Fishing in New Smyrna Beach: The Ultimate Guide

This majesty spans an incredible 17 miles of sandy beach, offering everything you associate with the words beach, ocean, and sun – restaurants, bars, day and night parties, surfers, and fishing! 

A long coastline allows you to practice and experiment with whatever technique you want and to catch species like Tarpon, which is the soul of the party in these waters.

The Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon literally and metaphorically embrace New Smyrna. The Gulf Stream's influences, the proximity of the Mosquito Lagoon, and the freshwater opportunities in the St. Johns River make this mosaic of diverse marine habitats a gladly explored area.

In this guide, we'll show you where fishing meets the beauty and excitement of coastal life in New Smyrna Beach. It may sound dramatic, but it's true! By the end, you'll be convinced and ready to experience the thrill. Let's go fishing in New Smyrna Beach!

Fish Species Found in New Smyrna Beach

Well, such a long, varied, and beautiful coast must be a permanent or temporary home for many fish. In one day, you can, for example, spend the morning fishing for Bass and later go Shark hunting. Yes, that's how fabulous New Smyrna Beach is.

Native Species

The vibrant coastal energy is perfectly reflected in the liveliness and richness of the native fish population that thrives here. The fish community is as diverse as its habitat and blends smoothly into the area. Join us below as we embark on discovering them together!

Redfish

It is one species that carries the essence of Florida fishing in it. Lover of shallow waters, abundant vegetation, mangroves, and grassy areas, Redfish are frequent and favorite hosts of many anglers. In New Smyrna Beach, you can hunt them all year-round, although it is more active during fall and winter. Their average size in these waters spans from 18 to 40 pounds.

• Best Time to Catch: During  fall and winter

• Habitat: Shallow waters, abundant vegetation, mangroves, and grassy areas

• Preferred Bait: Mullets, minnows, shrimp, spoons, soft plastic, water plugs

• Fishing Technique: Drifting, fly fishing

• Difficulty:  Moderate

• Depth:  Shallow to moderate 

The shallows of New Smyrna Beach are great for drifting or fly fishing Redfish, and for bait, live bait such as shrimp, mullets, or minnows, and for artificials, spoons, soft plastics, and water plugs. They are voracious, almost always hungry, but also quite combative and aggressive. It is good to catch them when the tide cycle changes.

Tarpon

The all-mighty Tarpon is a premier trophy fish, ruling the waters of New Smyrna Beach in great abundance. Since ancient times, "Silver Kings" have seduced fishermen with their appearance and behavior, and most have hotspots for this species.

Tarpon's favorite habitats are the backwaters of the Mosquito Lagoon and the Indian River, near sandy beaches or around the structures. It is possible to catch them year-round, although they are somewhat more active during the warmer months.

• Best Time to Catch: During  warmer months

• Habitat: Backwaters, sandy beaches, or around the structures

• Preferred Bait: Mullets, minnows, pinfish

• Fishing Technique: Heavy spinning tackle, fly fishing

• Difficulty:  Challenging to difficult 

• Depth:  Shallow to moderate 

More specifically, Juvenile Tarpon, ranging in size from 5 to 40 pounds, can be caught year-round, while the summer is primed for the show of three-footers that exceed 100 pounds.

The breadth and length of New Smyrna Beach are excellent for Tarpon fishing on casting with heavy spinning tackle and live bait or fly fishing techniques combined with mullets, minnows, and pinfish. Due to their wonderfully complex nature, Tarpon requires a skilled angler to land. The critical factor is patience, as the Tarpon will test strength, equipment, and determination.

Bass

Thanks to the St. Johns River, if you ever get tired of the smell of salt and the ocean, you can also escape to hunt for Bass, the king of fresh water. You can hunt it year-round and target specimens over 10 pounds in weight.

Bass are cunning and predatory and look like fish not to be messed with. You will encounter them in areas of lush vegetation, where trees have fallen, and where there are stone structures. 

• Best Time to Catch: Present year around

• Habitat: Lush vegetation

• Preferred Bait: Soft plastic worms and topwater lures

• Fishing Technique: Casting, fly fishing

• Difficulty:  Challenging to difficult 

• Depth:  Shallow to moderate 

You won't lure them out of their shelter that easily, even though they are big and voracious gourmands. Anglers usually catch them by casting soft plastic worms and topwater lures. Bass is one of the most famous and difficult-to-catch freshwater species. They are combative and aggressive, almost like some pelagic ocean species. So, prepare a good strategy and arm yourself with patience. 

