Hey there, angler! Ready to wet a line in some of Florida's sweetest inshore spots? Grab your hat and sunscreen, because we're heading out for 5 hours of non-stop fishing action in New Smyrna Beach. This isn't your average day on the water – we're talking world-class inshore fishing that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. From the legendary Mosquito Lagoon to the hidden honey holes only the locals know, we're hitting all the hot spots where the fish are biting. Whether you're after a bull redfish or a monster trout, Inland Fishing Charters has got you covered. Best part? We handle all the gear, bait, and even sort out your fishing license. All you gotta do is show up ready to have a blast!
Listen up, because here's the scoop on your day with us. We'll kick things off bright and early, meeting you at the dock with everything you need for a killer day of fishing. Our skiffs are set up for inshore fishing success – think shallow draft boats that can sneak into those skinny water spots where the big boys like to hide. We'll cruise through Mosquito Lagoon, known as the "Redfish Capital of the World," and hit up some prime fishing grounds that most tourists never even hear about. Expect to do a mix of sight fishing in crystal clear flats and working structure like oyster beds and mangrove shorelines. And don't worry if you're new to this – our guides are patient teachers who'll have you casting like a pro in no time.
Alright, let's talk technique. In these parts, we're all about light tackle and artificial lures. We'll show you how to work a soft plastic on a jighead to tempt those wary sea trout, or maybe flip a topwater plug for explosive redfish strikes. When the tide's right, we might even pole the flats, sneaking up on tailing reds – it's like hunting, but on the water. And if the snook are running, get ready for some serious drag-screaming action. We use top-notch gear, but the real secret sauce is local knowledge. Our guides know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're tuned into the seasonal patterns that put fish in the boat. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time holding a rod, we'll make sure you're in the right spot at the right time.
Let's break down the heavy hitters you might tangle with on this trip. First up, the redfish – these copper-colored brutes are the pride of Mosquito Lagoon. They can grow to over 40 inches and put up a fight that'll test your arms and your drag. Look for their tails waving above the water as they root for crabs in the shallows. Spring and fall are prime time, but you can catch 'em year-round here.
Sea trout are another local favorite. These spotted beauties are known for their soft mouths and acrobatic jumps. They love to hang around seagrass beds and ambush bait fish. The bigger ones, what we call "gator trout," can top 5 pounds and give any light tackle angler a run for their money. Dawn and dusk are magic hours for trout fishing.
Snook are the rockstars of inshore fishing. These line-sided predators are smart, strong, and notoriously picky. But when they hit, hold on tight! They love to hang around structure and will often make blistering runs back to their hidey-holes. The bite is best in the warmer months, especially around the new and full moons.
Tarpon, the "silver king," might make an appearance if you're lucky. These prehistoric giants can top 100 pounds in our waters. They're known for their gill-rattling jumps and blistering speed. Hooking one is thrilling; landing one is an accomplishment you'll never forget. Late spring through summer is prime tarpon time.
Don't overlook the ladyfish, either. These high-flying, acrobatic fish might not be dinner table fare, but they're a blast on light tackle. They school up and can provide non-stop action when you find them. Perfect for keeping the rod bent between shots at the bigger game.
Folks, I've been guiding these waters for years, and I still get pumped every time I head out. There's something special about New Smyrna Beach fishing that keeps anglers coming back year after year. Maybe it's the thrill of sight-casting to a tailing redfish in gin-clear water. Or the heart-stopping moment when a big snook blasts your topwater lure. Could be the peaceful solitude of poling through the lagoon at sunrise, or the camaraderie of swapping fish stories over a cold drink at day's end. Whatever it is, this place has a way of getting under your skin. And with Inland Fishing Charters, you're not just getting a fishing trip – you're getting a backstage pass to one of Florida's best-kept angling secrets.
Look, I could go on all day about the fishing here, but nothing beats experiencing it for yourself. This 5-hour trip with Inland Fishing Charters is your ticket to some of the best inshore action Florida has to offer. We've got the knowledge, we've got the gear, and we've got the spots – all you need to bring is your sense of adventure. Whether you're looking to bend a rod, learn some new techniques, or just enjoy a day on beautiful water, we've got you covered. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Give us a call or hit that "Book Now" button – your New Smyrna Beach fishing adventure is waiting!
Ladyfish might not be the glamour species, but they're a blast on light tackle. These long, slender fish typically run 12-20 inches and put on an acrobatic show when hooked. We find them in the lagoon year-round, often in schools busting bait on the surface. They'll hit just about any lure, but small jigs and spoons work great. Ladyfish aren't much for eating, but they make excellent cut bait for other species. Kids especially love catching ladyfish - their jumping antics are always exciting. My favorite way to target them is with ultralight gear. use a fast retrieve to trigger strikes, and hold on when they go airborne. They might be considered a "trash fish" by some, but I always enjoy the scrappy fight of a ladyfish.
Redfish are one of our most popular targets, and for good reason. These bronze bruisers put up a great fight and taste delicious. We find them tailing in shallow water, often so shallow their backs are out of the water. They love to cruise along oyster bars and mangroves, looking for crabs and small fish. Reds typically run 18-27 inches in the slot, but we occasionally hook into bull reds over 40 inches. Fall is prime time as the reds school up, but we catch them year-round. Sight fishing for tailing reds is a rush - you have to make a precise cast without spooking them. My go-to lure is a gold spoon, but live shrimp are hard to beat. When you see that spot on their tail, you know you've got a redfish on the line.
Speckled trout are a staple of inshore fishing here. These spotted predators typically run 15-20 inches and love to hang around grass flats and oyster bars. We catch them year-round but the bite really heats up in fall and winter. Trout will hit just about any lure, but I'm partial to soft plastics under a popping cork. The key is a slow, twitching retrieve. When you find one trout, there's usually more nearby. They're not the biggest fighters, but they make up for it by being so tasty. Nothing beats fresh trout on the grill. My favorite local trick is to fish the edges of the flats on a falling tide - the trout stack up to ambush bait getting pulled off the grass.
Snook are one of the most exciting inshore game fish we have here in New Smyrna. These silver-sided predators typically run 24-36 inches and put up an acrobatic fight when hooked. You'll find them lurking around mangroves, docks, and other structure in the lagoon, especially during warmer months. Snook are ambush feeders, so I like to work lures or live bait right along the edges of cover. They're not the easiest fish to fool, which is part of the fun. Land a big snook and you've really accomplished something. Pro tip: Use a fluorocarbon leader to improve your odds - snook have excellent eyesight and can be line-shy. Whether you keep one for dinner or practice catch-and-release, hooking into a snook is always a thrill.
Tarpon are the silver kings of inshore fishing. These prehistoric-looking beasts can top 100 pounds and put on an aerial show like no other when hooked. We find them in the lagoon and along the beaches, with the best action from spring through fall. Tarpon feed on mullet, crabs, and other baitfish. Live bait works great, but watching one inhale a topwater lure is hard to beat. Just be ready for some gym-class acrobatics once they feel the hook. Tarpon have bony mouths, so getting a solid hookset can be tricky. My advice is to bow to the king when they jump - lower your rod tip to give them slack so they don't throw the hook. Landing a tarpon is a real achievement and makes for some epic photos. These chrome-plated freight trains will test your tackle and your stamina.
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