Inshore / Nearshore Saltwater Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Familyfriendly inshore and nearshore saltwater fishing chartersExpert guidance from Captain Todd Vivian in local watersAccess to prime spots including famous Mosquito Lagoon
When you're looking for productive saltwater fishing without the long boat ride to deep water, Captain Todd Vivian and Spot Stalker Charters LLC have you covered. This family-friendly charter operation runs out of New Smyrna Beach, targeting the fish-rich waters around Edgewater, Port Orange, and the legendary Mosquito Lagoon. You'll get personalized attention with just one angler per trip, making this perfect for someone wanting to dial in their technique or enjoy a peaceful day on the water without crowds.
Your day starts in the productive waters between the Intracoastal Waterway and the nearshore reefs, where Captain Todd has been putting clients on fish for years. The beauty of this setup is the variety – you might start the morning working grass flats for flounder, then move to structure for snapper, and finish the day trolling for Spanish mackerel. The intimate setting with just you and the captain means you'll learn the nuances of reading water, understanding tides, and picking the right spots based on conditions. New Smyrna Beach's unique geography creates perfect habitat where freshwater meets salt, and the Mosquito Lagoon system adds another dimension with its shallow, clear waters that hold surprising variety. You'll see why this area consistently produces fish year-round, with each season bringing different opportunities.
Captain Todd adapts techniques based on what's biting and where you're fishing. In the shallows, you'll likely use light tackle with live shrimp or small artificials, working the edges of grass beds and oyster bars where fish ambush prey. For nearshore structure fishing, expect to drop natural baits or jigs around reefs and wrecks where snapper hold tight. The Spanish mackerel bite often calls for trolling small spoons or casting gotcha plugs when you find working birds. All gear is provided, but if you have favorite rods or reels, feel free to bring them along. The captain knows which presentations work best in different conditions – whether that's drifting cut bait for flounder in deeper holes or sight-fishing with artificials in skinny water. The key is staying mobile and adapting to what the fish want on any given day.
Lane snapper are the bread and butter around here, hanging around structure in 15-30 feet of water. These colorful little fighters hit live shrimp and small jigs hard, and they're excellent table fare. They're most active during moving water, so timing your drops with the tide is crucial. Spanish mackerel show up in good numbers from spring through fall, especially when baitfish are thick nearshore. They're fast, aggressive, and put up a great fight on light tackle. Southern flounder are the prize of the flats, lying in wait along drop-offs and channel edges. They require patience and proper presentation, but a nice doormat flounder is worth the effort. Bluefish arrive in schools and create some of the most exciting action you'll find, especially when they're busting bait on the surface. Grey snapper round out the mix, usually found around deeper structure and known for their wariness – they'll test your skills and reward clean presentations.
Lane snapper might be smaller than their red cousins, but they make up for size with attitude and numbers. These pink and yellow striped fighters typically run 8-14 inches and are most active from spring through early winter. They school around rocky bottom and artificial reefs, and when you find them, you can often catch several before they wise up. The key is keeping your bait near the bottom and being ready for their quick, decisive strikes.
Spanish mackerel are pure excitement on light tackle, hitting lures with savage strikes and making blistering runs. Peak season runs from April through November, with the best action often happening when water temperatures are in the 70s. They average 1-3 pounds but fight like fish twice their size. Watch for diving birds – where there's bait getting pushed to the surface, there are usually Spanish macs underneath.
Southern flounder are the thinking angler's fish, requiring stealth and strategy to fool consistently. These ambush predators lie motionless until prey passes overhead, then strike with lightning speed. Fall is prime time as they move toward inlets to spawn, with fish up to 5-6 pounds possible. They're masters of camouflage and can be tricky to spot, but once you dial in their preferred ambush spots, the action can be steady.
Bluefish arrive in massive schools that can turn a quiet day into chaos in minutes. When they're feeding aggressively, they'll hit almost anything you throw at them. Spring and fall migrations bring the best numbers, with fish ranging from small snappers to hefty choppers over 10 pounds. They're notorious for their sharp teeth and hard fighting ability.
Grey snapper, also called mangrove snapper, are among the wariest fish you'll target. They inspect baits carefully and spook easily, making them a true test of angling skill. Summer months offer the best opportunities, with fish up to 15 inches common around structure. Their excellent table quality makes the challenge worthwhile, and outsmarting a finicky grey snapper is always satisfying.
