Guided Fishing Trip On New Smyrna Beach
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Three-hour inshore fishing adventure targeting redfish and mackerelCarolina Skiff accommodates up to four guests with premium gearExpert Captain Falon Morse provides local guidance and bait
Looking for some serious inshore action? Captain Falon Morse knows exactly where the fish are hiding along New Smyrna Beach's backwaters and flats. This isn't your typical tourist fishing trip – you'll be targeting prime Florida species like redfish, snook, and Spanish mackerel in waters that produce year-round. The 21' Carolina Skiff puts you right in the sweet spots where these fish feed, and with only 4 anglers max, everyone gets plenty of rod time. Whether you're a weekend warrior or just getting into saltwater fishing, Captain Falon's got the local knowledge to put you on fish.
Your 3-hour adventure kicks off from New Smyrna Beach's prime launching spots, where Captain Falon has been running successful charters for years. The Carolina Skiff is perfect for these inshore waters – shallow draft means you can get into those skinny flats where big redfish cruise, plus it's stable enough for comfortable fishing whether you book the morning or afternoon slot. All your tackle, bait, and ice are handled, so you just need to show up ready to fish. The captain runs light tackle setups that make every fight more exciting, and he's always willing to teach new techniques or help you perfect your cast. These waters are productive year-round, but each season brings different opportunities and feeding patterns that keep things interesting.
Captain Falon specializes in sight fishing and structure fishing techniques that work best in New Smyrna's diverse inshore environment. You'll be working with spinning gear matched to the target species – lighter setups for snook and mackerel, beefed up a bit when the big black drum are around. Live bait fishing is a staple here, with shrimp, pilchards, and pinfish being top producers depending on what's biting. The boat is rigged with quality rods and reels that can handle everything from 15-inch snook to 40-pound black drum. Artificial lures come into play too, especially when the mackerel are schooled up or when working the mangrove edges for snook. The captain reads the water conditions and adjusts tactics throughout the trip – one minute you might be drifting a live shrimp over grass flats, the next you're casting topwater plugs at rolling redfish.
Redfish are the bread and butter of New Smyrna Beach inshore fishing, and these copper-colored bruisers put up fights that'll test your drag system. They range from schoolie-sized 18-inchers up to bull reds pushing 35+ pounds, with the bigger fish more common during fall and winter months. Redfish feed aggressively in the shallow grass flats and around oyster bars, making them perfect targets for both live bait and artificial presentations. What makes catching them so addictive is their powerful runs and the way they use their broad sides to fight in shallow water.
Spanish mackerel show up in good numbers, especially during spring and fall migrations when they school heavily around baitfish. These speed demons hit hard and fast, often taking drag on the initial run before launching into spectacular jumps. They're excellent table fare and respond well to both live bait and small spoons or jigs worked quickly through the water column. The key is finding the bait schools – where you see diving birds and surface action, the mackerel won't be far behind.
Snook fishing around New Smyrna Beach offers some of Florida's most exciting inshore action, particularly during summer months when these ambush predators are most active. They love structure – docks, mangroves, bridge pilings – anywhere they can hide and attack passing bait. Snook are notorious for their gill-rattling jumps and strong runs toward cover, which means you need to be ready to put pressure on them quickly. The slot-sized fish (28-33 inches) are perfectly legal during open seasons and make for great photos before release.
Black drum might not be the prettiest fish in the water, but they're absolute tanks when it comes to fighting power. These bottom-dwellers can reach impressive sizes around New Smyrna Beach, with fish over 30 pounds not uncommon. They're year-round residents that feed heavily on crabs and shrimp around oyster bars and structure. When a big black drum takes your bait, you'll know it immediately – they use their bulk and stamina to wage long, grinding battles that'll work your arms.
Great barracuda add an element of excitement with their explosive strikes and razor-sharp teeth. These predators patrol the flats and grass beds, often following hooked fish right up to the boat. They're incredibly fast and can reach impressive sizes in these waters. Barracuda fishing is visual and exciting – you'll often see them following your lure before they decide to attack. Their acrobatic fights and impressive speed make them a favorite target for anglers who enjoy sight fishing.