Spotted Seatrout 

Another species that lives in the shallows and coastal waters of New Smyrna Beach, Spotted Seatrout, is particularly enthusiastic about calmer waters. A sleek species with a beautiful silvery body full of tiny spots, it can be found anywhere from 12 to over 30 inches long. It will primarily hide around grass beds and tidal creeks. Although it can be found throughout the year, its season is winter and fall, when the water temperature is lower. 

• Best Time to Catch: Fall and winter

• Habitat: Grass beds and tidal creeks

• Preferred Bait: Soft plastic worms and topwater lures

• Fishing Technique: Drifting, jigging

• Difficulty:  Challenging to difficult 

• Depth:  Moderate 

Although they are not excessively large or heavy, they like to eat; you will catch them most easily on live bait such as shrimp, mullets, or bream, and from artificial ones, it is best to imitate their natural prey with lures such as soft plastics, spoons, and water plugs.

Catching them using drift fishing, jigging, and cork-popping presentations is recommended. Refrain from being fooled by their not-very-impressive size because even non-trophy specimens will surprise you with their strength and will to live.

Snapper

Snapper is another intriguing and widespread species, preferring to swim around rocky outcrops, artificial reefs, and wrecks. In the waters of New Smyrna Beach, you can fish for several species, such as Red Snapper and Mangrove Snapper.

They vary considerably in size, from small juveniles to larger specimens exceeding 20 pounds. You can hunt them all year round because their period of most significant activity and abundance is during spring and summer. 

• Best Time to Catch: Spring and summer

• Habitat: Rocky outcrops, artificial reefs and wrecks

• Preferred Bait: Shrimp, squid, or pilchards

• Fishing Technique: Bottom fishing

• Difficulty:  Challenging to difficult 

• Depth:  Moderate to deep

They are cautious and distrustful and will try to outwit you in their way. It is best to catch them using live bait such as shrimp, squid, or pilchards, combining them with fishing on the bottom. Although his expression is a bit tired, Snapper is not so naive, nor does he give up easily. Be prepared for excitement and real fights, mainly if you aim for trophy specimens.

Migratory Species

The essential beauty of all marine habitats lies in their constant dynamics and change. As the seasons change, so do the inhabitants of these vibrant coastal waters. Each month and season welcomes a variety of migratory fish species on their seasonal journeys. Join us below as we uncover the secrets of nomadic travelers in New Smyrna Beach.

Mahi Mahi

Thanks to its striking appearance, comedian-like muzzle expression, and brilliant greenish body color, the Mahi Mahi has an army of angler fans all over Florida, including New Smyrna Beach.

But Mahi Mahi is more than just looks; they have an equally colorful character that likes to jump, tear, and fight once caught. It prefers warm ocean currents and swims near floating debris, weeds, and coastal structures. 

• Best Time to Catch: Spring to fall

• Habitat: Near floating debris, weeds, and coastal structures

• Preferred Bait: Baits such as ballyhoo and squid

• Fishing Technique: Trolling

• Difficulty:  Challenging to difficult 

• Depth:  Moderate to deep

Mahi Mahi in this region can range from a few pounds to over 50 pounds, meaning they are accessible to both beginners and trophy hunters alike. Trolling has proven to be the technique for Mahi Mahi, especially with brightly colored lures or natural baits such as ballyhoo and squid.

They swim into New Smyrna Beach, usually from spring to fall, which matches their migration patterns. You will undoubtedly remember this acrobat with a funny face very quickly. It is always exciting and interesting, just like its color.

Blacktip Shark

If you're a fan of vicious sea fishing challenges starring a shark, Blacktip Shark is the species for you. Few anglers with a reputation for success will resist the challenge of the Blacktip Shark, known for its strength, elegance, and agility.

Liked to cruise coastal and offshore waters, they can grow to range from 4 to 6 feet in length. Sharks are greedy for artificial bait, but you can also use live or cut bait such as mullet, menhaden, or squid. 

• Best Time to Catch: Spring to early fall

• Habitat: Coastal and offshore waters

• Preferred Bait: Mullet, menhaden or squid

• Fishing Technique: Drifting, casting, trolling

• Difficulty:  Challenging to difficult 

• Depth:  Moderate to deep

Their season lasts from late spring to early fall when they migrate along the coast of New Smyrna Beach. Most anglers catch these sharks by drift fishing, casting, or trolling. You will need a good dose of courage and experience to face and fight the vicious leaps of the Blackfin Shark. However, whether you succeed or not, you will have great memories and fishing stories.

