World-Class Inshore Fishing at New Smyrna Beach

Published Date: July 18, 2025
Fishing

New Smyrna Beach, FL
$400 - $600 price range

Summary

Looking for a great day of fishing in New Smyrna Beach? Capt. Matt's got you covered with his 5-hour charter trips on Mosquito Lagoon. He knows these waters like the back of his hand and provides all the gear you'll need. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, Capt. Matt will put you on the fish. You might hook into flounder, snook, tarpon, and more - there's always something biting in these rich waters. The trip is perfect for two people, but there's room for a third if you want to bring along a friend. Capt. Matt's easygoing style and local knowledge make for a relaxed day on the water, but don't be fooled - he's serious about finding fish. You'll come away with some great stories, maybe a cooler full of dinner, and definitely some new fishing skills. It's a hands-on experience that gives you a real taste of Florida's coastal fishing scene. Book a trip with Capt. Matt and see why locals and visitors alike keep coming back for more.

World-Class Inshore Fishing at New Smyrna Beach

Rods Bent, Lines Tight

Reeling 'em in by the lake.

Hooked some keepers on the water today.

Photo of a large redfish caught while fishing in FL

Catch of the day! Redfish

Reel in the Action: New Smyrna Beach Fishing

Hey there, fellow anglers! Ready to hit the water for some serious fish-slaying action? Capt. Matt here, and I'm stoked to take you out on a 5-hour fishing adventure you won't forget. We'll be cruising the legendary Mosquito Lagoon, known as the "Redfish Capital of the World." But don't let the name fool you – we're after way more than just reds. From sneaky snook to high-flying tarpon, this fishery's got it all. So grab your hat and sunscreen, 'cause we're about to get into some rod-bending fun!

What's the Deal?

Picture this: You're gliding across glassy waters, the sun's just peeking over the horizon, and the smell of salt's in the air. That's how we kick things off on our New Smyrna Beach fishing charters. I've got room for you and a buddy (or two if you want to squeeze in a third), and we'll spend a solid 5 hours chasing whatever's biting. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line, I've got you covered. All the gear's provided, so just bring yourself and maybe a snack or two. We'll hit all my secret spots in Mosquito Lagoon, sight-fishing for tailing reds or working the mangroves for snook. And hey, if a tarpon decides to crash the party, hold on tight!

Fishing Know-How

Alright, let's talk tactics. In Mosquito Lagoon, we're all about finesse. We'll be using light tackle and artificial lures most of the time – think soft plastics, topwater plugs, and maybe even fly gear if that's your jam. I'll show you how to work a jig through the grass flats or walk-the-dog with a Zara Spook. Sight-fishing's the name of the game here, so keep those eyes peeled for pushes, wakes, or tailing fish. When we spot one, it's all about the perfect cast and a smooth retrieve. Don't worry if you're new to this – I'll coach you through every step. And trust me, there's nothing like watching a big red explode on your lure in skinny water. It's what keeps anglers coming back to these parts year after year.

The Usual Suspects

Now, let's break down the fish we're after. First up, the mighty redfish. These copper-colored brawlers are the stars of Mosquito Lagoon. They love hanging in shallow water, often with their tails sticking up as they root for crabs. Reds can range from "rat reds" around 18 inches to bull reds over 40 inches. Fall's prime time for the big boys, but we catch 'em year-round.

Next, we've got snook. These line-sides are ambush predators with a serious attitude. They love to hang around structure – docks, mangroves, you name it. Snook fishing's all about accuracy and finesse. Land your bait in the right spot, and hold on tight! These guys are known for explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps. Spring and fall are your best bet for snook.

Tarpon, the silver king, is the ultimate game fish. These prehistoric beasts can top 100 pounds in our waters. When a tarpon goes airborne, it's a sight you'll never forget. They start showing up in late spring and stick around through summer. Landing one's tough, but even hooking up is a thrill.

Don't sleep on the sea trout, either. These spotted beauties are a blast on light tackle and make for some tasty table fare. We catch 'em year-round, but winter's when the gator trout come out to play.

