Learn Surf Fishing in New Smyrna Beach

Published Date: August 19, 2025
Fishing

New Smyrna Beach, FL
$300 price range

Summary

Join Captain Chris of Reel Healin Outdoors for a laid-back morning of surf fishing in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. This 4-hour trip is perfect if you're new to the sport or want to brush up on your skills. You'll be casting right from the beach, aiming for local favorites like Pompano, Whiting, and Bluefish. The captain provides all the gear and know-how, so you can focus on enjoying the peaceful coastal vibes and improving your technique. He'll teach you the ins and outs of surf casting, how to present your bait just right, and the proper way to handle your catch. It's a great way to spend a morning, with room for up to 4 people to join in. Just remember to bring your Florida fishing license, some snacks, and drinks. The sand, surf, and potential for a good catch await – it's a cool way to experience the local fishing scene without needing a boat.

Beachside Fishing Action

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Two anglers enjoying a fishing trip in FL

Proud whiting catch on New Smyrna Beach!

Caught a 23-inch Atlantic Sharpnose Shark while fishing at New Smyrna Beach

Powerful surf shark catch in New Smyrna Beach!

A single permit fish being caught while fishing in New Smyrna Beach

Epic pompano catch on New Smyrna Beach!

Catch the Surf Fishing Bug in New Smyrna Beach

Get ready to kick off your shoes and dig your toes in the sand for a laid-back morning of surf fishing in beautiful New Smyrna Beach. Captain Chris from Reel Healin Outdoors has put together the perfect 4-hour trip for newbies looking to try their hand at this classic Florida pastime. You'll be casting right from the beach, so no worries about sea legs or boat rides. With room for up to 4 people, it's a great way to spend some quality time with family or friends while learning the ropes of surf fishing.

What to Expect on the Water

This trip is all about getting you comfortable with the basics of surf fishing. Captain Chris will set you up with quality rods and reels, and show you how to read the beach for the best spots to cast. You'll learn how to bait your hook, cast into the surf, and reel in your catch. The focus is on common local species like Pompano, Whiting, and Bluefish - all great eating fish that put up a fun fight. Don't sweat it if you've never held a fishing rod before; Captain Chris has a knack for explaining things in a way that even total beginners can understand.

Surf Fishing 101

Surf fishing is a whole different ball game from pier or boat fishing. You'll be using longer rods to cast further out into the surf, where the fish are feeding. Captain Chris will show you how to read the water, looking for sand bars and troughs where fish like to hang out. You'll learn about different rigs and baits that work best for surf fishing, and how to adjust your technique based on the conditions. One of the cool things about surf fishing is how hands-on it is - you'll be constantly moving, casting, and reeling, which keeps things interesting and active.

Top Catches This Season

While the trip description mentions targeting Pompano, Whiting, and Bluefish, New Smyrna Beach is also known for some other exciting catches. Let's break down what you might hook into:

Species You'll Want to Hook

Black Drum: These tough fighters are a favorite among surf anglers. They love hanging out near structures and in deeper holes along the beach. Black Drum can grow to impressive sizes, with some topping 50 pounds. They're most active in the cooler months, from fall through spring. When you hook one, get ready for a workout - these fish pull hard and don't give up easily.

White Catfish: While not as common in the surf, you might encounter these whisker-faced fish in the nearby inlets or river mouths. They're active year-round but bite best in warmer months. White Catfish are known for their mild, sweet flavor, making them a tasty catch if you're planning to keep your fish.

Redfish: Also known as Red Drum, these copper-colored beauties are a prized catch in Florida waters. They love cruising the surf zone, especially during their fall run. Redfish put up an impressive fight and can grow to over 40 inches long. The "spot tail" on their tail fin makes them easy to identify.

Blacktip Shark: For an adrenaline rush, nothing beats hooking into a shark from the beach. Blacktips are common in the surf during summer months. They're fast, acrobatic, and known for their impressive jumps when hooked. While you'll likely be targeting smaller species, don't be surprised if a 4-5 foot Blacktip decides to crash the party.