Bull Sharks

The all-mighty Bull Shark causes extraordinary nervousness in all anglers who face this fearsome shark whose name fits perfectly. Fierce and substantial, this raw sea beast with a keen hunting flair swims inshore and offshore waters.

They are huge, ranging from 7 to 11 feet long, with some individuals exceeding 12 feet, and mastering them requires a quality and well-designed strategy combined with various baits. 

• Best Time to Catch: Late spring to early fall

• Habitat: Coastal and offshore waters

• Preferred Bait: mullet, ladyfish, or bonito

• Fishing Technique: Drifting, jigging, trolling

• Difficulty:  Challenging to difficult 

• Depth:  Moderate to deep

Anglers typically use large live or cut baits such as mullet, ladyfish, or bonito that lure these predators by scent. Bull Shark season in New Smyrna Beach is from late spring to early fall and is best targeted with techniques such as bottom fishing, jigging, or drift fishing. It is challenging to catch, but all the more happiness and adrenaline rush once you succeed.

Sailfish

In the coastal waters of New Smyrna Beach, anglers often like to wade into the majestic Sailfish. Fast, agile, and skilled at jumping will take your breath away! Very respected, one of those species before which anglers kneel. They inhabit deep waters and underwater structures and generally like to follow the course of ocean currents.

• Best Time to Catch: late fall to early spring

• Habitat: Coastal and offshore waters

• Preferred Bait: Ballyhoo or squid

• Fishing Technique: Trolling

• Difficulty:  Challenging to difficult 

• Depth:  Moderate to deep

As befits them, they are impressive in size, with specimens ranging from 6 to 10 feet in length and often weighing over 100 pounds. Since they are deep, among various structures, trolling is a common technique of choice, combined with artificial baits or natural baits such as ballyhoo or squid.

They migrate through the waters of New Smyrna Beach from late fall to early spring. Sailfish are simply bursting with energy! It's as if it's electric, and according to the performances it shows, the speed and jumps are chilling.

Barracuda

Another species that leaves no one indifferent. Fast, with a slender body, large jaws, and sharp teeth, the Barracuda is genuinely terrifying! It behaves the same way. It lives in the depths of various habitats, including reefs, wrecks, and coastal structures.

They range in size from 2 to over 5 feet in length, presenting anglers with exciting challenges. Their season is from late spring to early fall, and then they are usually caught by trolling or casting. 

• Best Time to Catch: Late spring to early fall

• Habitat: Reefs, wrecks and coastal structures

• Preferred Bait: Spoons, plugs, and flash jigs

• Fishing Technique: Trolling, Casting

• Difficulty:  Challenging to difficult 

• Depth:  Moderate to deep

Barracudas are vicious and have dangerous teeth that anglers must be cautious of. Incredibly voracious, they are best fished on artificial lures such as spoons, plugs, and flash jigs. For some, the Barracuda looks like it came out of a horror movie, but this rawness of appearance and character makes it challenging and provokes the hunting instincts of every angler.

Prime Fishing Spots in New Smyrna Beach

If any place offers an incredible selection of prime fishing locations, it is New Smyrna Beach! With over 20 miles of fishing shoreline, we have hand-picked the best spots for you.

Mosquito Lagoon

The famous Mosquito Lagoon is approximately a 15-20 minute drive from downtown New Smyrna Beach – a vast lagoon with complex habitats of shallow flats, winding channels, and lush mangrove banks. A wealth of fish species is inevitable; you can fish Redfish, Tarpon, or Snook. You can approach it from shallow points and public boat ramps such as Beacon 42 and Eddy Creek, which offer convenient launching facilities for anglers with boats and kayaks.

For those who like fishing from the shore, there are plenty of well-maintained driveways and walkways, with enough parking spaces to customize everything to your liking. In addition to offering excellent shoreline access and space for various types of fishing experimentation, you can bring your friends and family;  it is a location with a lazy-back, Sunday atmosphere and magnetically attracts anglers of all kinds.

Ponce Inlet

Located north of New Smyrna Beach, Ponce Inlet is where the Halifax Inlet meets the Atlantic Ocean and is a meeting place for many fish species, especially Tarpon and Snook. Several public ramps can accommodate vessels of various types and sizes. You can fish from shore or venture offshore for meaner fish from the deep, such as sharks.

