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Elite Surf Fishing at New Smyrna Beach
- Published Date: August 19, 2025
- Fishing
- New Smyrna Beach, FL
- $300 price range
Summary
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Surf Fishing Action Shots
Feisty sharpnose catch on Florida surf!
Solid speckled trout from the Florida surf!
Lively sharpnose catch in Florida surf!
Fierce barracuda catch offshore Florida!
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Proud whiting catch on New Smyrna Beach!
Powerful surf shark catch in New Smyrna Beach!
Epic pompano catch on New Smyrna Beach!
Epic double pompano catch in New Smyrna Beach!
Massive mako shark catch on the Florida surf!
Feisty sharpnose catch on Florida surf!
Solid speckled trout from the Florida surf!
Lively sharpnose catch in Florida surf!
Fierce barracuda catch offshore Florida!
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Proud whiting catch on New Smyrna Beach!
Powerful surf shark catch in New Smyrna Beach!
Epic pompano catch on New Smyrna Beach!
Epic double pompano catch in New Smyrna Beach!
Massive mako shark catch on the Florida surf!
Feisty sharpnose catch on Florida surf!
Solid speckled trout from the Florida surf!
Lively sharpnose catch in Florida surf!
Fierce barracuda catch offshore Florida!
New Smyrna Beach: Surf Fishing Paradise
Get ready to hit the sand and surf at New Smyrna Beach for a top-notch fishing experience with Captain Chris of Reel Healin Outdoors. This 4-hour morning charter is tailor-made for skilled anglers looking to test their mettle against some of Florida's most prized inshore species. With room for up to 4 guests, you'll have prime access to productive fishing zones as the sun rises over the Atlantic. It's time to grab your rod, dig your toes in the sand, and see what's biting in these fish-rich waters.
What's the Deal?
Picture this: You're standing on the pristine shores of New Smyrna Beach, the gentle crash of waves providing the soundtrack to your morning. As the first light breaks over the horizon, you'll be gearing up with premium tackle, ready to cast your line into the surf. Captain Chris knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's all about putting you on the fish. Whether you're after the powerful pull of a Snook, the stubborn fight of a Redfish, or the delicate bite of a Pompano, this trip's got you covered. It's not just fishing – it's a chance to hone your skills, learn new techniques, and maybe even land that catch of a lifetime.
Surf Fishing 101
Surf fishing is an art, and New Smyrna Beach is your canvas. You'll be using specialized long rods designed to launch bait beyond the breakers where the big ones lurk. Captain Chris will show you how to read the beach, identifying sand bars, troughs, and rip currents where fish tend to congregate. You'll learn to feel the bite through the surge of the waves and master the timing of setting the hook. Expect to use a mix of live bait and artificial lures, depending on what's working best that day. And don't worry about gear – the charter provides top-quality rods, reels, and tackle to give you the best shot at success.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Black Drum: These bruisers are the heavyweight champions of the surf. Known for their distinctive "croaking" sound, Black Drum can grow to over 100 pounds. They're bottom feeders with a soft spot for crabs and shrimp. The best time to target them is during the cooler months, from October through May. When you hook one, be ready for a workout – these fish don't give up easily.
White Catfish: Don't let their size fool you – these feisty fish punch above their weight class. Usually weighing in at 1-2 pounds, White Catfish are abundant in the inshore waters around New Smyrna Beach. They're active year-round but really turn on during the warmer months. Anglers love targeting them for their aggressive strikes and tasty fillets.
Redfish: Also known as Red Drum, these copper-colored beauties are a staple of inshore fishing. They're known for their distinctive spot near the tail and can range from "puppy drum" size up to bull reds over 40 inches. Fall is prime time for Redfish, as they school up for their annual spawn. The "thump" of a Redfish taking your bait is an unforgettable feeling.
Blacktip Shark: For an adrenaline rush, nothing beats hooking into a Blacktip Shark. These acrobatic predators are known for their spectacular leaps when hooked. They typically range from 4-5 feet long and provide an exciting fight on lighter tackle. Summer months are best for targeting Blacktips, as they follow baitfish close to shore.
