New Smyrna Beach bass fishing charters
Trophy largemouth bass and crappie on the St. Johns River, a short drive inland from the beach.
Guided freshwater trips on the St. Johns River and its lakes, about 40 minutes west of New Smyrna Beach. Fish for largemouth bass with artificial lures or live shiners, with crappie, bluegill and shellcracker in season. A good half-day break from the beach for families and serious bass anglers alike.
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Learn more: St. Johns River at Palatka · St. Johns River near DeLand · Rodman Reservoir
Questions? Call (407) 392-4593, 9 am – 6 pm. Your guide confirms the boat ramp and start time with you before the trip.
Where can you go bass fishing near New Smyrna Beach?
The best bass fishing near New Smyrna Beach is on the St. Johns River and its lakes near DeLand, about 40 minutes west of the beach. iOutdoors books 4-, 6- and 8-hour guided trips for largemouth bass, with crappie, bluegill and shellcracker in season. The guide provides the boat, fuel, rods, reels and lures. Each angler 16 or older needs a Florida freshwater fishing license.
What's included and what's not
- Professional local bass guide
- Bass boat and fuel
- Rods, reels and tackle
- Artificial lures
- Life jackets
- Florida freshwater fishing license (required for most anglers 16 and older)
- Live wild shiners (optional; ask your guide about the cost)
- Guide tip (10–20% is customary)
- Food and drinks
- Transportation to the boat ramp
What to bring
Reviews from St. Johns River bass trips
5.04 reviewsfrom St. Johns River bass trips
Fishing with fun
It was a brilliant trip out, and everyone, even my youngest at 12, could get involved and really enjoyed it with captain Robert. We have been on this trip before and will most certainly go again when we visit Daytona next time.
Merina I · August 2026 · TripAdvisor
The fantastic morning we needed
Our recent journey was a perfect escape near Daytona. My wife and I spent four hours fishing on the St. Johns River, and honestly, it was one of the most relaxing mornings we’ve had in a long time. The river itself is beautiful, with big cypress trees hanging over the water and birds flying across…
Sums Fin · September 2025
Business Trip
In town for a few days, had a half day to kill and I love fishing. Got Bass Online recommended to me from the folks at Bass Pro Shops in town and I know why. What a top notch company and great guides, highly recommend if you're in the area.
John Juel · April 2017
St Johns River!
We did a trip on the St Johns River while at Bike Week, it was awesome. Quite, beautiful and very relaxing...yes we caught a lot of fish too.
Marla Jones · April 2017
Fish you can catch on the St. Johns River
Largemouth bass are the main target, with panfish and other species in season. Swipe to see what you could catch.
Largemouth bass
Florida bassYear-round in the river, creeks and lakes. Best in late winter and spring around the spawn.
Black crappie
Speckled perchA winter favorite. Specks school in the lakes from about December to March.
Bluegill
BreamSpring and summer on shallow beds. Steady action for kids.
Redear sunfish
ShellcrackerSpring around the full moons, when they bed in the shallows.
Striped bass
StripersThe St. Johns holds stripers, mostly in the cooler months around springs and current.
Bowfin
MudfishHard-fighting fish of the backwaters and grass. Usually released.
Size limits, bag limits and seasons change: see the FWC freshwater fishing regulations.
Bass fishing near New Smyrna Beach: what you can catch
Bass trips from New Smyrna Beach fish the St. Johns River and its lakes, from DeLand north to Palatka and Rodman Reservoir. Largemouth bass are the main target all year, with the best shot at a trophy fish during the late-winter and spring spawn. Black crappie (specks) are the winter favorite, and bluegill and shellcracker bite in spring and summer. Your guide picks the water based on season, wind and water levels.
What's biting by season
Winter Dec–Feb
- Crappie at their best
- Bass move shallow as the spawn begins
Spring Mar–May
- Bass spawn and post-spawn, bluegill and shellcracker on beds
Summer Jun–Aug
- Early-morning topwater bass, deeper patterns midday
Fall Sep–Nov
- Bass feed up as the water cools
- Good all-around fishing
- Every angler 16 or older needs a Florida freshwater fishing license unless exempt. Buy it online before the trip.