In general, the atmosphere is dynamic and exhilarating. A close encounter between fresh and salt boosts particular curiosity for those who like to enjoy such an experience. It is an excellent location for exploring different underwater habitats and fish species. 

Canaveral National Seashore

Canaveral National Seashore is a sandy gem that attracts not only anglers but anyone who wants quiet days with only the waves and the distance mutely. It consists of 24 miles of beach, pine forest, and sea, and no matter if you try to resist it, the stunningness of this seashore will just blow you away. 

Yorally fish with whatever technique you want, but due to the beauty of the scenery, the idea of ​​surf fishing and casting comes to mind since it's a shame to go further than the precarious beach. There is plenty of fish so you will meet Snook, Tarpon, and the lovely Whiting.

Canaveral National Seashore can be accessed from several entry points along the shoreline, and there are occasional parking areas for anglers to unload their gear. However, you should know it is a protected area, so you must be informed and have all licenses before fishing here.

Spruce Creek

Spruce Creek is a picturesque stream surrounded by nature, full of cypress trees and lush vegetation, and simply beckons for a vacation. It has an affluent fish population and is an ideal place for those looking for a vacation from marine species. 

Here, you can catch Bass, Crappie, and Bluegill. It is very convenient to approach this creek; there are enough kayak launches scattered all over the area, which you simply have to try in this place, even if you are not into fishing. In addition, the shores are enticing and seductive enough for casting or fly fishing. Whatever you do, the area is the pure essence of peace, freshness, and pleasure in the heart of nature.

Smyrna Dunes Park

Smyrna Dunes Park is another location sprawling in length and beauty, covering an incredible 184 hectares. In addition, the Park boasts a 350-foot dock that leads directly into the Intracoastal Waterway, a perfect opportunity for casting and pelagic fishing.

Also, it is possible to explore the New Smyrna Beach pier facing the Atlawhich, which is an excellent access for fans of surf fishing and panoramic ocean views. 

The Dunes is an angler-friendly area, so it has designated fishing areas, with cleaning benches and other amenities for those with complicated gear. With space and every other natural generosity, it is a shame to miss this idyllic location.

Fishing Techniques in New Smyrna Beach

There are so many different water kingdoms, fresh and saltwater, that it would be a shame not to try and utilize them to learn or improve any fishing technique. However, some methods are more popular than others. To know which ones are available, read below.

Drift Fishing

Drift fishing in New Smyrna Beach is a practical and functional tech for approaching research and hunting in different environments. In the channels of the Intracoastal Waterway, explore the depths of the sea. Taking advantage of the natural current is essential, as it favors the coverage of large areas where baits are accurately presented.

For inshore drift fishing, you will need light to medium spinning or casting bait setups combined with bait rigged on Carolina rigs or jig heads. So, in that way, you can hunt Redfish, Trout and Flounder. 

If you are drifting offshore, you will need heavier rods and reels for opponents like Mahi Mahi and Kingfish. Boats often use drifting techniques with lowering or planing boards to cover schools of fish species with lures.

In addition to quality equipment, knowing how to maneuver ships and having good navigational equipment, such as a fishfinder, is essential to identify productive areas. Although it is more used for mass fishing, drifting is a highly complex technique that demands overcoming many technical intricacies. 

Sight Fishing

Thanks to the beautiful landscape, the long beaches, and the vastness of the ocean, sight fishing in New Smyrnisms is a given in this idyllic area. It epitomizes the excitement of fishing in these clear and shallow waters. A simple, somewhat wild, and ancient technique combines the excitement of all the senses with an emphasis on the visual. Anglers stalk their fish by scanning the water's surface, focusing on subtle patterns, movements, shadows, or flashes of color that convey presence.

An excellent technique for rivers and lagoons with long shallows of crystal waters, such as the Mosquito Lagoon. This is mainly how species typical of shallow waters, such as Snook and Tarpon, are caught. You need polarized sunglasses that cut through the glare and allow anglers to see the fish more clearly. 

When the target is spotted, anglers must quietly and inconspicuously approach, with minimum noise, so as not to frighten the prey. Movement control and casting accuracy are essential, as is proper bait presentation. This is a very intimate relationship with fishing and nature, but also with oneself, which, despite its apparent simplicity, makes the technique very demanding.

