Family-Friendly Inshore Fishing in New Smyrna Beach

Published Date: August 19, 2025
Fishing

New Smyrna Beach
$350 - $450 price range

Summary

New Smyrna Beach offers a fantastic inshore fishing experience for families in the calm waters of Mosquito Lagoon. This 5-hour charter is perfect for up to 2 guests, making it an ideal outing for parents and kids or a couple looking for a laid-back day on the water. You'll be targeting popular local species like Redfish and Sea Trout, with all the gear and licenses provided. The captain tailors the trip to your skill level, so whether you're completely new to fishing or have some experience, you'll feel comfortable and learn something new. It's a hands-on adventure where everyone gets to participate, from baiting hooks to reeling in catches. The relaxed pace and sheltered waters make this trip especially great for introducing kids to fishing or for adults who prefer a gentler outing. Remember, while the experience is designed to be easygoing, the excitement of hooking a fish is still very real!

Family-Friendly Inshore Fishing in New Smyrna Beach

Inshore Catches & Smiles

A person fishing at the beach in New Smyrna Beach

Mosquito Lagoon Guide for all skill levels!

Caught our Sea Trout Limits today!!

Catching Redfish in Mosquito Lagoon, FL

Two anglers fishing in Florida with two fish

Sea Trout Fishing In Florida

Family-Friendly Fishing in New Smyrna Beach

Get ready for a day of laid-back angling in the calm waters of Mosquito Lagoon. This 5-hour trip is perfect for families looking to bond over some good old-fashioned fishing fun. Whether you're teaching the kids to cast or just want to enjoy a relaxing day on the water, our New Smyrna Beach inshore charter has you covered. We'll target some local favorites like redfish and sea trout, with plenty of chances for everyone to reel in a catch.

Trip Overview

Our family-friendly inshore fishing trip is all about having a good time and maybe landing a few fish along the way. We'll cruise the protected waters of Mosquito Lagoon, known for its abundant marine life and scenic beauty. This trip is ideal for up to 2 guests, making it perfect for a parent-child outing or a couple looking for a low-key fishing adventure. Don't worry if you're new to fishing - our captain will tailor the experience to your skill level and make sure everyone has a blast.

What to Expect on the Water

We keep things simple on this trip. All the gear you need is provided, including rods, reels, and bait. Your captain will handle the licenses too, so you can focus on the fun part - fishing! We use light tackle techniques that are easy for beginners to pick up. You might try live bait fishing, casting lures, or even sight fishing if conditions are right. The calm waters make it comfortable for everyone, and there's always something to see, from dolphins playing to birds diving for their lunch.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Folks love our New Smyrna Beach inshore trips because they're low-pressure and high-reward. There's no long run to the fishing grounds - we're in prime territory almost as soon as we leave the dock. The variety of fish keeps things interesting, and there's always a chance of hooking into something unexpected. Parents appreciate how patient our guides are with kids, and how we make sure everyone gets a turn at the rod. It's not just about the fish - it's about making memories on the water.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Snook: These hard-fighting fish are a favorite among local anglers. Snook love to hang around structure, so we'll often target them near mangroves or docks. They're known for their explosive strikes and powerful runs. The best time to catch snook is during the warmer months, especially at night or early morning. Anglers love the challenge of outsmarting these wary fish.

Tarpon: Known as the "silver king," tarpon are one of the most exciting fish to catch in Florida. These prehistoric-looking fish can grow over 100 pounds and are famous for their acrobatic leaps when hooked. We typically see tarpon in the lagoon during the late spring and summer. Even if you don't land one, just seeing a tarpon roll at the surface is a thrill.

Sea Trout: Also called spotted seatrout, these fish are a staple of inshore fishing in New Smyrna Beach. They're abundant year-round but tend to be most active in the cooler months. Sea trout are fun to catch on light tackle and make for great eating if you decide to keep a few. Kids love catching trout because they're not too difficult to hook and put up a good fight for their size.

Redfish: Red drum, or redfish, are arguably the most popular inshore species in our area. They're known for their copper color and distinctive spot near the tail. Redfish can be caught year-round, but fall is prime time when they school up in big numbers. Sight fishing for tailing reds in shallow water is an exciting experience that even novice anglers can enjoy.

Ladyfish: Often called the "poor man's tarpon," ladyfish are small but mighty. These fish are known for their energetic fights and acrobatic jumps. They're not prized for eating, but they're a blast to catch, especially for kids or beginners. Ladyfish are around all year and are often caught while targeting other species. They're a great confidence builder for new anglers.

