Damn Good Black Drum Fishing Charters In New Smyrna Beach

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Recently Booked Black Drum Fishing Charters In New Smyrna Beach, Fl

Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter in New Smyrna Beach

Mosquito Lagoon Backcountry

100% (2)
18 ft 1 - 3 People From $500
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter in New Smyrna Beach

Inshore Flats Fishing

100% (1)
14 ft 1 Person From $350
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter in New Smyrna Beach

Redfish, Trophy Seatrout And Snook!

NEW
17 ft 1 - 4 People From $450
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing Charter in New Smyrna Beach

Fishing Daytona

NEW
23 ft 1 - 3 People From $450
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter in New Smyrna Beach

Sight Fishing Mosquito Lagoon

NEW
19 ft 1 - 3 People From $400
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore, Jetty Fishing Charter in New Smyrna Beach

Near Shore

NEW
23 ft 1 - 2 People From $650

Top Types of Black Drum Trips in New Smyrna Beach

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Target Species in New Smyrna Beach

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More Black Drum Fishing Charters In New Smyrna Beach, Fl

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter in New Smyrna Beach

Inshore Bay And Flats Fishing

100% (1)
22 ft 1 - 4 People From $400
Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Jetty Fishing Charter in New Smyrna Beach

Inshore Saltwater Run

100% (8)
24 ft 1 - 10 People From $450
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Jetty, River, Flats Fishing Charter in New Smyrna Beach

3hr Inshore Fishing Charter

100% (3)
18 ft 1 - 6 People From $465
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing Charter in New Smyrna Beach

Fly Fishing Mosquito Lagoon

NEW
19 ft 1 - 2 People From $400
Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Jetty, River, Flats Fishing Charter near New Smyrna Beach

Inshore Fishing Trip 4-6-8 Hour Trips

NEW
22 ft 1 - 8 People From $350
Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, River, Flats Fishing Charter near New Smyrna Beach

Running The Rivers For Reds

100% (11)
21 ft 1 - 4 People From $399
See All Black Drum Trips in New Smyrna Beach

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Everything to Know About Booking a New Smyrna Beach black drum fishing charter

What are the best black drum fishing charters in New Smyrna Beach?

Why should I book a black drum fishing charter in New Smyrna Beach with Captain Experiences?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 39 black drum trips in New Smyrna Beach, and the most popular trips in the area are Near shore guided by Mike, Sight Fishing Mosquito Lagoon guided by Mike, and Fishing daytona guided by Mike.

Our guides in New Smyrna Beach are rated a 4.93 out of 5 based on 3806 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

Looking for kid friendly black drum guides / fishing lessons in New Smyrna Beach? Check out our beginner and family friendly black drum guides in New Smyrna Beach.

What types of black drum fishing charters are common in New Smyrna Beach?

Inshore fishing is the most popular type of fishing for black drum in New Smyrna Beach as well as flats fishing, river fishing, and nearshore fishing.

The most common fishing techniques in New Smyrna Beach are light tackle fishing, live bait fishing, and artificial lure fishing but sight casting and cut bait fishing are popular as well.

How much do New Smyrna Beach black drum fishing charters cost?

Prices for black drum in New Smyrna Beach can range anywhere from about $425 to $1,260, but the average price for a half day trip for black drum in New Smyrna Beach is $647. The average price for a full day trip for black drum in New Smyrna Beach is $919.

Is booking a fishing guide worth the money?

Hiring a guide provides a number of benefits and many choose to book a fishing guide for a combination of experience, local knowledge, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.

Working with experienced fishing guides who know the best local spots and techniques can dramatically increase your odds of a great day. Having someone who is on the water every day and knows the area like the back of their hand is going to give you the best chances of success.

Booking a guide is also more cost effective, especially if you only get out a handful of times per year. When you consider all of the costs you would incur on your own such as the price of a boat, maintenance, insurance, gas, high-quality gear and tackle, repairs, and more, you’ll find that DIY is sometimes not worth the expense.

Even if you’ve got a great setup already in your home waters, booking a guide also provides a great opportunity to experience new techniques, new locations, or even a chance at a new target species to knock off the bucket list.

What month is best for black drum fishing in New Smyrna Beach?

The most popular season for black drum fishing in New Smyrna Beach is spring, and most anglers book their trips 7 days in advance.

Do I need a New Smyrna Beach fishing license for black drum and what are the bag limits for black drum in New Smyrna Beach?

See here for more information on fishing licenses in New Smyrna Beach, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in New Smyrna Beach. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations in New Smyrna Beach.

What is black drum fishing in New Smyrna Beach all about?

