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Caught a Trophy Redfish in New Smyrna Beach
Redfish Fishing in New Smyrna Beach
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The Redfish (Sciaenops Ocellatus) is one of Florida's most sought-after gamefish, known for its distinctive copper color and black spot near the tail. These powerful fighters can be found in New Smyrna Beach waters year-round, but summer offers excellent opportunities as they feed aggressively in the warm waters. - Typically measure between 30-61 inches with weights from 10-45 pounds. - Prefer habitats including onshore waters, flats, backcountry areas, and nearshore structures. - Known for powerful runs and excellent table fare when caught within legal slot limits.
Fishing Charter by Captain Ryan Herbach in August
Meet your Captain Ryan Herbach
- NSB Fishing Charters: Premier Excursions & Trips
Summary
Monday June offshore fishing in New Smyrna Beach delivered a memorable 23-inch redfish catch with On The Hunt Fishing Charter. Captain Ryan Herbach guided Chelsea through perfect partly cloudy conditions as they employed multiple techniques including bottom fishing, trolling, and live bait fishing. This 4-Hour Offshore Adventure provides everything you need for a productive day on Florida's Atlantic waters, with all tackle, bait, and licenses included. Whether you're a beginner or experienced angler, Captain Ryan's local knowledge puts you on active fishing spots where redfish, mahi-mahi, kingfish, and other seasonal species thrive. The North Causeway Boat Ramp launch point gives easy access to prime offshore waters where the summer bite is heating up. Book your charter now for a chance at landing your own trophy catch off New Smyrna Beach.
Fishing Charter with Ryan Herbach – Rates & Booking
Captain Ryan Herbach of On The Hunt Fishing Charter on Monday June offers a 4-Hour Offshore Adventure that's perfect for anglers of all experience levels. Departing from North Causeway Boat Ramp in New Smyrna Beach, you'll head to productive offshore waters aboard a well-equipped 23-foot Bluewave Purebay powered by a 200-horsepower Suzuki motor. This trip includes quality rods, reels, all necessary bait, and fishing licenses, so you can focus on the excitement of the catch. With a maximum of 2 guests per trip, you'll receive personalized attention and guidance throughout your fishing experience.
Captain Ryan's extensive local knowledge means you'll target the most active fishing grounds, giving you the best chance at landing redfish, mahi-mahi, kingfish, grouper, and other seasonal offshore species. Early morning departures are recommended for optimal conditions, but flexible scheduling is available to accommodate your vacation plans. Deposits are non-refundable, so be sure to check the weather forecast before booking.
Highlights of New Smyrna Beach Offshore Fishing Charter for Mahi-Mahi, Kingfish, and Grouper
This 4-hour guided offshore trip delivers the full Florida Atlantic fishing experience with multiple techniques to maximize your chances of success. Captain Ryan employs a strategic mix of bottom fishing, trolling, and live bait fishing based on current conditions and fish activity. Recent trips have yielded quality redfish catches, with one guest landing a beautiful 23-inch specimen after an exciting fight.
The partly cloudy summer skies create ideal fishing conditions off New Smyrna Beach, where the offshore waters host a diverse range of gamefish. Captain Ryan's local expertise means you'll spend less time searching and more time fishing productive spots. The 23-foot Bluewave Purebay provides a comfortable, stable platform for anglers of all skill levels, from first-timers to experienced fishermen looking to test their skills against Florida's hard-fighting offshore species.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish (also known as Red Drum) are one of the most prized inshore and nearshore species in New Smyrna Beach waters. These copper-colored gamefish with their distinctive black tail spot put up an impressive fight, especially on light tackle. While they can be found year-round in Florida, summer months often see increased activity as they feed aggressively in warmer waters.
When targeting redfish off New Smyrna Beach, Captain Ryan focuses on structure, drop-offs, and areas with good tidal flow. Their preference for crustaceans and small baitfish makes them responsive to both artificial lures and live bait presentations. The 23-inch specimen caught recently represents a quality fish for the area, providing both an exciting fight and excellent table fare for those who choose to harvest within regulations.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
For your offshore adventure with Captain Ryan, plan to arrive at North Causeway Boat Ramp 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Wear comfortable clothing, non-marking shoes, and bring sun protection including a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. A light jacket is recommended for morning trips when temperatures can be cooler on the water.