Trolling

Trolling is a traditional and proven technique that can be upgraded with modern equipment, depending on anglers' wishes and needs. It is convenient and great for the offshore waters of New Smyrna Beach. The essence is to present the bait to various fish and cover large water areas in almost one go. Anglers set multiple hooks behind a moving boat, varying depth and distance to present the bait to different species at different water levels. 

If you troll the offshore waters, you can encounter species such as Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, and Sailfish, which are best baited with diving plugs or rigged ballyhoo. Trolling can catch Redfish, Trout, and Snook with shallow or live bait if you enter the Intracoastal Waterway and coastal areas. Similar to drifting, adjusting the boat's speed, choosing the best bait, and synchronizing it into a successful strategy is essential.

Fly Fishing

In addition to the sea coast, many piers, and beaches, you can also practice fly fishing in New Smyrna Beach, particularly on St. Johns River and Spruce Creek, to experience fresher waters and hunt for different species. It fits perfectly in the water diversity of the area. 

For many, fly fishing is the most essential fishing technique that offers a distinctive and impressive experience while respecting the natural environment. Whether wading through the shoals, casting from a boat, or exploring the winding channels of the Intracoastal Waterway, it takes time to remain immune to the appeal of a diverse habitat. 

You will need light rods and sensitive flies or artificials to mimic the appearance and behavior of insects, baitfish, or crabs. In New Smyrna Beach, fly fishermen mainly catch Redfish, Trout, Tarpon, and Snook. Casting quality, that is, precision and presentation of the fly, are the essence of technique. New Smyrna is a great playground for anglers who love this technique, providing almost everything you need.

Kayak Fishing

There is some genuinely poetic beauty and depth in gliding a kayak through the fresh and salty waters of New Smyrna Beach. Undoubtedly, it is one of the best techniques for the curious, research-minded angler.

You can explore everything from estuaries to reefs with relative ease. A significant advantage of the kayak is that it provides perfect stealth with minimal noise, meaning it won't startle the fish and will quickly get into tight spaces. 

An excellent choice for quiet Mosquito Lagoon, Intracoastal Waterways, and Spruce Creek. While cruising on a kayak, anglers mostly fish Redfish, Trout, and Snook.

In New Smyrna Beach, you can even go to the open sea, which requires a more powerful boat, a navigation device, and everything you must respect for your safety. On a giant, kayak fishing is like a safari because it allows you to observe, hunt, and simultaneously enjoy the generous nature and area.

Fishing Regulations and Licenses in New Smyrna Beach 

Compliance with fishing regulations and licensing requirements is essential to enjoy fishing in beautiful New Smyrna Beach without any problems or unpleasant interruptions. In this way, you will protect yourself from potential legal issues and paying fines and immeasurably contribute to preserving the beauty you fish and enjoy with all your senses.

Anyone over 16 who plans to fish in New Smyrna Beach waters must hold a valid Florida fishing license. You can get it online via the official Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)  website or at local bait and fishing tackle vendors. Depending on the season, bag and size limits may be in place to regulate the fishing of different species, ensuring sustainable fishing practices. 

Also, it is possible that protected species have unique regulations and are subject to seasonal closures or are allowed to be hunted only by catch-and-release rules. Some areas also restrict the use of specific equipment. Therefore, studying all the rules and having all the permits is essential in organizing fishing. 

Following all the regulations will give you a much more relaxed and fun fishing experience. At the same time, you will give back to the community you take from and keep it for some future fishing trips.

Final Thoughts

It is clear to you that New Smyrna Beach fishing is more than just a fishing expedition. Even if you decided to spend your whole life exploring this area alone, you would surely miss something, but that's why excitement and curiosity would always be high!

You don't have to be so ambitious that seeing New Smyrna Beach doesn't squint your fishing instincts and make you want to cast a hook, kayak, or take a boat out to some of the bays and feel firsthand the different currents and fishing atmosphere!

Whatever location or technique you decide on, refer to our guide, which will give you more than just inspiration for fishing in New Smyrna Beach.

As always, we want to be a part of your angling event, so we invite you to contribute to our fishing community by sharing tips, stories, and tricks in the comment section below! We're not shy, and you certainly won't be either, so feel free to write, discuss, dream, and share your fishing knowledge and ideas! You will surely not regret it, and you will certainly help someone catch a trophy specimen! Or a couple of them!