Hey there, angler! Ready to hit the water for some serious inshore action? Captain John Frazier's got you covered with his 3-hour New Smyrna Beach fishing charter. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned pro, this trip's gonna get your heart racing and your line singing. We're talking prime spots for Redfish, Sea Trout, Snook, and Black Drum – the heavy hitters of these parts. So grab your hat and let's dive into what makes this charter a can't-miss experience.
Picture this: you're cruising the pristine waters of New Smyrna Beach, rod in hand, with Captain John at the helm. He knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's all about putting you on the fish. You'll be using top-notch gear, so no worries if you're new to this – Captain John's got you covered. He'll show you the ropes, from baiting your hook to setting the drag just right. And if you're an old salt? Well, get ready to pick up some local tricks that'll up your game. This isn't just fishing; it's a masterclass in inshore angling, tailored to your skill level.
Alright, let's talk strategy. Inshore fishing here is all about finesse and knowing the spots. We might start by drifting live bait along oyster beds for those bulldogging Redfish, or maybe we'll sight cast to tailing Black Drum in the shallows. Captain John's always got a few tricks up his sleeve, like working topwater lures for explosive Snook strikes or slow-trolling for Sea Trout. He'll read the water, check the tides, and put you right where the action is. And the best part? You'll be picking up these skills as you go, so next time you're out, you'll have some new moves in your arsenal.
Let's break down the star players you'll be targeting on this trip:
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the local favorites. They love to hang around structure and can put up one heck of a fight. In the fall, you might even hook into a big bull red that'll make your arms ache. They're suckers for a well-presented crab or mullet, and when they hit, hold on tight!
Sea Trout: Also known as Spotted Seatrout, these guys are the bread and butter of inshore fishing. They're wily, often striking soft plastics or live shrimp. The "gator" trout (the big ones) are prized catches, and they're known for their delicate white meat. Dawn and dusk are prime time for these beauties.
Snook: Now we're talking about the rock stars of inshore fishing. Snook are ambush predators with attitude. They love to lurk around mangroves and bridges, smashing bait with explosive strikes. They're catch-and-release most of the year, but the fight alone is worth it. Snook fishing is an art, and Captain John's got it down to a science.
Black Drum: These aren't the prettiest fish in the sea, but boy, can they pull! Black Drum are bottom feeders that can grow to monster sizes. They've got a soft spot for crabs and shrimp, and when you hook a big one, it's like trying to pull a Volkswagen off the bottom. They're great eating when they're smaller, too.
Look, I've been guiding these waters for years, and I can tell you – there's something special about fishing New Smyrna Beach. Maybe it's the way the sun rises over the water, painting the sky in pinks and oranges. Or maybe it's that heart-stopping moment when a big Snook crashes your topwater lure. Whatever it is, folks who fish with us tend to get hooked themselves. They come back year after year, bringing their kids, their buddies, even their non-fishing spouses (who often end up outfishing everyone, by the way).
So, what do you say? Ready to get out there and make some memories? Captain John's 3-hour charter is the perfect way to get a taste of what New Smyrna Beach fishing is all about. Whether you're looking to bend a rod, learn some new tricks, or just enjoy a morning on the water, this trip's got you covered. And hey, you might just walk away with a new fishing story to tell (or embellish) for years to come. Don't let this one get away – book your spot now and get ready for some real inshore action. Trust me, the fish are waiting, and the water's fine. See you out there!
Black drum are the bruisers of the flats. These powerful fish can reach 90 pounds, though most we catch are in the 5-30 pound range. Look for them around oyster beds, mudflats, and creek mouths in 1-5 feet of water. Spring is prime time as they school up to spawn. Anglers love the strong, steady pull of a big drum - it's like hooking a Volkswagen. The meat of smaller ones is great eating too. To land one, use fresh crab or shrimp on a heavy bottom rig. Fish it slow and be ready for that telltale thump. Here's a local secret: listen for their distinctive croaking sound to locate schools. Once you hear it, you know you're in the right spot.
Redfish are the crown jewel of inshore fishing around here. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 20-30 inches in the shallows, but can grow much larger offshore. Look for them tailing on flats and around oyster bars in 1-3 feet of water. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn. Anglers love reds for their powerful runs and delicious meat. To hook one, try sight-casting with a gold spoon or live bait. Here's a local trick: on calm days, scan shallow flats for their distinctive V-shaped wakes. Once you spot them, a well-placed cast often triggers an explosive strike. Just be ready to hold on - even smaller reds will test your drag and your arms.
Sea trout are a staple of inshore fishing here. These spotted beauties usually run 14-24 inches and put up a spirited fight on light tackle. You'll find them over grass flats and channels in 2-6 feet of water. Fall and spring are peak seasons as water temperatures are ideal. Anglers love trout for their willingness to hit lures and tasty white meat. To catch them, try working a jig or topwater plug over grass beds early in the morning. Here's a tip: look for diving birds - they'll often lead you right to feeding trout. When you find a school, it's not uncommon to catch one on every cast. Just remember to practice catch and release with the big spawners to keep the population healthy.
Snook are one of the most exciting inshore catches around here. These sleek predators typically run 1-3 feet long and put up an amazing fight. You'll find them lurking around mangroves, docks, and other structure in shallow water. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they move between inshore and nearshore areas. Anglers love targeting snook for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic leaps when hooked. The meat is excellent too - mild and flaky. For the best shot at a trophy, fish live bait like mullet or pinfish on a medium-heavy rod during early mornings or evenings. And here's a local tip: focus on points and cuts where current is moving bait. Snook often stake out these ambush spots to nail passing prey.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki engine
Maximum Cruising Speed: 35
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 140