New Smyrna Beach fishing charters
Mosquito Lagoon flats to Ponce Inlet blue water.
Book a licensed local captain for an inshore redfish trip a day offshore for kingfish and mahi, or a reef trip for snapper and grouper. Inshore trips start at $500 and reef trips at $700, both varying with group size. Offshore trips start at $1,000 for up to 6 guests.
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Trip details: Inshore fishing · Reef fishing · Offshore fishing · Bass fishing
Questions? Call (407) 392-4593, 9 am – 6 pm. Your captain or guide confirms the meeting spot and start time with you before the trip.
What fishing charters can you book in New Smyrna Beach?
iOutdoors books four kinds of fishing charters in New Smyrna Beach. Inshore trips fish Mosquito Lagoon, the Indian River and Ponce Inlet for redfish, trout and snook, starting at $500 for 4 hours. Offshore trips run out of Ponce Inlet for kingfish, mahi, grouper and sailfish, starting at $1,000 for 5 hours for up to 6 guests. Reef fishing trips bottom fish the nearshore reefs and wrecks for snapper, grouper and triggerfish, starting at $700 for 5 hours. Freshwater bass trips fish the St. Johns River, about 40 minutes inland, for trophy largemouth bass and crappie. Every saltwater trip includes a licensed captain, fishing licenses, gear and bait; bass trips need a Florida freshwater license.
Inshore, reef or offshore?
| Inshore | Reef fishing | Offshore | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How you fish | Casting and sight fishing in shallow water | Bottom fishing at anchor or on a drift | Bottom fishing, plus flat lines for fish near the surface |
| Water | Lagoon flats, river, inlet | Reefs and wrecks up to 15 miles (5 hr) or 25 miles (8 hr) out | Artificial reefs and wrecks up to 25 miles out |
| Main fish | Redfish, trout, snook, tarpon | Snapper, grouper, triggerfish, amberjack | Kingfish, mahi, sailfish, wahoo |
| Sea conditions | Flat and protected | Ocean, with a shorter run | Ocean; can be rough on an outgoing tide |
| Trip lengths | 4, 6, 8 hours | 5, 8 hours | 5, 6, 8 hours |
| Price | From $500, varies with group size | From $700, varies with group size (up to 6 guests) | From $1,000, one price for up to 6 guests |
| Best for | Kids, beginners, sight fishing | Families, first ocean trip, fish for dinner | Experienced anglers, big fish |
| Book inshore | Book reef | Book offshore |
Reviews from New Smyrna Beach trips
5.08 reviews
Capt Brad was great for both of our fishing trips. He took great care to make my husbands birthday fishing experience amazing and taught me how to use a bait caster. His boat was immaculate and most importantly, he put us on fish.
Ashley Eubanks · April 2026 · Google
freshwater fishing
Captain Brad was amazing Best day ever
robyn prestigiacomo · March 2022
A most delightful town
The town of New Smyrna is worth seeing and visiting. We enjoyed walking along the waterfront. You can drive your car to the beach. Ate dinner near the water at one of the Town Tavern which featured a live band. My friend and I went fishing, what fun, highly recommend it!
Lisa Wilson · January 2021
Obstacles conquered!
Started out with a full moon the night before and wind blowing 3 times what was forecast but Captain Brad had a plan. We got out and in no time had fish on! I had no expectations for what we might catch which turned out great 8 different species and two nice redfish! I had a great time!
Doug M. · March 2019 · TripAdvisor
Loved fishing
I have to say, this was one of the most professional organizations I have experienced. Booking was easy and customer support answered all my questions. Even when I remembered them and called back hours later! :) What was recommended was an afternoon trip with Capt Brad. I chose the 6 hour trip…
Tim S · January 2019
Best Birthday Gift Ever !!!
I booked this trip for my Dad's Birthday he loves to fish but rarely catches anything. We went with Capt Brad Kayholm and he delivered an awesome trip he was on time ,very friendly ,knowledgeable and put us on the fish !!! I would definitely recommend booking a trip with him!!!
flhomesbyrich · October 2018
Best Birthday Gift Ever !!!
I booked this trip for my Dad's Birthday he loves to fish but rarely catches anything. We went with Capt Brad Kayholm and he delivered an awesome trip he was on time ,very friendly ,knowledgeable and put us on the fish !!! I would definitely recommend booking a trip with him!!!
flhomesbyrich · October 2018 · TripAdvisor
Four hour trip with Captain Brad
We had a great time with Captain Brad. He had us on the fish right away in the morning and always kept us moving looking for more. He was very knowledgeable.