New Smyrna Beach's inshore waters deliver consistent action for anglers who want to experience Florida fishing at its finest. Captain Falon's local expertise and quality equipment give you the best shot at landing multiple species in a single trip. The 4-person limit ensures everyone gets personalized attention and plenty of opportunities to get their lines wet. Whether you're looking to introduce kids to saltwater fishing, celebrate a special occasion, or just need to get back on the water, this charter delivers the goods. Morning and afternoon slots are available, so you can pick what works best for your schedule and still have time to enjoy everything else New Smyrna Beach offers.
Your fishing adventure starts aboard "Nothin To It," a reliable 21-foot Carolina Skiff that's built for serious angling in New Smyrna Beach's productive inshore waters. This 2006 vessel runs smooth with a 115 HP Yamaha outboard, getting you to the fish quickly and quietly. Captain Falon has rigged her with everything you need – GPS to navigate the flats, fish finder to locate schools, and a live bait tank to keep your offerings fresh. The spacious deck comfortably handles up to 4 anglers, giving everyone room to cast and fight fish without bumping elbows. An icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh during the 3-hour hunt for redfish, snook, and spanish mackerel. Whether you're working the grass flats for drum or chasing mackerel in open water, this skiff cuts through chop and slides over skinny water with ease. Perfect setup for light tackle fishing along Florida's Space Coast.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the bulldozers of the flats and they'll give you an arm-burning fight. These chunky, dark-colored fish run 5-30 pounds around here, with whiskers under their chins that help them find crabs and shellfish on the bottom. Look for them on oyster bars, muddy flats, and around structure where they can crush their favorite foods. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning – that's when you'll find the best action. What guests love is that powerful, sustained fight and the drumming sound they make underwater. Smaller ones make excellent table fare with firm, mild meat. Here's my secret: fresh blue crab on a circle hook fished right on the bottom near oyster beds. Let them run with it before setting the hook – they're not going anywhere fast once you're connected.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are the ocean's speed demons and they'll test your reflexes like no other fish. These silver torpedoes typically run 2-4 feet long with razor-sharp teeth and attitudes to match. Look for them around structure – reefs, wrecks, and drop-offs where baitfish gather. They hunt by sight and are naturally curious, so shiny lures work great. Summer months bring the best action when they're actively feeding near the surface. What guests love is that explosive strike followed by blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. They're not great table fare due to ciguatera risk, but the fight is pure adrenaline. Here's my trick: use a wire leader and keep your lure moving fast – these guys love chase baits. Once hooked, watch those teeth when landing them!
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are what bring most folks back to these waters. These copper-colored beauties with their signature black spots near the tail run anywhere from 18 to 35 inches around here, with the occasional bull pushing 40-plus. They love our shallow grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove edges – often in water so skinny their backs show. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially on moving tides. What makes them special is that explosive strike and bulldogging fight that'll test your drag. They're great eating too, with firm white meat that's perfect for blackening. My tip: when you see them tailing in shallow water, cast past them and work your bait back slowly. They spook easy but once hooked, they'll give you a fight to remember.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are Florida's signature gamefish and catching one is like earning your inshore stripes. These silvery fighters with that bold black lateral line typically run 20-30 inches around our mangroves, docks, and creek mouths. They're ambush predators that love structure – think bridge pilings, oyster bars, and anywhere there's moving water and cover. Summer months are prime, especially during new and full moons when they're most active. What makes them special is that explosive topwater strike and the way they'll try to wrap you around structure. They're catch-and-release only, but that just means more fish for everyone. My go-to trick: work your lure right along the mangrove edge where it drops off – that's where they wait to ambush baitfish. Be ready for that sudden strike!
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are perfect for light tackle fun and they make some of the best eating you'll find. These streamlined fighters average 1-2 pounds with beautiful golden spots along their sides. They school up in open water near structures, jetties, and around bait pods, usually within the first 20 feet of the water column. Fall and spring are prime time when they're moving through our area following mullet and sardines. Guests love them because they hit hard, fight fast, and taste amazing grilled or smoked. Their speed makes every hookup exciting on lighter gear. Pro tip: small silver spoons trolled behind the boat work magic, but don't go too fast – these guys are quick but they want time to grab your lure. Fresh Spanish on the grill beats restaurant fish any day.
Port Orange, FL