Top-Rated Fishing Charters in New Smyrna Beach

Published Date: July 16, 2025
Fishing

New Smyrna Beach, FL
$300 price range

Summary

Join Captain Chris of Reel Healin Outdoors for a 4-hour morning surf fishing trip in New Smyrna Beach, FL. As the sun rises over the Atlantic, you'll cast your line from the sandy shores, aiming to hook some of the area's prized catches. This inshore adventure is perfect for groups of up to 4, whether you're a seasoned angler or new to fishing. Captain Chris brings years of local knowledge, helping you read the surf and find the best spots. You'll learn proper casting techniques, bait selection, and how to work with the tides. Keep an eye out for passing dolphins or pelicans diving for their breakfast as you wait for that telltale tug on your line. With the gentle sound of waves and the salty breeze, it's a relaxing yet exciting way to start your day. Don't worry about gear – everything you need is provided, so you can focus on reeling in some fish and soaking up the Florida coastal vibes.

Top-Rated Fishing Charters in New Smyrna Beach

Surf, Sand, and Catches

Enjoying the view while waiting for a bite

Hardhead Sea Catfish caught fishing in FL

Something definitely bit my bait!

Some view from Bethune beach while waiting!

It took the bait, time to reel it in!

New Smyrna Beach: Surf Fishing at Sunrise

Ready to kick off your day with some serious rod-bending action? Captain Chris of Reel Healin Outdoors has got you covered with this early morning surf fishing adventure in New Smyrna Beach. Picture yourself casting lines as the sun peeks over the horizon, the salty breeze in your hair, and the sound of waves crashing at your feet. This 4-hour trip is perfect for anglers of all levels looking to score some of Florida's prized inshore species right from the beach.

Trip Overview

This isn't your average day at the beach – it's a full-on fishing experience that'll have you hooked from the get-go. Captain Chris knows these shores like the back of his hand and will put you right where the fish are biting. You'll be targeting a mix of hard-fighting species like Black Drum, Redfish, and even the occasional Blacktip Shark. The best part? You're fishing from the beach, so no worries about sea legs here. Just grab your rod, follow the Captain's lead, and get ready to feel that first tug on your line as the sun comes up over the Atlantic.

What to Expect on the Water

Surf fishing is all about reading the beach and knowing where the fish hang out. Captain Chris will show you how to spot the best spots – those dips and channels in the surf where fish love to cruise. You'll learn the art of casting into the waves, feeling for bites, and setting the hook just right. The gear is all provided, so no need to lug your own tackle. We're talking sturdy surf rods, reels loaded with braided line, and a mix of live and cut bait to entice those hungry fish. Don't worry if you're new to this – the Captain's got patience in spades and will have you casting like a pro in no time.

Top Catches This Season

Anglers have been crushing it lately with some stellar catches right off the beach. We're talking about bull redfish that'll make your drag sing, chunky black drum perfect for a fish fry, and the odd crevalle jack that'll test your stamina. Word on the street is that a few lucky folks even tangled with some blacktip sharks – talk about an adrenaline rush! The white catfish have been biting too, offering up some tasty fillets for those looking to take dinner home. Remember, it's all about the tides and conditions, and Captain Chris knows just how to read them for the best shot at a cooler full of fish.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Black Drum: These bruisers are the bread and butter of New Smyrna Beach surf fishing. They love to hang out near structures and in deeper holes along the beach. Black drum can grow to over 100 pounds, but the ones in the 5-20 pound range are more common and make for excellent eating. They're known for their strong, steady fights and distinctive chin barbels. Spring and fall are prime times to target these drum, but you can catch them year-round if you know where to look.

White Catfish: Don't let their size fool you – these feisty fish put up a great fight for their weight. White catfish in the surf typically run 1-3 pounds and are most active at night or in low light conditions, making them perfect targets for our early morning trips. They're bottom feeders, so we'll be using bait that gets down where they're feeding. The meat is mild and flaky, perfect for a fish fry back at camp.

Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored beauties are a favorite among anglers for their hard pulls and delicious meat. In the surf, we often catch "slot" reds (18-27 inches in Florida), but occasionally you might hook into a bull red over 40 inches! They love to cruise the troughs between sandbars, especially during high tide. Fall is the peak season, but you can catch them year-round in New Smyrna Beach.

Blacktip Shark: For those looking for a real thrill, hooking into a blacktip shark from the beach is hard to beat. These sharks typically range from 3-6 feet long and are known for their acrobatic jumps when hooked. They're more common in the warmer months and tend to follow bait schools close to shore. While we practice catch and release with sharks, the fight and photo op are memories you'll cherish.

