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Seasonal Fishing in New Smyrna Beach

Clients inshore fishing on Mosquito Lagoon near New Smyrna Beach, Florida

Spring Fishing

For saltwater fishing near the New Smyrna Beach area, spring is a prime season marked by migrating baitfish, clear waters, and comfortable weather. The action is split between nearshore and offshore opportunities in the Atlantic and inshore fishing in the Halifax River and nearby estuaries.

Pelagic migration: Large schools of baitfish travel north along the coast, drawing large predatory fish close to shore.
Cobia: Top target for spring anglers. Found nearshore, often swimming in the shadows of large rays.
Reef fishing: Nearshore and offshore artificial reefs are very productive. Catch redfish, triggerfish, flounder, and black sea bass.
Trolling: Common catches include king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, mahi-mahi, and barracuda.
Inshore Locations: Halifax River, Ponce Inlet, and nearby estuaries like Spruce Creek.
Key Species: Redfish, Snook, Spotted Seatrout, Black Drum
Group of clients holding kingfish caught deep sea fishing in New Smyrna Beach

Summer Fishing

Fishing success varies depending on whether you are casting from the shore, staying inshore, or heading offshore. Summer brings some impressive fishing closer to shore, with the nearshore artificial reefs coming alive with warm-water species.

Nearshore Target Species: Tarpon off the beaches, Mangrove Snapper, Cobia, Jack Crevalle, and sharks. Surf anglers can catch Whiting, Pompano, and Bluefish.
Key Spots: Artificial reefs as close as one mile offshore. The Ponce Inlet jetties are a hotspot for Tarpon.
Inshore — Snook: Summer months are ideal for Snook, active and spawning in the inlets and backwaters around mangroves, bridges, and docks.
Inshore — Tarpon: Adult Tarpon found in deeper channels of the Halifax River and around Ponce Inlet.
Offshore Reef Fish: Grouper season open — Gag, Black, and Red Grouper. Mangrove and Lane Snapper school around the reefs.
Offshore Pelagics: Amberjacks, Cobia, Mahi-mahi, King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, and Barracuda.
Clients holding a hammerhead shark caught while shark fishing in New Smyrna Beach

Fall Fishing

Saltwater fishing off New Smyrna Beach during the fall is excellent, as the seasonal migrations bring a wide variety of species to the area. Multiple species are on the move, following baitfish like mullet southward as water temperatures begin to cool. The inshore and nearshore waters, including the Halifax River, Mosquito Lagoon, and Ponce Inlet, are teeming with migrating fish.

Redfish: Large schools found in the shallows of New Smyrna Beach and the oyster bars of Ponce Inlet.
Speckled Sea Trout: Plentiful in the inshore areas, especially around grass flats and drop-offs.
Flounder: Best targeted from October to December on sandy bottoms in the Halifax River and Ponce Inlet.
Snook: Fishing can be "on fire" as the fish move south through the Intracoastal Waterway.
Mahi-Mahi: Offshore waters cool in the fall, bringing in more baitfish and large numbers of mahi-mahi.
Sailfish: Beginning in mid-October, sailfish show up in good numbers as they follow the migration south.
Client holding a drum fish caught inshore fishing in New Smyrna Beach during winter

Winter Fishing

Saltwater fishing in the New Smyrna Beach area is productive during the winter months, especially in the calmer inshore waters. Fish become more lethargic in colder temperatures and move to deeper, warmer pockets of water, meaning anglers should adjust their techniques.

Redfish: Year-round target and a winter favorite in the Mosquito Lagoon and backcountry areas.
Spotted Seatrout: Abundant all winter, often found around seagrass, oyster bars, and deeper channels.
Black Drum: Prime season for black drum, found in deeper channels and around structures.
Sheepshead: Look near docks, bridges, and other structures along the Intracoastal Waterway from December through March.
Winter Strategy: Fish deeper water, go slow with lure retrieve, fish sunny days when fish move to shallow flats to warm up.
Best Spots: Halifax River, Ponce Inlet, Mosquito Lagoon backcountry, Tomoka Inlet.
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Fishing Charter in New Smyrna Beach

2455 Boat Ramp Drive, New Smyrna Beach, Florida 32168

(386) 259-0318

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Open today 07:00 am – 08:00 pm

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