New Smyrna Beach Fishing | 4 Hour Afternoon Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour afternoon surf fishing adventure in New Smyrna BeachTarget blacktip sharks, redfish, black drum, and coastal speciesCaptain Chris guides groups up to four anglers
Get ready to fish some of the most productive inshore waters along Florida's east coast with Captain Chris and Reel Healin Outdoors. This 4-hour afternoon trip puts you right in the heart of New Smyrna Beach's world-class fishing grounds, where the mosquito lagoon system meets the Atlantic and creates perfect conditions for targeting multiple species. You'll be surf fishing from the beach, working the structure and drop-offs that hold hungry gamefish year-round. With space for up to 4 anglers, this customer favorite trip gives you plenty of elbow room and personalized attention from one of the area's top-rated guides.
Captain Chris knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll position your group along the prime stretches of New Smyrna Beach where the fish are actively feeding. The afternoon timing works perfectly here - as the sun starts to drop and the beach crowds thin out, the bite really turns on. You'll be surf fishing from the sand, casting into the deeper channels and structure that runs parallel to the shore. The beauty of this fishery is the variety - one cast might bring in a hard-fighting jack crevalle, while the next could be a slot-sized redfish. Captain Chris reads the water conditions, tide movement, and bait activity to put you on the most productive spots. The relaxed beach setting makes this trip perfect for anglers of all skill levels, whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started with saltwater fishing.
Surf fishing here is all about reading the beach and matching your presentation to what the fish want. Captain Chris provides all the tackle you'll need, including medium-heavy surf rods that can handle the bigger fish this area is known for. You'll be using circle hooks with live and cut bait - shrimp, sand fleas, and finger mullet are the go-to options depending on what's working that day. The key is getting your bait out past the first sandbar where the water deepens and the gamefish cruise. Captain Chris will show you how to read the water for cuts and holes in the sandbar structure - that's where the fish set up to ambush bait. You'll learn proper surf casting technique, how to manage your line in the wash, and when to set the hook on different species. The tackle is sized right for the fish you're targeting, strong enough for the occasional blacktip shark but sensitive enough to feel the subtle bite of a sheepshead.
Redfish are the crown jewel of New Smyrna Beach inshore fishing, and these copper-colored bruisers are what keep anglers coming back. You'll find them in the 18-28 inch range most of the time, with the occasional oversized bull red that'll test your drag system. They feed aggressively in the surf, especially during the afternoon hours when baitfish are active. Redfish hit hard and make powerful runs toward deeper water, and there's nothing quite like watching that distinctive copper flash when they turn near the surface. Fall through early spring is prime time, but you can catch them here year-round.
Ladyfish might not be the biggest fish you'll catch, but they're pure entertainment on light tackle. These silver torpedoes average 12-16 inches and fight like fish twice their size, jumping and tail-walking across the surface. They're most active during the warmer months and often travel in schools, so when you find one, you'll usually find more. Ladyfish are perfect for younger anglers or anyone who wants consistent action - they're aggressive feeders and will hit both live and cut bait.
Crevalle Jack are the bulldogs of the surf, built for power and endurance. These fish average 2-5 pounds in the surf but can get much larger, and they'll give you a workout from the first run to the beach. Jacks are aggressive predators that hunt in the surf zone, and they're not picky about bait - they'll hit shrimp, cut bait, or small live fish. Summer and fall are peak seasons, and they're often the first fish to show up when bait schools move through the area. Their broad shoulders and powerful tail make every fight memorable.
Bluefish are the opportunists of the surf, showing up whenever there's bait in the water. They average 1-3 pounds in this area and are known for their razor-sharp teeth and aggressive feeding style. Blues are most active during their spring and fall migrations when large schools move through New Smyrna Beach waters. They're excellent eating when fresh and put up a spirited fight with lots of head shaking and short runs. Captain Chris will have wire leaders ready when the blues are around - their teeth can cut through regular mono in seconds.
This renowned afternoon fishing trip with Reel Healin Outdoors gives you the perfect introduction to New Smyrna Beach's best inshore fishing. Captain Chris's local knowledge and proven track record make this a smart choice for your Florida fishing adventure. The 4-hour format is ideal for families or anyone who wants quality fishing time without a full-day commitment. With multiple target species and consistent action throughout the year, you're looking at one of the area's best fishing values. The beach setting is comfortable and accessible, and you'll come away with new skills and hopefully some fresh fish for dinner. Don't wait - the best dates fill up fast, especially during peak fishing seasons.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are some of the most aggressive feeders you'll encounter around New Smyrna Beach. These blue-green fighters typically run 2-8 pounds and pack serious attitude with razor-sharp teeth that'll slice through lighter leaders in a heartbeat. They show up from late spring through fall, following schools of baitfish along our beaches and inlet areas. When they're feeding, the water looks like a washing machine with all the commotion - we call it a "bluefish blitz." They'll hit almost anything that moves, from cut bait to spoons and plugs. The smaller "snappers" are perfect for kids and beginners, while the bigger fish will give experienced anglers a real workout. Fair warning - handle them carefully since those teeth mean business. My local trick is using wire leaders and chunk bait when they're around. Fresh bluefish makes great table fare if you bleed and ice them right away.
Caranx HipposCrevalle jacks are the bullies of our inshore waters, and they fish exactly like it. These brassy-green bruisers average 3-8 pounds but can push 20+ pounds around our deeper structures and inlet areas. They travel in aggressive schools, often pushing baitfish to the surface where diving birds give away their location. You'll find them around our jetties, reefs, and grass flats year-round, but summer brings the best action. What guests love about jacks is their raw power - they'll bend your rod and test your drag from the first run. They're not the best eating, but the fight more than makes up for it. Here's the secret: when you spot birds working, cast a silver spoon or fast-moving lure past the school and burn it back through. Sometimes you'll even smell a watermelon-like scent when they're feeding heavy - that's your cue to get ready for some serious arm-burning action.
Elops SaurusLadyfish might be called "poor man's tarpon," but don't let that fool you - they're a blast on light tackle. These silver bullets typically run 12-20 inches around here and put on quite a show when hooked, jumping and thrashing like their bigger tarpon cousins. You'll find them in our bays, canals, and right off the beach year-round, especially where the water's a bit brackish. They're not picky eaters and will hit live shrimp, small jigs, or flies without much convincing. While they're not great table fare, they make excellent cut bait for bigger species like snook. The real fun is watching first-time anglers' faces when these acrobatic fish start tail-walking across the surface. Pro tip: use a heavy mono leader since they love to thrash around and can wear through lighter line with all that jumping and gill-rattling.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are what many folks call the perfect inshore game fish. These copper-colored beauties with their distinctive black spots near the tail typically run 20-30 inches around New Smyrna, though we see plenty of slot fish and some real bulls pushing 40+ inches. They love cruising our shallow flats, oyster bars, and grass beds in just 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Fall and spring offer the best action when they're most active. What makes redfish special is their willingness to eat almost anything and their bulldogging fight once hooked. Plus, they're fantastic table fare with that mild, sweet flavor. My go-to trick here is using topwater plugs early morning over the grass flats - that explosive strike never gets old, and the fish often give themselves away by pushing water as they hunt.
New Smyrna Beach, FL