Best Times & Seasons to Fish New Smyrna Beach Guide)
Smyrna Beach is one of the most popular beach cities in Florida and home to some incredible deepsea fishing opportunities. Knowing the best seasons to fish in Smyrna Beach will make a huge difference for your fishing success.
The best season to fish New Smyrna Beach for marlin, amberjack, bass, and cobia is summer whereas winter is the hottest time to catch snapper, snook, striped bass, and tuna. The spring and fall are also great times to fish Smyrna Beach.
| Fish Species | Best Seasons to Catch Fish in New Smyrna Beach |
| Snook | December through March are the best months. |
| Tuna | April through August is the best season for tuna in Smyrna Beach. |
| Redfish | Redfish are available year-round; fall and winter are the best. |
| Tarpon | Tarpon are available year-round; fall is the best season. |
| Cobia | November through April are the best fishing months. |
| Marlin | April through September is the best timeframe. |
| Spotted Seatrout | September through December is the best time. |
| Black Drum | February through May tends to be the best months. |
| Mahi Mahi | December through May is best; June & July can be good too. |
| Largemouth Bass | Mid-spring through July are the best fishing seasons. |
Smyrna Beach is also known as “Florida’s Secret Pearl”. The beach is located near Daytona Beach and Orlando. This destination has gained huge popularity among nature lovers, outdoorsmen, surfers, and, of course, fishermen. The destination attracts anglers of all skill levels.
Smyrna Beach is a real paradise for beginner and experienced anglers. It’s a unique place where locals, as well as travelers, can enjoy both saltwater fishing as well as freshwater fishing. The location is surrounded by fishing spots. The beach is close to the Indian River, its lagoon area, and the Atlantic Ocean.
Best Time to Fish Smyrna Beach
Smyrna Beach provides everyone with great fishing opportunities. Here, you can enjoy fishing all year round especially if you are going to catch such fish species as barracuda, redfish, and sea trout. Actually, it all depends on the fish species that you are going to catch.
Would you like to catch a marlin? If so, it’s recommended to visit Smyrna Beach either in the spring on in the summer.
Or, maybe, you prefer to catch cobia and snook? If this is the case, it would be better to fish Smyrna Beach in the winter. Spring is a great time to catch such fish species as amberjack, largemouth bass, bluegill, cobia, mackerel, sunfish as well as yellow tuna.
It makes a lot of sense to catch bluegill, bonito, mackerel as well as sunfish in the fall. Among the fish species that you can catch in the winter are amberjack, striped bass, bonito, cobia, black crappie, snapper as well as snook.
I recommend this Penn Pursuit Spinning Rod & Reel combo (available on Amazon) for inshore and nearshore fishing. It can handle everything from redfish to snapper and king mackerel. The Penn Battalion Series Spinning Rod and the Penn Battle Spinning Reel are fantastic to create your combo.
Smyrna Beach Species Breakdown: Best Times
Smyrna Beach is the destination that impresses anglers with its diversity of fish species. This unique place allows you to enjoy saltwater fishing as well as river fishing and lake fishing.
It’s possible to catch a large variety of fish species in the Smyrna Beach area. Local fishing charters with a professional guide will provide you with the best experience. Now, let’s talk about the top species of fish that you can catch during a trip.
Black drum
The black drum is the largest fish in the Sciaenidae family. There are fish of black and grey colors. The black drum has a body of 14 and 24 inches long. The fish is known for its powerful jaws and strong teeth. The best time to catch the black drum is the spring.
It’s pretty easy to target the fish when the spawning season is about to begin. Later, it will be more difficult to catch the fish. The Atlantic coast of Smyrna Beach is the ideal place to catch the black drum.
Cobia
Cobia is also known as a black salmon. The fish has a dark brown colored body of 18+ inches long. The season to catch cobia in Smyrna Beach begins in the late fall and lasts till the middle spring. The fish can be found near floating debris and reefs. Anglers catch cobia on the Atlantic coast in the South part of Florida.
Largemouth bass
Largemouth bass is a fish that has a green-colored body of 15 – 32 inches. It’s possible to catch Largemouth bass in Miami all year round. However, the best time for catching the fish is spring and summer.
Largemouth bass is most active when the sun is low before 8 a.m. So, it’s recommended to catch Largemouth bass early in the morning. The St. Johns River attracts so many anglers, who would like to fish for Largemouth bass. Plus, anglers prefer to target Largemouth bass in the Miami canals.
Spotted seatrout
What is great about a spotted seatrout is that this type of fish is easy to catch. You can catch this fish all year round. Smyrna Beach is one of the best places to catch fish. The best time of a day to catch a spotted seatrout is morning. However, you may also achieve great results if you go fishing late at night.
Tarpon
Like a spotted seatrout, tarpon is the fish that you can catch all year round. When targeting Tarpon, anglers usually achieve the best results in the late afternoon. Biscayne Bay is one of the best places to catch Tarpon in Miami.
For a complete breakdown of the best times to catch tarpon in Florida, please check out this helpful article I wrote.
