Premier New Smyrna Beach Inshore Fishing Trip

Published Date: August 19, 2025
Fishing

$400 - $600 price range

Summary

Ready for a full day of inshore fishing in New Smyrna Beach? Captain Zachary Griffith's got you covered with this 8-hour private charter. It's perfect if you're new to fishing but want to try your hand at catching some of Florida's most popular inshore species. You'll be targeting snook, redfish, speckled trout, mangrove snapper, and sheepshead in the productive local waters. Don't worry about gear – everything you need is provided, from rods and reels to bait and lures. The trip's designed to be low-stress and educational, so you can learn the ropes while enjoying a day on the water. With room for up to six people, it's a great option for small groups or families. And if you've got a bigger crew, no problem – they can arrange extra boats to accommodate everyone. Whether you're looking to land your first catch or just want to soak up the Florida sun, this trip offers a solid mix of fishing action and relaxed coastal vibes.

Premier New Smyrna Beach Inshore Fishing Trip

Inshore Catches of the Day

Best fisherman holds a great catch in FL

Big fish, big smiles today!

Hooked up and loving it!

Snook fish caught while fishing in Florida

Another great catch on the water!

Trophy Snook in New Smyrna Beach!

Reel in the Action: Inshore Fishing in New Smyrna

Get ready to chase some of Florida's most sought-after inshore species on this full-day adventure in New Smyrna Beach. Captain Zachary Griffith knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's pumped to show you the ropes. Whether you're a first-timer or looking to sharpen your skills, this trip is tailor-made for anglers who want to experience the thrill of hooking snook, redfish, and more without the intimidation factor. With all the gear provided and room for up to six of your crew, it's time to get out there and see what's biting!

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're cruising the calm inshore waters of New Smyrna Beach, rod in hand, as the sun starts to peek over the horizon. Captain Zach's got you dialed in on where the fish are hiding, and before you know it, you're feeling that first tug on the line. This 8-hour trip is all about giving you a taste of what Florida inshore fishing is all about. We're talking snook lurking around mangroves, redfish tailing in the shallows, and maybe even a feisty tarpon if luck's on our side. Don't sweat it if you're new to this – Captain Zach's got patience for days and all the tips you need to land that trophy catch.

Techniques That'll Hook You

On this trip, we're mixing it up with a variety of fishing methods to keep things interesting and the fish biting. You might start off pitching live bait around docks for snook, then switch to sight-casting for redfish in skinny water. As the day heats up, we could drift some deeper channels, working soft plastics for trout. Captain Zach's always got a few tricks up his sleeve, whether it's flipping shrimp under mangroves or working topwater lures for explosive strikes. The beauty of inshore fishing is how versatile it is – one minute you're finessing a cast, the next you're battling a bruiser. And with all the gear provided, from rods and reels to bait and lures, you just need to bring your game face.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Snook: These hard-fighting, silver-sided beauties are the rock stars of inshore fishing. Known for their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps, snook love to hang around structure like mangroves and docks. They're crafty and strong, making them a challenge even for seasoned anglers. Spring and fall are prime times to target these bucket-list fish, but they can be caught year-round in New Smyrna's waters.

Redfish: Also called red drum, these copper-colored brutes are a staple of inshore fishing. They're famous for their distinctive tail, often seen breaking the surface as they hunt in shallow water. Redfish are bulldogs on the line, using their powerful tails to test your drag system. Fall is fantastic for big "bull" reds, but you can tangle with these guys pretty much any time of year.

Tarpon: The "Silver King" is the ultimate game fish for many anglers. These prehistoric-looking monsters can grow over 100 pounds and are known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. Tarpon fishing is as much about the chase as it is the catch – spotting a rolling tarpon and making the perfect cast is an art form. Late spring through summer is prime tarpon time in New Smyrna.

Grey Snapper: Don't let their size fool you – these tasty little devils punch above their weight class. Also known as mangrove snapper, they're wily and quick, often stealing bait before you even know they're there. Grey snappers are structure-oriented, so fishing around docks, bridges, and reefs is the ticket. They're available year-round but really turn on during the warmer months.

Speckled Trout: These spotted predators are a blast on light tackle. Known for their delicate mouths and tendency to shake hooks, landing a big "gator" trout is a real accomplishment. They love to ambush bait in grass flats and around oyster bars. Winter is prime time for trophy trout, but you can catch them all year in New Smyrna.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about inshore fishing in New Smyrna that keeps folks coming back for more. Maybe it's the variety – where else can you target snook, redfish, and tarpon all in the same day? Or perhaps it's the laid-back vibe, cruising calm waters and enjoying Florida's natural beauty while you wait for that next bite. Captain Zach's local knowledge means you're not just fishing, you're getting an insider's tour of New Smyrna's best spots. And let's be real – there's nothing like the thrill of battling a big snook or redfish in skinny water. Whether you're here to learn the ropes or looking to put your skills to the test, this trip's got something for everyone.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, if you're itching to get out on the water and tangle with some of Florida's top inshore species, this is your chance. Captain Zach's got the know-how, the spots, and all the gear you need for a day of non-stop action. Whether you're bringing the whole crew or flying solo, this trip's designed to get you on fish and having a blast. Don't let another season slip by without experiencing what New Smyrna's inshore waters have to offer. Grab your spot now, and get ready to make some fishing memories that'll have you planning your next trip before you even hit the dock.