Eli L · October 2018 · TripAdvisor
What's biting by season in New Smyrna Beach
Full New Smyrna fishing calendarWinter Dec–Feb
- Inshore: Redfish schools on the flats, trout, sheepshead arriving
- Reef: Snapper and triggerfish on calm days; grouper closed from Jan 1
- Offshore: Sailfish, blackfin tuna
Spring Mar–May
- Inshore: Snook (best Feb–May), early tarpon
- Reef: Snapper and triggerfish; Atlantic grouper opens May 1
- Offshore: Sailfish, wahoo
Summer Jun–Aug
- Inshore: Trophy reds at first light, tarpon (snook closed)
- Reef: Calmest seas; vermilion and mangrove snapper; short red snapper season
- Offshore: Mahi and wahoo at their best
Fall Sep–Nov
- Inshore: Bull redfish on the mullet run (Oct), big jack crevalle
- Reef: Peak grouper, vermilion snapper, triggerfish
- Offshore: Peak sailfish, kingfish, gag grouper
What fish can you catch in New Smyrna Beach?
New Smyrna Beach fish species depend on the trip you book:
- Inshore (Mosquito Lagoon flats and the waters around Ponce Inlet): redfish, spotted seatrout, snook, flounder, black drum, sheepshead and jack crevalle, plus tarpon in summer. See New Smyrna Beach inshore fishing.
- Reef (artificial reefs and wrecks up to 25 miles out): snapper, grouper, amberjack and cobia. See New Smyrna Beach reef fishing.
- Offshore (deeper reefs and wrecks out of Ponce Inlet): kingfish, mahi-mahi, sailfish, wahoo and blackfin tuna, plus snapper and grouper on the bottom. See deep sea fishing in New Smyrna Beach.
- Freshwater (the St. Johns River and Rodman Reservoir, about 40 minutes inland): largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and shellcracker. See New Smyrna Beach bass fishing.
Redfish
Red drumYear-round on the flats; bull reds at Ponce Inlet in fall. Catch-and-release in Mosquito Lagoon.
Catch it on: Inshore trip
Red snapper
Genuine redArtificial reefs and wrecks year-round. Keep only during the short federal season.
Catch it on: Reef trip · Offshore trip
Mahi-mahi
DolphinfishLate spring and summer, often near weed lines.
Catch it on: Offshore trip
Largemouth bass
Black bassAll year on the St. Johns River and Rodman Reservoir.
Catch it on: Bass trip
Snook
Common snookSpring to fall around docks, mangroves and the inlet.
Catch it on: Inshore trip
Gag grouper
GagArtificial reefs and wrecks. Open to keep May 1 – Dec 31.
Catch it on: Reef trip · Offshore trip
Sailfish
Atlantic sailfishFall through spring. Mostly caught and released; a bonus fish on longer trips.
Catch it on: Offshore trip
Crappie
Speckled perchBest November through March on the St. Johns River and Rodman.
Catch it on: Crappie & panfish trip
Spotted seatrout
Speckled troutYear-round on the grass flats; best in the cooler months.
Catch it on: Inshore trip
Vermilion snapper
BeelinerReefs and wrecks; best in summer and fall.
Catch it on: Reef trip · Offshore trip
Tarpon
Silver kingLate spring through fall, with the biggest fish in summer.
Catch it on: Inshore trip
Greater amberjack
AJDeeper wrecks and artificial reefs. Hard, heavy fights.
Catch it on: Reef trip · Offshore trip
Cobia
LingSpring run, often around rays, buoys and wrecks.
Catch it on: Offshore trip · Reef trip
Shellcracker
Redear sunfishSpring and summer, after crappie season.
Catch it on: Crappie & panfish trip
Seasons, size and bag limits apply to many species: see the FWC saltwater fishing regulations.
Where you'll fish
Open in Google Maps: Mosquito Lagoon · Ponce Inlet · Indian River · Halifax River
Getting here: about 60 minutes from Orlando International (MCO) and 35–40 minutes from Orlando Sanford (SFB).
Meeting point: most trips meet at 164 Causeway N, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169. Your captain confirms the exact spot and departure time with you directly before the trip.
Also in our network: New Smyrna Beach Fishing Charters, a partner charter service.
Planning a fishing trip in New Smyrna Beach
New Smyrna Beach is a small beach town on Florida's Atlantic coast in Volusia County, south of Daytona Beach and about an hour from Orlando. It has some of the most varied fishing on the East Coast: clear, shallow lagoon flats, river channels and docks, a busy inlet, and Atlantic reefs a short run offshore. That means there's a good trip for almost any group, from a family with young kids to experienced anglers chasing a trophy.
Inshore or offshore: how to choose
Choose inshore if you want calm water, steady action and a shorter trip. It's the best fit for kids, beginners and anyone who gets seasick, and it's where you'll find New Smyrna's famous sight fishing for redfish in Mosquito Lagoon. Choose offshore if you want bigger fish and don't mind ocean swells. Offshore trips target kingfish, mahi-mahi, snapper, grouper and sailfish, and they're the better pick if you want to bring home dinner.
