they school up. What makes reds special is their powerful runs and that iconic "spot" that fools predators. They're fantastic eating in slot size with firm, slightly sweet meat. The real thrill is sight-fishing - watching their backs break the surface as they feed. Local tip: look for "nervous water" or tail fins sticking up, then cast past them and work your bait back slowly. They spook easily in skinny water.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as locals call them, are beautiful silver fish covered in distinctive black spots. They typically run 14-20 inches and 1-3 pounds in our waters. You'll find them over grass flats, around dock lights at night, and in deeper channels during winter months. They prefer 2-8 feet of water with good grass cover. Spring through fall are best, especially early morning and evening. What makes specks special is their willingness to hit topwater lures - explosive strikes that'll get your heart pumping. They're also excellent eating with tender, flaky meat that's perfect pan-fried. Just don't overcook them or they'll turn mushy. Here's a key tip: fish slow around grass beds with soft plastics or live shrimp, and handle them gently - they have soft mouths that tear easily.
Paralichthys LethostigmaThese masters of disguise are flat, brown fish that perfectly camouflage against sandy and muddy bottoms. Most run 15-18 inches, though we regularly see 3-5 pounders that'll surprise you with their power. They hang out in shallow bays, around oyster bars, and creek mouths where the bottom's soft enough to bury themselves. Fall and winter are peak seasons when they're moving toward inlet areas. What guests love about flounder is the hunt - spotting their outline on the bottom, then watching them explode off the sand when hooked. They're also fantastic table fare with sweet, white meat. Here's a local trick: when you think you've got a bite, count to three before setting the hook. Flounder grab bait sideways first, then turn it to swallow.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, silver bullets that make our inshore waters come alive. These sleek fish typically run 1-3 pounds and travel in schools, often feeding near the surface where you can actually see the action. They love grass flats and channel edges in 3-15 feet of water, especially around Ponce Inlet. Spring through fall are prime times when water temps hit the 70s. What makes them special? Lightning-fast strikes and acrobatic fights that'll test your drag. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish we target - mild, flaky white meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. My go-to tip: when you hook one, keep your line tight and expect company - where there's one Spanish, there's usually a whole school ready to bite.
Port Orange, FL