Marlin
Marlin is well-known for its aggressive behavior and fighting spirit. Many anglers choose to target marlin in the Atlantic Ocean. The fish gets active in warmer waters. That’s the reason why the season for Marlin fishing starts in April and lasts till August.
Redfish
The Redfish is also known as red drum. It makes a lot of sense to target redfish in places with natural vegetation such as bays, lagoons, etc. The fish can be found near oyster reefs and seagrass. The Indian River Lagoon is the perfect location to go fishing for redfish. Anglers can fish for the Redfish all year round.
For a complete breakdown of the best times to catch redfish in Florida, please check out this helpful article I wrote.
Mahi Mahi
Mahi mahi is also known as dorado and dolphin fish. The season to catch mahi mahi begins in December and lasts till May. June and July are good months to catch Mahi Mahi as well. And of course, you should visit West Palm Beach if you would like to enjoy Mahi Mahi fishing during your travel to Miami.
For a complete breakdown of the best times to catch mahi mahi in Florida, please check out this helpful article I wrote. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Florida, please check out this helpful article I wrote.
Snook
Snook is also known as sergeant fish and thin snook. The fish is known for a body of golden-yellow color and a wide tail. The length of the fish varies between 16 and 50 inches. The season to catch the fish starts in the early winter and lasts till the early spring. The Indian River is the right place to catch snook.
For a complete breakdown of the best times to catch snook in Florida, please check out this helpful article I wrote. For a complete breakdown of the best time to fish Cocoa Beach, please check out this helpful article.
Tuna
Tuna is one of the top species to catch in Smyrna Beach. You can take a 1/2 day fishing charter to enjoy tuna fishing in Miami. During your fishing session, you can catch blackfin tuna as well as yellowfin tuna.
It’s recommended to catch tuna between April and August. When catching tuna, anglers usually get the best results in the early morning or late afternoon. The coast of Miami is the best spot for fishing Tuna.
Recommended Fishing Charters in New Smyrna Beach
These Smyrna Beach-based charters have earned great reviews from anglers and will offer you a tremendous service. The captains are knowledgeable, friendly, and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.
| Recommended Fishing Charters | Type of Fishing Offered |
| Daytona Beach Charters | Nearshore & Inshore |
| Bad Juju Charters | Backcountry, Reef, Nearshore & Inshore |
| Big Al’s Inshore Charter Service | Backcountry, Flats, Nearshore & Inshore |
| NSB Shark Hunters – 27th Ave | Inshore & Surf |
| Central Florida Fishing Charters | Backcountry, Reef, Offshore, Nearshore & Inshore |
| Down South Fishing Company | Inshore, Offshore & Nearshore |
| Who Cares Fishing Charters | Inshore, Offshore, & Billfish |
| Sudden Strike Offshore Adventures | Inshore, Offshore, & Billfish |
| Reel Compulsive Fishing Charters | Inshore, Offshore, & Billfish |
| Pole Dancer Fishin’ Charters | Nearshore & Inshore |
Top 5 Fishing Spots in Smyrna Beach
It’s fair to say that Smyrna Beach is surrounded by fishing spots. The destination allows you to fish in the river, the lakes, the lagoon system, and the open ocean. There are numerous fishing spots in this area. Now, let’s go through the top spots where you can enjoy fishing near Smyrna Beach.
The Indian River
The Indian River provides anglers with great fishing opportunities. It is the fishing spot where you can catch redfish all year round. Once redfish reaches maturity, it leaves the river and goes to the ocean. In addition to redfish, you can also catch such fish species as black drum, snook, grouper, snapper, tarpon, and speckled trout. According to the opinions of the local fishermen, it’s good to start fishing before sunset.
The Indian River Lagoon
The Indian River Lagoon is located between the mainland and the ocean. This fishing spot impresses anglers with a huge variety of fish species. Here, you can catch many fish species including grouper, trout, snook, snapper as well as tarpon. It makes a lot of sense to fish the Indian River lagoon in summer. Fishing in the early mornings and late evenings allows anglers to achieve the best results.
Halifax River
The Halifax River is the fishing spot where you can catch snook as well as tarpon. The Halifax River is also the home to trout, black drum, red drum, flounder, and other species. Here, you can fish from boats or from the boats of the river. It’s possible to fish on the river all year round. However, summer is the best time to enjoy fishing at the river. Here, you can fish early in the morning, late in the evening, or at night.
For a complete breakdown of the best time to fish near Vero Beach, please check out this helpful article.
Ponce de Leon Inlet
Ponce de Leon Inlet is the right place for anglers who want to get the most out of deep-sea fishing. This spot is best known for shark fishing. Here, fishermen can catch many other fish species such as cobia, kingfish, tarpon, mahi-mahi, sailfish, tripletail as well as tuna. Early mornings and late evenings are the best fishing times in Ponce de Leon Inlet.
Lake Kissimmee
Lake Kissimmee is one of the most popular freshwater fishing locations in the area. It is a good place to fish for big largemouth bass. Ideally, you should fish on Lake Kissimmee in the summer. Morning time is the perfect time to fish for bass.