The 23-foot Bluewave Purebay is equipped with all necessary safety gear and features comfortable seating for up to 2 guests. While all fishing equipment is provided, you're welcome to bring your own food and beverages (no glass containers), a camera to document your catch, and any personal medications you might need. Captain Ryan practices catch-and-release for most species but can clean and bag your legal-to-harvest catch for you to enjoy later.
Fishing in New Smyrna Beach: Redfish
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, belongs to the Sciaenidae family within the order Perciformes. These distinctive gamefish are easily identified by their copper-bronze coloration and characteristic black spot near the tail—sometimes featuring multiple spots. In New Smyrna Beach waters during summer months, redfish become particularly active as they patrol flats, channel edges, and nearshore structure.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are one of the most prized inshore gamefish along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Their fighting ability, accessibility to shore-based and boat anglers, and excellent food quality make them a primary target for recreational fishermen. Their popularity surged after commercial overharvesting in the 1980s led to strict conservation measures, allowing populations to recover and thrive.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
Redfish inhabit diverse environments including shallow flats, oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, dock structures, and nearshore waters. In New Smyrna Beach, they're commonly found around the Intracoastal Waterway, Mosquito Lagoon, Ponce Inlet, and just offshore along beaches and nearshore reefs. They prefer areas with good water flow and abundant food sources like crustaceans and baitfish.
Redfish Size and Weight
Adult redfish typically measure between 30 and 61 inches in length and weigh between 10 and 45 pounds. In Florida waters, slot-size fish (legal to harvest) measure between 18-27 inches, with larger specimens called "bull reds" commonly exceeding 30 inches and 20 pounds. The current Florida state record is over 50 pounds.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders that primarily consume crustaceans, small fish, and mollusks. They often feed by tilting downward with their tails slightly exposed (tailing) while rooting through bottom sediment for crabs, shrimp, and small bivalves. During summer months in New Smyrna Beach, they frequently hunt mullet, pinfish, and crabs in shallow water, especially during morning and evening hours.
Redfish Spawning Season
Redfish typically spawn from August through November in nearshore waters and inlets around New Smyrna Beach. During this period, large breeding adults form schools and move from estuaries to coastal waters. Female redfish can release up to two million eggs, which are fertilized by males in the water column. After hatching, juvenile redfish seek protection in shallow estuaries and grass flats.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
For consistent redfish success in New Smyrna Beach waters, several techniques prove effective. Live bait fishing with finger mullet, pigfish, or shrimp works exceptionally well when rigged on a 3/0 circle hook with minimal weight. Artificial lure enthusiasts find success with gold spoons, soft plastic jerkbaits in natural colors, and weedless spoons worked slowly across flats. In June around New Smyrna Beach, focus on creek mouths, oyster bars, and deeper pockets during falling tides when water temperatures climb into the mid-80s.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish is highly regarded for its mild, sweet flavor and firm white flesh that holds together well when cooked. The meat contains beneficial omega-3 fatty acids while being relatively low in mercury compared to other gamefish. Popular preparation methods include blackening, grilling, and baking. Many chefs prefer redfish "on the half shell" – cooked with the scales and skin on one side to retain moisture and flavor.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish in New Smyrna Beach?
A: Live finger mullet, pigfish, blue crabs, and fresh shrimp are top natural baits. For artificial lures, gold spoons, scented soft plastics in natural colors, and shallow-running plugs produce consistently when worked slowly near structure.
Q: Where can I find redfish near New Smyrna Beach?
A: Target creek mouths, oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, dock structures, and Mosquito Lagoon grass flats. During summer, look for them around Ponce Inlet and along nearshore beaches, especially during mullet runs.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish offers excellent table fare with firm, white meat that has a mild, sweet flavor. The fillets hold up well to various cooking methods and have a good nutritional profile with healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish in New Smyrna Beach?
A: While available year-round, spring and fall typically offer the most consistent action. In summer months like June, early morning and late afternoon produce best when targeting areas with moving water and shade. Winter redfish often school in deeper channels and holes on sunny days.