Last but not least, Southern flounder. These flatfish might not look like much, but they put up a sneaky good fight and taste amazing. We usually find 'em in deeper holes or along channel edges. Fall's the prime time for doormat-sized flounder.

Time to Lock It In

Look, I could go on all day about the fishing here, but nothing beats experiencing it firsthand. Whether you're looking to bend a rod, learn some new techniques, or just enjoy a day on the water, I've got you covered. Mosquito Lagoon's fishery is world-class, and I'm itching to show you why. So what do you say? Let's get that trip on the books and make some fishing memories. The fish are waiting, and the bite's hot – don't miss out on your chance to get in on the action. Give me a shout, and let's go catch 'em up!

Learn more about the species

Redfish

Southern flounder are the ninjas of our waters. These flat ambush predators blend in perfectly with sandy or muddy bottoms, often in depths of 3-10 feet. We catch them year-round, but fall is prime as they migrate to spawn. Anglers love flounder for their fight and fantastic table fare. To target them, try slow-trolling or drifting with live bait like finger mullet or mud minnows. My local tip: When you feel that distinctive "thump," don't set the hook right away. Give the flounder a few seconds to fully take the bait, then reel down and lift steadily.

Sea Trout

Sea trout are a staple in our waters year-round. These speckled beauties average 15-20 inches and love to hang around grass flats and oyster bars. Dawn and dusk are prime feeding times, especially on moving tides. Anglers enjoy targeting sea trout for their aggressive strikes and delicious meat. To catch them, try working a popping cork rig with live shrimp or soft plastics over grassy areas. My local tip: Look for slicks on the water's surface - that's often a sign of trout feeding below. Cast into those areas and hold on tight!

Snook

Snook are one of our most prized gamefish here. These sleek predators average 24-34 inches but can top 40 inches in our waters. You'll find them lurking around mangroves, docks, and inlet jetties, ready to ambush prey. Spring and fall are peak seasons as snook move between inshore and nearshore waters. Anglers target them for their acrobatic jumps and hard-charging runs. To entice a strike, try working a soft plastic jerk bait or live bait like mullet or pinfish along structure. My local tip: Fish the outgoing tide at night around lighted docks - snook can't resist the bait attracted to those lights. Just be ready for explosive hits!

Southern Flounder

Redfish are a blast to catch in our shallow waters. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 20-30 inches and put up a great fight. You'll find them tailing in grass flats or cruising near oyster bars, especially on incoming tides. Fall and spring are prime seasons, but we catch them year-round. Anglers love targeting redfish for their hard pulls and excellent table fare. To hook into one, try sight-casting with a gold spoon or scented soft plastic. My local tip: Look for those tell-tale "pushes" of water as redfish root around in shallow areas. Cast ahead of the movement and hang on tight - when a red takes your bait, you'll know it!

Tarpon

Tarpon are the silver kings of our waters. These prehistoric beasts can reach 6 feet and 150 pounds, putting on aerial displays that'll leave you in awe. We find them rolling in deeper channels and around bridges from late spring through summer. Anglers come from all over to battle these giants on light tackle. To hook up, try drifting live mullet or crabs, or casting big topwater plugs. Tarpon fishing isn't easy, but that's what makes it so rewarding. My local tip: Watch for tarpon "daisy-chaining" near the surface - when you see that, get ready for some of the most exciting fishing of your life!

About the Sundance (Skiff)

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 40

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 140

Get ready for an awesome day of fishing in the beautiful Mosquito Lagoon with Captain Matt as your guide! This 5-hour charter trip out of New Smyrna Beach is perfect for both experienced anglers and newbies looking to learn the ropes. Captain Matt knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on the fish, whether you're after flounder, snook, tarpon, or other local species. He provides all the quality gear you'll need, so just bring yourself and be ready for some action. With room for up to 3 people, it's a great way to spend a day on the water with friends or family. Captain Matt's expertise and easygoing personality make for a fun, relaxed atmosphere where you can really enjoy the fishing and scenery. Don't pass up this chance to reel in some amazing catches and make some cool memories out on the lagoon!

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