Crevalle Jack: These hard-fighting fish show up in schools along the beach, usually chasing bait fish. They're like silver torpedoes, known for their powerful runs that can strip line from your reel in seconds. Jacks are most common in the warmer months and provide an exciting catch for anglers of all skill levels.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

New Smyrna Beach is a surf fishing hotspot for good reason. The long, sandy beaches provide plenty of space to spread out and find your own fishing spot. The mix of species you can catch here keeps things interesting - one cast might bring in a tasty Pompano, while the next could have you battling a hard-fighting Jack. The laid-back vibe of beach fishing means you can relax and enjoy the scenery between bites. And let's be honest, there's something special about fishing with your feet in the sand and the sound of waves in your ears.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're looking to dip your toes into the world of surf fishing, this trip with Captain Chris is the way to go. You'll get hands-on experience with quality gear, expert instruction, and a good shot at reeling in some of Florida's favorite fish. Remember to grab your Florida fishing license before the trip, and don't forget to pack some snacks and drinks to keep your energy up. With a max of 4 people, spots can fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. So why not round up a few friends or family members and book your New Smyrna Beach surf fishing adventure today? It's the perfect way to spend a morning and who knows - you might just catch the surf fishing bug for life!

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black Drum are hefty fighters that'll give you a run for your money. These cousins of the Redfish usually weigh 5-30 pounds, but can hit 90 in rare cases. Look for them in brackish waters and estuaries, especially around oyster beds. They love muddy flats and shallow water, but you can find 'em down to 100 feet deep too. Spring's prime time when they school up to spawn. Black Drum are bottom-feeders, so live bait like crabs or clams is your best bet. If you're fly fishing, go for a 9-weight rod and weighted black flies. These guys make a distinctive drumming sound, so keep your ears open. For the best eating, stick to fish under 15 pounds - the big ones can be tough and not as tasty. Remember, a slow retrieve is key when you're working your bait along the bottom.

Blacktip Shark

Blacktip Sharks are a thrill to catch off New Smyrna Beach. These sleek predators usually run 4-5 feet long but can hit 9 feet and 270 pounds. Look for them in coastal waters up to 100 feet deep, often near artificial reefs or around bait schools. They're known for their acrobatic leaps and powerful runs, making them a favorite among sport fishers. Spring and summer are prime seasons when they move closer to shore. To target Blacktips, use heavy braided line (at least 50-pound test) and circle hooks. Chum the water with oily fish like mackerel or herring to draw them in. Live bait works best - try a frisky mullet or bluefish. Here's a local trick: set multiple lines at different depths to increase your chances. Just be ready for an exciting fight when one of these sharks takes the bait!

Crevalle Jack

Crevalle Jack are the bulldogs of the ocean - tough, powerful, and always ready for a fight. These golden-sided bruisers typically run 12-24 inches and 3-5 pounds, but can hit a whopping 60 pounds. You'll find them both inshore and offshore, from shallow flats to deep reefs. Keep an eye out for birds diving - that's often a sign of Jacks pushing bait to the surface. They're most active in warmer months. Crevalle Jack are suckers for fast-moving lures - try silver spoons, topwater plugs, or big streamers if you're fly fishing. Live bait like mullet or sardines works great too. These fish are pure muscle and will test your gear, so make sure you're rigged up strong. Local tip: when you spot a school, cast beyond them and retrieve quickly through the group. The competitive nature of these fish often triggers explosive strikes.

Redfish

Redfish, also known as Red Drum, are a blast to catch in the shallows around New Smyrna Beach. These bronze-colored beauties with their signature tail spot usually run 28-33 inches, but can grow much bigger offshore. Look for them in super shallow water, sometimes with their backs exposed, around oyster reefs, grass flats, and muddy bottoms. They love structure, so old piers and jetties are hotspots too. Redfish will hit just about anything when they're hungry - topwater lures, jigs, or live bait all work well. For a real thrill, try sight-casting to them in clear shallows. They put up a great fight and make excellent table fare with their mild, sweet flavor. Pro tip: when using artificial lures, a slow retrieve often works best to tempt these cautious feeders.

White Catfish

White Catfish are the little guys of the catfish world, typically weighing between half a pound to 2 pounds. Don't let their size fool you though - they can put up a good fight. You'll find them in freshwater bodies like lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers, especially areas with muddy bottoms. They're most active at dusk and into the night, so that's your best window for catching them. White Catfish are bottom feeders, so your best bet is to use live bait like worms or shrimp. If you can't get those, chicken liver works well too - these fish love anything smelly. For tackle, try bait casting or bottom fishing. Here's a local tip: let your bait float slightly off the bottom to make it easier for the catfish to detect. White Catfish might not be the biggest catch, but they're fun to target and can make for a tasty meal.

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