Crevalle Jack: If you're looking for a fish that pulls like a freight train, look no further than the Crevalle Jack. These hard-fighting fish travel in schools and can turn a peaceful morning into chaos when they blitz through a bait pod. They're most active in the warmer months and will test both your gear and your stamina.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
New Smyrna Beach isn't just another fishing spot – it's a angler's playground. The mix of species, the challenge of reading the surf, and the potential for that trophy catch keep fishermen coming back year after year. With Captain Chris's expert guidance, you're not just casting into the dark – you're fishing with purpose, armed with local knowledge that can make the difference between a good day and a great one. Plus, there's something special about fishing as the sun comes up, with the whole beach to yourself and the promise of what the tide might bring in.
Time to Book Your Spot
Listen, if you're serious about your fishing and want to experience some of the best surf action New Smyrna Beach has to offer, this trip's calling your name. Captain Chris of Reel Healin Outdoors has put together a package that ticks all the boxes – prime fishing time, expert guidance, and top-notch gear. Just remember to bring your Florida fishing license, some snacks, and your A-game. With only 4 spots available, these trips fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Don't let this one slip through your fingers – book now and get ready to make some waves (and hopefully land some lunkers) on your next New Smyrna Beach fishing adventure. Trust me, your future self will thank you when you're reeling in that monster from the surf.
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, often reaching 30 pounds or more. You'll find them in shallow, brackish waters around oyster beds and mudflats. They're bottom feeders, using their strong jaws to crush shellfish and crabs. Spring's your best bet for catching them, as they school up to spawn. Anglers love 'em for their powerful fight and distinctive drumming sound. To land one, try using fresh crab or clams on a heavy bottom rig. A local trick? Fish the outgoing tide near creek mouths – that's when they're most active. Just remember, the bigger ones can be tough eating, so consider releasing any over 15 pounds. The smaller ones, though? They're some of the tastiest fish you'll ever grill up.
Blacktip Shark
Blacktip Sharks are the acrobats of our local waters, known for their impressive leaps when hooked. They average around 5 feet long and cruise our nearshore waters, especially during warmer months. You'll often spot them chasing bait schools close to the beach or around inlets. Anglers target them for their strong runs and aerial displays – it's like hooking a missile! To catch one, use oily fish like mackerel or mullet on a heavy-duty rig. Here's a tip: chum the water to bring them in close, but be ready for a fast strike. Remember, these are catch-and-release only in Florida waters, so have your camera ready for a quick photo before sending them back. It's an exciting fight that'll get your heart racing!
Crevalle Jack
Crevalle Jack, or "jacks" as we call 'em, are the bulldogs of our local waters. These powerful fish usually run 3-5 pounds but can hit 30+ pounds offshore. You'll find them busting up bait schools near the surface, often giving themselves away with birds diving above. They're here year-round but really fire up in summer. Anglers love 'em for their aggressive strikes and bulldog fighting style. To catch one, look for diving birds and cast silver spoons or topwater plugs into the fray. Here's a local trick: when you see them feeding, cast beyond the school and retrieve fast – they love the chase. Just a heads up, they're not great eating, so most folks release 'em after the fight. But man, what a fight it is!
Redfish
Redfish, or Red Drum, are a New Smyrna Beach favorite. These copper-colored beauties with their signature tail spot typically run 20-30 inches in our waters. You'll find them in shallow flats, around oyster beds, and near mangroves – anywhere from 1 to 4 feet deep. They're year-round targets, but fall's especially good when they school up. Anglers love 'em for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. To hook one, try live shrimp or mullet, or throw some topwater lures in the shallows. Here's a local secret: look for their tails sticking out of the water on low tides – it's called "tailing" and it's a dead giveaway. Just remember, they're strictly regulated, so know your size limits before you keep one.
White Catfish
White Catfish are the underdogs of our local waters. They're on the smaller side, usually 1-2 pounds, but can surprise you with a 10-pounder now and then. You'll find them in sluggish freshwater spots – think ponds, slow-moving rivers, and backwaters. They're bottom feeders, so muddy areas are their favorite hangouts. These guys are most active at dusk and into the night, making them perfect for evening fishing trips. Anglers dig 'em because they're a bit of a rarity and put up a good fight for their size. To catch one, try using worms or chicken liver on the bottom. Here's a pro tip: use a small, sharp hook – their mouths are pretty soft. And don't forget, they've got a serrated spine, so handle with care!