This personalized fishing experience gives you the chance to target multiple species while learning from a captain who knows these waters inside and out. Whether you're a beginner wanting to learn proper saltwater techniques or an experienced angler looking to explore new spots, the one-on-one format ensures you get the most from your time on the water. The combination of productive inshore and nearshore fishing around New Smyrna Beach means you're never far from the action, and the variety keeps things interesting all day long. Ready to see what's biting in some of Florida's most consistent fishing waters?
Hit the productive waters around New Smyrna Beach aboard this well-equipped 2022 Skeeter SX240, powered by a reliable Yamaha F300 that'll get you to the fish fast. This fishing machine comes loaded with everything you need for a successful day on the water - a quality fish finder to locate those holding spots, GPS navigation to mark your productive areas, and VHF radio for safety and communication. The wireless trolling motor lets you work structure quietly without spooking fish, while the onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold throughout the trip. Whether you're targeting redfish in the shallows of Mosquito Lagoon or working nearshore waters for trout and flounder, this boat handles both inshore mangroves and open water with ease. Captain Todd Vivian knows these waters from Port Orange to Ponce Inlet like the back of his hand, putting you on fish in some of Florida's most productive fishing grounds.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive predators that travel in schools and provide non-stop action when you find them. These blue-green fighters typically run up to 20 pounds and are famous for their feeding frenzies - what we call "bluefish blitz" when they churn the water attacking baitfish. You'll find them in brackish waters, around surf beaches, and along the continental shelf. Summer brings the best fishing here, with smaller "snappers" showing up in bays and tidal areas - perfect for kids to learn on. They fight hard and taste great when prepared fresh, though be careful of those razor-sharp teeth. Look for diving birds and surface commotion to locate schools. Cut bait like chunks of mullet work great, but they'll hit almost anything. Pro tip: bring wire leaders and keep your fingers clear when unhooking - these guys will bite anything that moves.
Lutjanus GriseusAlso called mangrove snapper, these copper-red fish with the dark eye stripe are some of the smartest fish we target. They typically run 10-14 inches and 1-2 pounds inshore, though bigger ones lurk in deeper water. You'll find them around any structure - docks, mangroves, rocks, and debris where they ambush prey. They're nocturnal feeders, so dawn, dusk, and night fishing produces best results. The white, flaky meat is prized by locals, and they put up a solid fight for their size. What makes them challenging is they're opportunistic but cautious - they study your bait before committing. Live shrimp hooked through the tail works best on a 4/0 circle hook. Here's the secret: let your bait sit still near bottom around structure. Too much movement spooks them. When you feel that subtle tap, don't jerk - let them take it before setting the hook.
Lutjanus SynagrisThese candy-striped beauties run 10-14 inches typically, with their signature pink and yellow lines making them easy to spot. Lane snappers hang around coral reefs and sandy bottoms with good vegetation, usually between 69-230 feet, though we catch plenty in shallower nearshore waters. They're aggressive biters that aren't too line-shy, which makes them perfect for families and newer anglers. The meat is excellent - firm, white, and mild. They spawn March through September, so those months offer the best action. Since they're often called "dessert fish" because they show up as bonus catches, don't be surprised when one grabs your bait while targeting other snappers. Pro tip: use live shrimp on a circle hook and let it sit near structure - these guys are opportunistic feeders that love an easy meal.
Paralichthys LethostigmaThese masters of camouflage are flat, oval-shaped fish with both eyes on their left side (usually). They average 15-18 inches and around 5 pounds, though we've seen some push 20+ pounds. Southern flounder bury themselves in sandy, muddy, or rocky bottoms of shallow bays, estuaries, and nearshore waters, ambushing prey like crabs, shrimp, and small fish. They're fantastic eating - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. Fall and winter are prime time when adults move inshore. What makes them fun is the anticipation - you never know when that subtle tap means a big flatfish just grabbed your bait. The key is fishing right on bottom with live or cut bait. My go-to trick: use a Carolina rig with a bull minnow or shrimp, and fish the edges of channels where they wait in ambush.
Scomberomorus MaculatusFast, aggressive, and delicious - Spanish mackerel are some of our most popular targets. These silvery speedsters with yellow spots typically run 1-2 feet and 8-11 pounds, swimming in large schools near the surface. We find them around structures in open water, both nearshore and inshore around flats and oyster bars. When water warms up, they move closer to shore, making pier and surf fishing productive. They're lightning fast swimmers that put up a great fight on light tackle, and the meat is fantastic - mild flavor that's perfect grilled, smoked, or even as sushi. Spring through fall offers the best action here in Florida waters. Here's the key: don't spook the school. When you see them working baitfish on the surface, drift into position quietly with shiny spoons or live bait like sardines or shrimp.
New Smyrna Beach