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Scenic Surf Fishing at New Smyrna Beach
- Published Date: August 19, 2025
- Fishing
- New Smyrna Beach, FL
- $300 price range
Summary
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Sunrise Surf Casts
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!
Sunrise Surf Fishing in New Smyrna Beach
Picture yourself on the sandy shores of New Smyrna Beach as the sun peeks over the horizon, casting a golden glow across the Atlantic. That's how your morning begins with Captain Chris of Reel Healin Outdoors on this laid-back 4-hour surf fishing charter. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just looking to wet a line, this trip offers the perfect blend of relaxation and light tackle action.
What to Expect on the Water
This isn't your typical fishing charter - we're ditching the boat and hitting the beach! You'll be wading into the gentle surf, feeling the sand between your toes as you cast into the productive waters of New Smyrna Beach. Captain Chris knows these shores like the back of his hand and will put you on the fish while sharing local knowledge and technique tips. With room for up to 4 guests, it's an ideal outing for families, friends, or even a solo trip to reconnect with nature.
Surf Fishing 101
If you've never tried surf fishing before, don't sweat it. Captain Chris will show you the ropes, from reading the beach to spotting productive holes and troughs where fish like to hang out. We'll be using light tackle setups perfect for the conditions - nothing too complicated, just good old-fashioned rod and reel action. You might find yourself tossing a sand flea baited hook, working a jig, or even sight-casting to cruising fish. The beauty of surf fishing is its simplicity and connection to the elements.
Top Catches This Season
While the trip info mentions some exciting species like Black Drum and Redfish, it's worth noting that surf fishing can be full of surprises. You never know what might decide to swim by and take a look at your bait. Pompano and Whiting are staples of New Smyrna Beach surf fishing, known for their delicious taste and fun fight on light tackle. Don't be shocked if a Jack Crevalle crashes the party - these bulldogs of the surf can turn a calm morning into an adrenaline-pumping battle in seconds!
Species You'll Want to Hook
Black Drum: These cousins of the Redfish are a surf fishing favorite. They use their whisker-like barbels to root out crabs and shrimp in the sand, making them suckers for a well-placed bait. Black Drum can range from a few pounds to over 50, giving you a shot at a true trophy from the beach. They're most active in the cooler months, making fall through spring prime time to target them.
White Catfish: Don't let the name fool you - these aren't your typical freshwater cats. Also known as "sailcats" due to their tall dorsal fin, these fish put up a scrappy fight on light tackle. They're year-round residents but seem to be more active in the warmer months. White Catfish have a mild, sweet flavor that makes them popular for the dinner table.
Redfish: Also called Red Drum, these copper-colored beauties are the crown jewels of inshore fishing. In the surf, you're likely to encounter younger "puppy drum" in the 2-10 pound range, but larger bulls do cruise the beach at times. Redfish love to root around in the sand for crabs and small fish, making them perfect targets for surf fishing. Fall is typically the best time to find Reds in the surf as they school up for their annual spawn.
Blacktip Shark: Adding some excitement to any fishing trip, Blacktips are common in the surf zone during the warmer months. These small to medium-sized sharks are known for their acrobatic jumps when hooked. While we practice catch and release with sharks, landing one of these toothy critters will definitely get your heart pumping. They typically range from 3-5 feet in length when caught from the beach.
Crevalle Jack: Pound for pound, few fish fight harder than a Jack Crevalle. These freight trains with fins show up in the surf chasing baitfish, usually in the warmer months. Even a small 5-pound Jack will test your tackle and your stamina. Keep an eye out for birds diving or bait skipping across the surface - that's often a sign that Jacks are on the prowl.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
There's something special about fishing as the world wakes up. The peaceful lapping of waves, the calls of shorebirds, and the anticipation of what might be swimming just beyond the breakers - it's a slice of paradise right here in Florida. Captain Chris has a knack for making everyone feel comfortable, whether you're a first-timer or an old salt. His local knowledge means you're not just fishing, you're learning about the ecosystem and gaining skills you can use on future beach trips.
Time to Book Your Spot
If you're looking for a fishing trip that's as much about the experience as it is about the catch, this New Smyrna Beach morning charter is calling your name. Remember to grab your Florida fishing license before the trip, and don't forget some snacks and drinks to keep you fueled up. With only 4 spots available, these sunrise sessions tend to fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. So why wait? Secure your spot with Captain Chris and get ready for a morning of laid-back angling in one of Florida's most beautiful coastal settings. Who knows, you might just reel in the catch of a lifetime - or at least some great memories and fish stories to share!
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black Drum are hefty fighters, typically weighing 5-30 pounds, though monsters over 90 pounds exist. You'll find them in shallow, brackish waters around oyster beds and mudflats. They use their powerful jaws to crush shellfish, so listen for that distinctive drumming sound. Spring's your best bet, as they school up to spawn. Anglers love 'em for the challenge and tasty meat, though stick to smaller ones under 15 pounds for the best eating. When targeting Black Drum, use fresh crab or clams on the bottom. A local trick? Try a bucktail jig tipped with shrimp – works like a charm. Just remember to use the right weight to keep your bait on the bottom where these guys feed. It's a real thrill when you hook into one of these bruisers.
Blacktip Shark
Blacktip Sharks are the acrobats of the shark world, known for their high-flying jumps when hooked. They average 4-5 feet long but can hit 9 feet. You'll find them patrolling near artificial reefs and in coastal waters up to 100 feet deep. These sharks are most active in warmer months. Anglers love targeting them for their explosive strikes and powerful runs. To catch one, use heavy braided line and circle hooks. Here's a local secret: chum the water with oily fish like mackerel or sardines to get them excited. Once they're in a feeding frenzy, it's game on. Just be ready for a fight – these sharks are as excitable as they are strong. It's an adrenaline rush you won't forget.
Crevalle Jack
Crevalle Jack are the bulldogs of the ocean – stocky, powerful, and always ready for a fight. They typically run 12-24 inches and 3-5 pounds, but can hit a whopping 60 pounds. You'll find them both inshore and offshore, often around structures like reefs or oil rigs. Look for birds diving – that's a dead giveaway they're pushing bait to the surface. These guys are most active in warmer months. Anglers love 'em for their aggressive strikes and bulldog-like strength. To hook one, try fast-moving lures like silver spoons or topwater plugs. Here's a tip: cast beyond the school and retrieve quickly. They love the chase, so the faster, the better. When a Jack hits, hold on tight – you're in for one heck of a ride.
Redfish
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the rockstars of shallow water fishing. You'll spot 'em by their copper color and trademark black spot near the tail. They love hanging out in 1-4 feet of water, often in bays and around oyster reefs. Most run 28-33 inches, but they can get much bigger. Fall's prime time when they school up. Anglers go nuts for 'em because they're not just great fighters, but also tasty on the plate. To hook one, try sight-casting in the shallows with topwater lures or shrimp imitations. Here's a tip: look for their tails sticking up as they root around for food. It's called "tailing," and it's a dead giveaway. When you see that, you know you're in for some real action.
White Catfish
White Catfish are the little cousins of the catfish world, usually weighing in at half a pound to 2 pounds. You'll find them lurking in sluggish freshwater – think lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers. They're bottom feeders, so that's where you'll want to drop your line. These guys come alive at dusk, making evening fishing your best bet. Anglers get a kick out of their rarity and the challenge of landing a big one. For bait, you can't go wrong with worms or shrimp, but here's a local tip: chicken liver is catfish candy. Use a bait-casting setup for longer casts, and let your bait float slightly off the bottom. White Catfish might be small, but they put up a scrappy fight that'll keep you coming back for more.