Learn more about the animals

Grey Snapper

Grey snapper, also called mangrove snapper, are a blast to catch in our inshore waters. These crafty fish typically run 10-14 inches and 1-2 pounds, though bigger ones show up offshore. Look for them around docks, bridges, and mangrove shorelines in 3-20 feet of water. They're opportunistic feeders, so live shrimp or small baitfish work great. Grey snapper are known for their light strikes, so stay alert. Spring through fall is prime time, with spawning peaks around the full moon. Anglers love targeting them for their tasty white meat and the challenge of outsmarting them. They can be finicky, so downsizing your tackle helps. One local trick is to chum with cut bait to get them fired up, then float a live shrimp down with the current. Grey snapper make for some fantastic eating - mild and flaky with a hint of sweetness.

Red Snapper

Red snapper are a prized catch around here, known for their tasty white meat. You'll find these guys hanging out near reefs and wrecks in waters 30 to 620 feet deep. Most weigh under 10 pounds, but they can grow up to 35 pounds or more. Red snapper put up a good fight and make for some exciting fishing. They're most active May through October during spawning season. To land one, you'll want to use heavy weights to get your bait down deep. Live bait like cigar minnows, squid, or pinfish works great. Just be ready when they strike - these fish will often run for cover and can snap your line if you're not careful. One local trick is to chum the water to get them feeding, then present your bait naturally in the flow. Red snapper make for some fantastic eating too, with a mild, slightly sweet flavor that's hard to beat.

Redfish

Redfish, or red drum, are one of our most popular inshore species. These copper-colored beauties with the telltale spot near their tail love cruising the shallows, often in water barely deep enough to cover their backs. Most run 3-8 pounds, but bull reds over 20 pounds aren't uncommon. Look for them around oyster bars, grass flats, and marsh edges, especially on incoming tides. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn. Redfish are known for their powerful runs and tendency to strip drag. Anglers love sight-casting to tailing reds in skinny water - it's like hunting and fishing combined. Live bait like mullet or crabs works great, but artificial lures can be just as effective. One local tip - when you see a school of reds, cast beyond them and drag your lure into their path. They'll often pounce on it without spooking the school.

Snook

Snook are one of our most popular inshore game fish here in Florida. These ambush predators love to hang out around mangroves, docks, and other structures in shallow water. A typical snook runs 1-2 feet long, but the big ones can reach over 4 feet and 30 pounds. They're known for their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. Spring and fall are prime seasons as snook move between inshore and nearshore waters. Anglers love targeting them for their challenging fight and excellent table fare. Live bait like mullet or pinfish works well, but artificials like soft plastics and topwater lures can be deadly too. One local tip - try fishing the outgoing tide around dock lights at night. The snook will stack up to ambush bait getting swept out with the current. Just be ready to muscle them away from the pilings when they hit.

Tarpon

Tarpon are the silver kings of our waters, and hooking one is an experience you won't forget. These prehistoric fish can reach 8 feet long and 280 pounds, though 4-5 footers are more common. Look for them rolling in coastal waters, inlets, and even up rivers. Spring and summer are prime seasons as they migrate along the coast. Tarpon are famous for their spectacular leaps and powerful runs that'll test any angler. Most folks practice catch and release due to their poor eating quality and importance as a game fish. Live bait like mullet or crabs work well, but watching a tarpon crush a topwater lure is hard to beat. One local tip - when a tarpon jumps, lower your rod tip to give it slack. This "bowing to the king" helps keep them hooked. Just be prepared for a long fight - these fish don't give up easily.

About the Pathfinder

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 30

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 300

Captain Zachary Griffith's inshore fishing charter in New Smyrna Beach offers a full day of angling action for up to six guests. This 8-hour trip is tailored for newcomers looking to get their feet wet in Florida's rich coastal waters. You'll be casting lines for a variety of local favorites like snook, redfish, speckled trout, mangrove snapper, and sheepshead. No need to worry about gear - all the essentials are provided, from rods and reels to bait and tackle. It's a relaxed, hands-on way to learn the ropes of inshore fishing while exploring some of the area's most productive spots. If you've got a larger crew, no problem - additional boats can be arranged to accommodate everyone. Whether you're hoping to land your first big catch or just enjoy a day on the water, this guided trip offers a fun, low-pressure introduction to New Smyrna Beach's diverse fishery.

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