The best time of year
New Smyrna Beach fishes well all year. Fall is the standout: bull redfish crowd Ponce Inlet during the mullet run, and sailfish and kingfish move in offshore. Winter brings clear water and schooling redfish on calm days. Spring is prime for snook and early tarpon inshore. Summer has the calmest seas for offshore trips and the best mahi fishing, with early mornings the best time for inshore trips before afternoon storms. The New Smyrna fishing calendar has the month-by-month details.
Where the trips go
Mosquito Lagoon, inside Canaveral National Seashore, is the heart of inshore fishing here. Redfish are catch-and-release in the lagoon. The Indian River and Halifax River offer docks, oyster bars and mangroves that stay fishable on windy days. Ponce Inlet, just north of town, is the gateway to the Atlantic for offshore trips and a hot spot for jacks and redfish.
Make a day of it
Many visitors pair a morning charter with an afternoon on the beach. New Smyrna Beach has a wide, drivable beach and a relaxed downtown with places to eat, so it is easy to fish early and spend the rest of the day nearby. A morning inshore trip also leaves plenty of time to drive back to Orlando the same day.
Where to stay and what’s nearby
Most trips meet near the North Causeway, a few minutes from Flagler Avenue. Your captain or guide confirms the exact meeting spot before the trip.
- Inshore, reef and offshore trips: Hampton Inn New Smyrna Beach and SpringHill Suites by Marriott New Smyrna Beach are on Flagler Avenue, close to the meeting point and the beach.
Getting here: Orlando Sanford (SFB) is closest; Orlando International (MCO) is about an hour away.
Off the water: See “Make a day of it” above for ideas off the water.
Hotels are listed for convenience; iOutdoors isn’t affiliated with them.
Good to know before you book
- Licenses are covered. Every trip runs under the captain's charter license, so guests don't need their own.
- Group size: inshore boats take 4–6 guests and prices vary with group size. Offshore trips are one price for up to 6 guests.
- Weather: if the captain cancels for weather, you get a full refund or a free reschedule.
- Coming from Orlando? Plan on about an hour's drive from Orlando International (MCO), or 35–40 minutes from Orlando Sanford (SFB).
New Smyrna Beach fishing questions
How much does a fishing charter in New Smyrna Beach cost?
Inshore trips start at $500 for 4 hours, and the final price depends on your group size. Reef trips start at $700 for 5 hours. Offshore trips start at $1,000 for 5 hours, one price for up to 6 guests. The booking calendar shows the exact price for your date and trip length.
What's included in a New Smyrna Beach fishing charter?
Every saltwater trip includes a licensed captain, a fishing license for each guest, rods, reels and tackle, bait, fuel, ice and a cooler, and fish cleaning at the dock. Not included: the captain's tip (10–20% is customary), food and drinks. Freshwater bass trips include the guide, bass boat, fuel, tackle and artificial lures, but not the fishing license or live shiners.
How many people can go on one trip?
Inshore boats take up to 4–6 guests, depending on the boat. Reef and offshore trips take up to 6 guests.
Which trip should I book: inshore, reef or offshore?
Inshore is best for kids, beginners and calm water, with redfish, trout and snook on the flats. Reef fishing is a good first ocean trip for families who want fish for dinner. Offshore is for experienced anglers chasing bigger fish like kingfish, mahi-mahi and sailfish. For freshwater, a bass trip on the St. Johns River targets trophy largemouth bass and crappie.
Where do New Smyrna Beach fishing trips leave from?
Most trips meet at 164 Causeway N, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169. Your captain confirms the exact meeting spot and departure time with you directly before the trip.
Do I need a fishing license?
Not for saltwater trips: inshore, reef and offshore trips run under the captain's charter license, which covers all guests. Bass trips are freshwater, so each angler 16 or older needs a Florida freshwater fishing license unless exempt.
What should I bring on a fishing trip?
Polarized sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, a light rain jacket, water and snacks, non-marking shoes, and a phone or camera in a dry bag. On offshore trips, bring seasickness medicine if you need it.
What happens if the weather is bad?
If the captain cancels for weather or seas, 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.
Are fishing charters good for kids and first-timers?
Yes. Inshore trips stay in calm, protected water, and reef trips are a good first ocean trip. The captain baits hooks and helps you every step of the way, so no experience is needed.
Can we keep the fish we catch?
Yes, for many species, within FWC size and bag limits, and the captain cleans your catch at the dock. Redfish are catch-and-release in Mosquito Lagoon; north of the South Causeway you may keep 1 per person, 18–27 inches.
When is the best time to book a New Smyrna Beach fishing trip?
Fishing is good all year. Fall is the standout, with bull redfish inshore and sailfish and kingfish offshore. Summer brings tarpon inshore and mahi-mahi offshore.