- Black bass: 5 per person per day, and only 1 may be 16" or longer. Most guides release bass.
- Crappie: 25 per person per day, 10" minimum.
Source: FWC. Limits change; your guide has the current rules.
Where you'll fish
RiverSt. Johns River
Florida's longest river runs north through a chain of lakes inland from New Smyrna Beach. Grass lines, creek mouths and docks hold bass all year.
LakesLake Woodruff area
Backwater lakes and creeks near DeLand, inside a national wildlife refuge. Quiet water and lots of cover.
LakesLake George & more
Big, open lakes along the river. Your guide picks the water for the season, wind and water levels.
New Smyrna Beach bass fishing guide
New Smyrna Beach is best known for Mosquito Lagoon redfish and Ponce Inlet offshore trips, but trophy largemouth bass water is less than an hour inland. The St. Johns River flows north through a chain of lakes west of town, and its grass lines, creeks and backwaters hold largemouth bass all year. A bass trip is an easy way to see a quieter side of Florida, with wildlife, cypress and open water away from the crowds.
Where you'll fish
The St. Johns River is the main water. Its grass lines, creek mouths, docks and drop-offs hold bass year-round. Backwater lakes and creeks such as the Lake Woodruff area near DeLand offer protected water and heavy cover. Larger lakes along the river, such as Lake George, give the guide more options when the wind or water levels change. Your guide confirms the boat ramp before the trip.
How the trips work
Trips run from a bass boat with a trolling motor. Your guide provides rods, reels and artificial lures, and can set you up with live wild shiners, which is often the best way to catch a big bass. Shiners are optional and cost extra; ask your guide when you book. Most bass are photographed and released.
Best time to go
Bass fishing is good all year. Late winter and spring bring the spawn and the best shot at a big fish. Winter is also crappie season. In summer, go early for topwater action before the heat and afternoon storms. Fall brings cooler water and active fish. See the New Smyrna Beach fishing calendar for a month-by-month view.
Tips for planning your trip
- Get your license first. Buy a Florida freshwater fishing license online before the trip and bring it with you.
- Morning trips usually fish best, especially in summer.
- Kids and first-timers do well on a 4-hour trip, often with live shiners for steady action.
- Pair it with the beach. Fish the river in the morning and be back at the beach in the afternoon.
Questions about bass trips
How much does a bass fishing trip near New Smyrna Beach cost?
Prices depend on the water and the trip length (4, 6 or 8 hours) and are shown in the booking calendar when you pick a trip.
What's included in a bass fishing charter?
Your local bass guide provides the bass boat and fuel, rods, reels and tackle, artificial lures and life jackets. Not included: your Florida freshwater fishing license, live wild shiners (optional, extra cost), the guide tip, and food and drinks.
How far is the bass fishing from New Smyrna Beach?
The St. Johns River near DeLand is about 40 minutes west of New Smyrna Beach. Palatka and Rodman Reservoir are farther north, about 1.5 hours away.
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes. Freshwater guides don't carry a license that covers guests, so each angler 16 or older needs a Florida freshwater fishing license unless exempt. You can buy one online before the trip.
Where do we meet?
Your guide confirms the boat ramp and start time with you before the trip. Most trips launch on the St. Johns River, inland from New Smyrna Beach.
Should I use live shiners?
Live wild shiners are often the best way to catch a big bass and give kids steady action. They're optional and cost extra; ask your guide when you book.
Can I keep my fish?
Most guides release bass after photos. You may keep fish within FWC limits, and crappie are popular to keep; ask your guide before the trip.
Is it good for kids?
Yes. The water is calm, and a 4-hour trip with live shiners is a good fit for families.
What if the weather is bad?
If the guide cancels for weather, you get a full refund or a free reschedule.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 72 hours before your trip.
When is the best time for bass fishing near New Smyrna Beach?
Bass bite all year. Late winter and spring bring the spawn and the best chance at a trophy bass, winter is crappie season, and summer fishes best early in the morning.