6-Hour Inshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour inshore fishing adventure targeting multiple Atlantic speciesCaptain provides all equipment for up to four guestsTarpon, snook, redfish and trout fishing opportunities available
Picture this: you and your crew of up to four anglers spending a full day working the productive inshore waters around New Smyrna Beach with Captain George at the helm. This isn't your typical half-day quickie – we're talking six solid hours of fishing some of Florida's most fish-rich waters where the Atlantic meets the Indian River system. You'll be targeting trophy species like tarpon, snook, redfish, black drum, trout, and sheepshead using proven techniques that have made this area a top-rated destination for serious anglers. Captain George brings all the tackle, bait, and local knowledge you need, so just grab your sunscreen and get ready for a day that'll have you planning your next trip before you even hit the dock.
Your day starts early when you meet Captain George at the marina, where his well-equipped boat is loaded and ready to fish. New Smyrna Beach sits at the sweet spot where multiple ecosystems converge – you've got the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian River Lagoon, and countless creeks, flats, and structure that hold fish year-round. Depending on conditions, tides, and what's biting, you might find yourself casting around oyster bars for redfish, working the bridges for snook and tarpon, or drifting the flats for trout and drum. The beauty of a six-hour charter is flexibility – if one spot isn't producing, you've got time to move and find the action. Captain George reads these waters like a book, adjusting tactics throughout the day based on what the fish are telling him. The vibe is relaxed but focused, perfect for families or groups of friends who want to actually catch fish while enjoying each other's company on the water.
Captain George comes prepared with a full arsenal of gear suited for the diverse species you'll encounter in these waters. We're talking medium to heavy spinning rods paired with quality reels loaded with braided line – perfect for the structure-heavy environment where these fish live. Depending on what we're targeting, you might be throwing live shrimp under popping corks for trout, pitching jigs and soft plastics to redfish cruising the shallows, or freelining live bait near bridges and docks where snook and tarpon ambush their prey. The boat is rigged with multiple rod holders, a quality fish finder, and a shallow water anchor system that lets us stay positioned perfectly on productive spots. Don't worry if you're new to these techniques – Captain George breaks everything down in simple terms and adjusts his approach based on your experience level. Advanced anglers appreciate his knowledge of seasonal patterns and productive structure, while beginners get hands-on instruction that builds confidence with every cast.
Snook are the crown jewel of Florida inshore fishing, and New Smyrna Beach offers world-class opportunities to hook into these aggressive predators. These fish love structure – think bridges, docks, mangrove shorelines, and oyster bars where they can ambush baitfish. Snook are incredibly seasonal, with the best action typically from late spring through early fall when water temperatures are optimal. What makes them so exciting is their explosive strike and acrobatic fights – they'll jump, run, and use every piece of structure to try and break you off. A good snook will range from 20 to 35 inches, with true trophy fish pushing over 40 inches and 20 pounds.
Redfish are the workhorses of the inshore scene, known for their powerful runs and willingness to eat a variety of baits. These copper-colored bruisers love shallow water, often cruising flats and oyster bars in just a few feet of water where you can sight-cast to them. Fall and winter are prime time for big reds, when they school up in impressive numbers. What anglers love about redfish is their predictable behavior – they feed aggressively and fight hard without the finicky nature of some other species. Slot-sized fish (18-27 inches) are perfect for the dinner table, while oversized bulls provide pure sport.
Tarpon represent the ultimate inshore challenge – these silver kings can reach over 100 pounds and are famous for their spectacular jumps when hooked. New Smyrna's bridges and channels are magnets for tarpon, especially during their spring and summer migrations. Even smaller tarpon in the 30-80 pound range will test your tackle and technique like no other fish. They're catch-and-release only, but landing your first tarpon is a milestone every angler remembers forever.
Black Drum might not win beauty contests, but these bottom-dwellers are fantastic fighters and excellent table fare when kept in legal size ranges. They're particularly active in cooler months and love oyster bars and grass flats where they root around for crabs and shrimp. Big drum can exceed 20 pounds and will surprise you with their strength and stubbornness once hooked.
Sheepshead are the ultimate challenge for light-tackle enthusiasts – these black-and-white striped fish have human-like teeth and are notorious bait thieves. They school around bridges, docks, and rocky structure where they feed on barnacles and crabs. Landing sheepshead requires finesse and quick reflexes, but they're among the best eating fish in these waters, making the challenge worthwhile.