Crevalle Jack: These powerhouses are like the bulldogs of the surf. Crevalle jacks hit hard and fight even harder, often making blistering runs that'll have you scrambling to keep up. They show up in schools, usually chasing bait fish, so when you find one, you might find many. Spring and summer are prime times for jacks, and while they're not known for their table fare, the fight alone is worth the price of admission.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing as the world wakes up. The peace of the early morning, the anticipation of what might be on the end of your line, and the camaraderie of sharing the experience with fellow anglers – it's a package deal that keeps folks coming back for more. Captain Chris doesn't just put you on fish; he shares his passion for the sport and the local ecosystem. You'll walk away with new skills, maybe a new personal best catch, and definitely a deeper appreciation for the coastal waters of New Smyrna Beach.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to get your feet in the sand and a bend in your rod, this New Smyrna Beach morning fishing charter is calling your name. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time casting into the surf, Captain Chris will make sure you have a blast and hopefully put some fish on the beach. With room for up to four guests, it's perfect for a family outing, a friends' fishing trip, or even a solo adventure to hone your skills. The early bird gets the worm – or in this case, the fish – so don't wait to book your spot. Get ready to create some reel memories on the beautiful shores of New Smyrna Beach!

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Crevalle Jack are hard-fighting fish that'll give you a real workout. These powerful predators usually run 12-24 inches and 3-5 pounds, but can get up to 4 feet and 60 pounds. Look for them in both inshore and offshore waters - they like seagrass beds, flats, and reefs inshore, or out deeper around structures like oil rigs. They're bullies of the ocean and love to chase, so fast-moving lures work great. Silver spoons, crankbaits, and big streamer flies all do the trick. For a real thrill, try sight casting with topwater plugs when they're feeding near the surface. One tip: keep an eye out for diving birds. Jacks often push baitfish to the surface, creating a feeding frenzy. Cast beyond the school and retrieve quickly through the chaos. And watch those fins when handling them - they're spiky! Crevalle Jack put up an impressive fight and are a blast to catch, especially on light tackle. Just be ready for some sore arms the next day.

Blacktip Shark

Black Drum are the redfish's big, ugly cousins - but don't let looks fool you. These powerful fish can reach over 90 pounds, though most run 5-30 pounds. Look for them around oyster bars, pier pilings, and in coastal creeks. Spring is prime time as they gather to spawn, making some weird croaking sounds in the process. Smaller drum (under 15 pounds) are great eating, but the big ones get tough and wormy. To catch 'em, use heavy tackle and natural baits like crabs, clams, or shrimp. Fish these on the bottom around structure. Black drum have sensitive "whiskers" to find food, so sometimes you'll feel light taps before they really take it. One local trick: When you find a school of big drum, they'll often spook easily. Try anchoring upwind and casting to them, letting your bait drift naturally. The biggest challenge is often just getting them to bite! Fishing for Black Drum isn't always fast-paced, but when that rod doubles over, you're in for a serious fight. Just be ready to work for it - these guys can be stubborn!

Crevalle Jack

Redfish

Redfish are one of our most popular gamefish, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 28-33 inches but can grow over 45 inches and 50 pounds. Look for them in super shallow water - sometimes with their backs sticking out! They love hanging around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangroves in 1-4 feet of water. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn. That iconic black spot near the tail? It's actually a fake "eye" to confuse predators. Redfish will hit just about any lure, from topwater plugs to soft plastics. For a real thrill, try sight-casting to tailing fish in skinny water. Live bait like shrimp or cut mullet works great too. One local tip: On calm days, cruise the flats and look for their coppery backs or wakes. Cast ahead of them and hang on - when a big red hits in shallow water, it's an explosion you won't forget!

White Catfish

Blacktip Sharks are exciting catches that'll really get your heart pumping. These streamlined predators usually run 4-5 feet long but can reach up to 9 feet. Look for them patrolling near artificial reefs and in coastal waters up to about 100 feet deep. Spring and summer are prime times as they move inshore to feed. Blacktips are known for their acrobatic leaps, sometimes jumping 20 feet in the air during the fight. It's a sight you won't forget! To target them, use heavy braided line (at least 50 lb test) and circle hooks. Chum the water with oily fish like mackerel or sardines to get them interested. Live bait works great too. One local trick: Blacktips can be a bit timid, so be patient and let them come to you. Once hooked though, hang on tight - these sharks put up one heck of a battle. Just remember, it's catch and release only for sharks in Florida waters.

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