Time to Book Your Spot

Our New Smyrna Beach inshore fishing trip is more than just a chance to catch fish - it's an opportunity to create lasting family memories. With calm waters, patient guides, and plenty of fish to target, it's the perfect introduction to the world of angling. Whether you're looking to teach the kids, enjoy a relaxing day on the water, or just try something new, this trip has something for everyone. Remember, spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. So why wait? Grab your sunscreen, pack some snacks, and let's go fishing! Book your trip today and get ready for a day of fun, laughter, and maybe even a few fish stories to tell.

Learn more about the species

Ladyfish

Ladyfish may not be the biggest catch, but they're some of the most fun. These skinny, silver bullets usually run 1-3 pounds and put on an acrobatic show when hooked. You'll find them in schools around inlets and beaches, often feeding on the surface. They'll hit just about anything that moves. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they follow bait migrations. Anglers love ladyfish for their aggressive strikes and aerial leaps. They're great on light tackle or fly gear. I like using small jigs or spoons - just reel fast and hang on! Work the edges of bait schools for best results. While not considered good eating, ladyfish make excellent cut bait for other species. They're also a blast for kids or beginners looking to bend a rod. Just watch those teeth when unhooking them.

Redfish

Redfish, or reds, are one of our most popular inshore targets. They typically run 3-10 pounds but can get much bigger. You'll find them tailing in shallow grass flats or cruising mangrove shorelines. Look for their copper color and distinctive tail spots. Reds feed on crabs, shrimp, and small fish. They're most active in cooler months but can be caught year-round. Anglers love sight fishing for them - spotting a tailing red gets the adrenaline going. Once hooked, they make powerful runs. I like using soft plastics or cut bait on a light jig head. Work it slowly along the bottom. For tailing fish, a weedless spoon is tough to beat. Cast beyond them and drag it into their path. Redfish make excellent table fare, with a sweet, mild flavor. Just be sure to check size limits, as regulations can change.

Sea Trout

Sea trout, or specks as we call 'em, are a staple of inshore fishing here. Most run 1-3 pounds, but gator trout over 5 pounds aren't uncommon. You'll find them over grass flats and around oyster bars in 2-6 feet of water. They're ambush predators, so look for them sitting in potholes or along edges. Spring and fall are prime seasons as water temps are mild. Trout are fun on light tackle and make for great eating. They have soft mouths, so a gentle hookset is key. I like using soft plastics under a popping cork - the noise draws them in. Work it with subtle twitches. For bigger trout, try topwater lures at dawn and dusk. The surface strikes are a blast. Remember to handle them carefully if releasing, as they're delicate fish.

Snook

Snook are a prized inshore catch around here, typically ranging from 5-15 pounds. You'll find them lurking around mangroves, docks, and other structure in the shallows. They love ambushing bait, so look for them in current seams and eddies. Spring and fall are prime seasons as water temperatures change. Anglers love snook for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll leap clear out of the water when hooked. These fish are crafty, so stealth is key. I like using live bait like pilchards or pinfish on a light fluorocarbon leader. Work it slowly past likely holding spots. Be ready for explosive hits! While they're catch-and-release only most of the year, snook are considered excellent table fare during open seasons. Just remember to handle them carefully if you're releasing.

Tarpon

Tarpon are the silver kings of inshore fishing around here. These prehistoric beasts can reach over 100 pounds and put on an aerial show like no other. You'll find them rolling in the shallows and channels, especially in late spring and summer as they migrate. Tarpon feed on mullet, crabs, and other baitfish. The thrill is in the hunt and hookup - sight fishing for cruising tarpon gets the heart pounding. Once hooked, be ready for spectacular leaps and long runs. Light tackle anglers love the challenge. I prefer using live bait like mullet or crabs, but artificials work too. When you see a pod of tarpon, lead them with your cast and let the bait sink. The strike is often subtle, so stay alert. While not known as great eating, tarpon are strictly catch-and-release. Bring a camera to capture the memories of battling these bucket list gamefish.

About the Inland Fishing Charters

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki engine

Maximum Cruising Speed: 35

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 140

Hop aboard for a relaxed 5-hour fishing trip in the calm waters of Mosquito Lagoon near New Smyrna Beach. This family-friendly charter is perfect for up to 2 guests looking to reel in some local favorites like Redfish and Sea Trout. No need to worry about gear - all rods, bait, and licenses are provided, so you can focus on having fun. Whether you're new to fishing or just enjoy a casual day on the water, the captain will tailor the experience to suit your group. Kids and adults alike will get hands-on instruction and plenty of opportunities to cast a line. It's a great way to spend quality time together, learn some new skills, and hopefully catch a few fish along the way. The laid-back atmosphere makes this an ideal outing for beginners or those who prefer a more relaxed approach to angling. Just remember, deposits can't be refunded, so choose your date wisely!

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