Best Time of Day to Fish Smyrna Beach
The best time of day to fish in Smyrna Beach depends a lot on the type of fish that you are going to catch, weather conditions, and the time of the year. The sunrise and sunset are the peak fish feeding times in the area.
These are the times when many fish species get active. During these times, anglers can catch the most fish in Smyrna Beach. It would be great to start fishing before sunrise and finish after sunset.
Smyrna Beach Fishing & Tidal Impacts
There is a direct link between fishing tides and tide times. Most fish are not active during high and low tide. On the other hand, the vast majority of fish species get active when the tide is rising or falling.
Storms & Smyrna Beach Fishing
Storms are always a big challenge for fishermen. Storms, as well as rainstorms, make it difficult or even impossible to fish. Extreme weather poses a risk for fishermen. It’s also important to note that heavy rains, as well as strong winds, affect fish too. During a storm, high waves make it difficult for fish to move. All of this means that you have to plan a fishing trip with the local weather in mind.
Is Winter Fishing Bad or Good in Smyrna Beach?
Smyrna Beach allows anglers to enjoy fishing all year round. The location impresses with its diverse fish popularity. The truth is that it’s always biting in Smyrna Beach. So, you can visit the fishing spot anytime.
Winter is a good time to catch cobia and snook. These fish species actively feed during the winter months. Among other fish species that you can catch in winter are amberjack, barracuda, black drum, bonito, Mahi Mahi, mackerel, redfish, sea trout, snapper, snook as well as wahoo.
There are many places near Smyrna Beach where you can fish during December, January, and February. These include the Indian River, Mosquito Lagoon, Daytona Beach, and many others.
For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Stuart, please check out this helpful guide I wrote.
Night Fishing in Smyrna Beach
There is no doubt that you will find it interesting to do fishing in Smyrna Beach at night. This type of fishing will provide you with unusual experiences, amazing feelings, and positive emotions.
The city, docks, as well as bridges, are very beautiful at night. So, you’ll enjoy fishing in such an atmosphere. And of course, you will get big pleasure from night fishing for snook.
Among the spots where you can do night fishing are: the Indian River, Mosquito Lagoon, and others. You should come here to do fishing during late nights. Night fishing trips are also available for anglers in Smyrna Beach.
Traditionally, anglers prefer to target snook in Smyrna Beach at night. The best time of the year to catch this type of fish is winter and early spring. So, it would be better to plan night fishing trips for December, January, February, and March.
Shore/Surf Fishing: Best Times & Seasons
Smyrna Beach is an ideal location for those anglers, who prefer to fish from shore. Shore/surf fishing makes it possible for you to catch a variety of fish species including bluefish, flounder, redfish, pompano as well as sharks.
The best times for shore/surf fishing are rising tides as well as high tides when the ideal feeding conditions for fish are created. It makes a lot of sense to try to surf fish in the early morning or before the sunset. Spring and fall are the seasons for shore/surf fishing.
Booking Charters in New Smyrna Beach
Smyrna Beach offers a large selection of fishing charters. It’s worth noting that charters provide a world-class fishery. Smyrna Beach is best known for its highly experienced captains. The captains always do their job very well. So, you can be sure that your fishing trip will be interesting, emotional, and, most importantly, safe.
Best season to go
It’s recommended to fish Smyrna Beach between April and September. Waters warm up in April and that’s why fish is getting active. During this period of time, you’ll manage to catch the vast majority of fish species.
Keep in mind that February, March, and June are the busiest months for fishing tourism in Smyrna Beach. If you are planning to visit Smyrna Beach during these months, you must be prepared that the prices for charters and hotels in the area will be high.
On the other hand, the late fall is often the overlooked time of year. It’s when the demand is lower, but fishing is still awesome. So, booking a fishing charter in November provides the best value.
Morning vs. afternoon
We all know that the vast majority of anglers choose to fish in the early morning. The reality is, fish actively feeds after sunrise. Also, you’ll find it comfortable to fish in the morning when the weather is not too hot. It’s possible to fish in the afternoon as well. However, fishing can be challenging due to the sun. So, don’t forget to wear heat as well as sunscreen.
1/2 day, full-day, multi-day charters
When booking a fishing charter, you have several options. Fishermen can book 1/2 day, full-day, or multi-day charters.
If you are interested in the cheapest option, then book a 1/2 day fishing charter. You can take a fishing trip either in the morning or afternoon. This type of trip gives you a limited amount of fishing time. However, 1/2 day fishing charters are usually very productive.
Full-day charters are more expensive, but they give fishermen much more time. It’s a very popular choice of fishermen, who want to get a full-day fishing experience. In this case, you can enjoy fishing all day long.
Multi-day charters last up to 3 days. Meals are included in the price. These are long trips that give you high amounts of fishing time.
As you can see, there are different types of Smyrna Beach fishing charters. Explore all your options carefully and pick a charter that meets your preferences as well as budget in the best possible way.
For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Port Canaveral, please check out this helpful article. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Orlando, please check out this helpful article.