A six-hour inshore charter with Captain George represents serious value for anglers who want to maximize their time on the water. You're getting access to decades of local knowledge, top-quality tackle, and the flexibility to adjust tactics based on conditions and what's biting. Whether you're a family looking to create lasting memories, a group of friends planning an epic fishing day, or serious anglers targeting specific species, this trip delivers. The New Smyrna Beach
Our fully-equipped motorboat is built for serious inshore fishing around New Smyrna Beach's productive waters. With space for up to 4 anglers, this fishing machine features a state-of-the-art fish finder to locate those trophy Tarpon, Snook, and Redfish lurking in the shallows. The onboard GPS keeps us positioned perfectly over the hottest fishing spots while the multimedia system adds convenience during the 6-hour adventure. A restroom keeps everyone comfortable during long fights with Black Drum and Sheepshead. Captain George stocks all the tackle you'll need, so just bring your sunscreen and get ready to battle some of the Atlantic's finest gamefish in the legendary waters off New Smyrna Beach.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, and they put up a serious fight once hooked. Most run 5-30 pounds, but we occasionally see monsters pushing 50+ pounds around here. They're bottom feeders that love oyster bars, mudflats, and creek mouths in 2-15 feet of water. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them much easier to target. What guests love about drum fishing is the power - these fish use their bulk and that big tail to make long, steady runs that'll burn your forearms. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are great table fare too, with sweet, flaky meat. Keep in mind the bigger fish get tough and aren't worth eating. My go-to tip: use fresh crab or cut bait on the bottom, and don't set the hook too early - let them really take it and run before you lean into them.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing, and they're perfect for anglers of all skill levels. These copper-colored beauties with the distinctive black eyespot typically run 18-32 inches and 3-15 pounds around here. They love shallow grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines in 1-5 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Fall and spring are prime, but we catch them year-round. What guests love is their aggressive strikes and strong, steady fights. They're not jumpers, but they'll make long runs and really bend your rod. Plus, they're fantastic eating with mild, sweet meat. The key is working topwater plugs or soft plastics slowly over the flats. Here's my tip: look for "nervous water" - subtle surface disturbances where reds are feeding below. Cast past the disturbance and work your lure through it quietly.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the ultimate challenge for any angler - they're notorious bait thieves with those human-like teeth. These black-striped "convict fish" typically run 2-8 pounds and love hanging around any structure with barnacles: docks, pilings, jetties, and reefs. Winter through early spring is prime time when they school up to spawn. What makes them fun to target is the finicky bite - you've got to have quick reflexes and a sharp hook set. They're also some of the best eating fish in these waters, with sweet, flaky white meat that's worth the effort. The trick is using small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crab, and getting your bait right against the structure. When you feel that subtle tap-tap-tap, don't wait - set the hook hard immediately. They'll steal your bait in seconds if you hesitate, leaving you wondering what just happened.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of the most sought-after gamefish around New Smyrna Beach, and for good reason. These silver missiles with that distinctive black lateral line typically run 1-3 feet long, though bigger ones can hit 4+ feet. They love hanging around mangroves, docks, and inlet structures in both salt and brackish water. Spring through fall is prime time, especially around the new and full moons when they're most active. What makes them special is their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll jump and make blistering runs that'll test your drag. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, white meat. Here's a local tip: cast your lure or bait right into the structure where they hide. Don't worry about getting snagged - snook won't come far from cover to eat, so you've got to put it right in their face.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate gamefish experience - pure adrenaline on a rod. These silver kings typically run 50-150 pounds in our waters, though giants over 200 pounds show up regularly. They cruise shallow flats, deeper channels, and around bridges in 5-40 feet of water. Late spring through summer is peak season when they migrate through our area. What makes tarpon special isn't just their size - it's those aerial acrobatics. When hooked, they'll launch 6+ feet out of the water in spectacular jumps that'll leave you shaking. We practice strict catch-and-release since they're not good eating anyway. The fight can last an hour on bigger fish. Here's the key: when they jump, bow your rod toward the fish to give slack line. Keep tension on them during the jumps and you'll lose them every time. It takes patience, but landing your first tarpon is a memory that lasts forever.
New Smyrna Beach, FL