In New Smyrna Beach, black drum fishing presents anglers with an exciting opportunity to target a hard-fighting and delicious species. Black drum are often found in nearshore waters, particularly around structures like docks, piers, and bridges, as well as in estuaries and along muddy bottoms. These fish are known for their distinctive drumming sound, which they produce by vibrating muscles against their swim bladder. Black drum can range in size from a few pounds to over 100 pounds, providing anglers with a variety of challenges and opportunities.

Anglers employ a variety of techniques to catch black drum in New Smyrna Beach, including bottom fishing with live or cut bait such as shrimp, crabs, clams, or squid. Using Carolina rigs or fish finder rigs with circle hooks and heavy sinkers, anglers can present baits near the bottom where black drum are known to feed. Additionally, artificial lures such as soft plastics, jigs, and spoons can also be effective when targeting black drum, particularly around structures where these fish tend to congregate.

Black drum are known for their powerful strikes and stubborn fights, making them a favorite target among anglers in New Smyrna Beach. Once hooked, black drum will often make powerful runs and attempt to find refuge in nearby structure, requiring anglers to apply steady pressure and maneuver carefully to land these fish successfully. While black drum can be caught year-round in New Smyrna Beach, they are particularly abundant during the cooler months when they congregate in large schools near the shore. Overall, black drum fishing in New Smyrna Beach offers anglers an exciting and rewarding experience, whether targeting them for sport or table fare.

What are the most popular months to fish for black drum fishing in New Smyrna Beach?

In New Smyrna Beach, black drum fishing seasons offer anglers a thrilling opportunity to reel in these prized fish against the picturesque backdrop of the Atlantic coast. As winter transitions into spring, typically from late January to April, these waters become a hotbed for black drum activity. The cooler months tend to bring these fish closer to shore, making them more accessible to both seasoned anglers and newcomers alike. During this period, local charters often see an uptick in bookings as fishing enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the chance to hook into these hard-fighting, delicious fish.

One of the key attractions of black drum fishing in New Smyrna Beach is the variety of techniques that can be employed to catch them. Whether casting from the shoreline, wading in the shallows, or venturing out on a boat, anglers have multiple options to pursue their prey. Many anglers prefer using live or cut bait, such as shrimp or blue crab, to entice black drum, although artificial lures can also yield success. Regardless of the method chosen, the thrill of feeling a black drum's powerful pull on the line is an experience that keeps fishermen coming back season after season.

Beyond the thrill of the catch, black drum seasons in New Smyrna Beach offer a chance to connect with nature and soak in the beauty of the surrounding environment. As anglers await their next bite, they can enjoy breathtaking sunrises and sunsets over the Atlantic horizon, observe diverse marine life, and savor the tranquility of these pristine waters. Whether fishing solo, with friends, or as part of a guided excursion, black drum seasons provide an opportunity for both relaxation and excitement against the backdrop of one of Florida's most charming coastal destinations.

What techniques are popular for catching black drum in New Smyrna Beach?

In New Smyrna Beach, mastering the art of black drum fishing requires a combination of skill, patience, and knowledge of effective techniques. One popular approach among local anglers is bottom fishing, where baits like shrimp, crabs, or clams are presented on the seabed to entice these bottom-dwelling fish. Rigging setups such as Carolina rigs or fish finder rigs allow for precise presentation and can increase the chances of enticing a strike. Anglers often target areas with natural structure like oyster beds, sandbars, or channels, where black drum are known to congregate in search of food.

Another favored technique for black drum fishing in New Smyrna Beach is sight fishing in shallow waters. This method involves scanning the flats and shallows for signs of feeding activity or the telltale tails of cruising drum. Once spotted, anglers can carefully approach the fish, casting lightweight lures or live bait in their path. This requires a stealthy approach and precise casting to avoid spooking the fish, but the thrill of watching a black drum inhale the bait in clear, shallow water is well worth the effort.

For those seeking a more adrenaline-fueled experience, targeting black drum around structures like bridges, docks, or jetties can yield exciting results. These structures provide cover and attract baitfish, drawing in hungry black drum looking for an easy meal. Anglers often employ techniques like jigging or casting lures around these structures, enticing strikes from lurking drum. This style of fishing requires careful navigation and precise casting to avoid snagging on underwater obstructions, but the reward of landing a trophy-sized black drum amidst the hustle and bustle of these fishing hotspots is unmatched.

What other species are popular in New Smyrna Beach?

In addition to the prized black drum, New Smyrna Beach offers anglers a diverse array of other species to target throughout the year. One of the most sought-after game fish in these waters is the redfish, known for its powerful runs and fierce fighting spirit. Redfish can be found patrolling the shallows, marshes, and flats, making them accessible to anglers using a variety of techniques such as sight fishing with artificial lures or live bait, as well as bottom fishing around oyster bars and mangrove edges. Landing a bull redfish is a thrilling experience that keeps anglers coming back to New Smyrna Beach time and time again.

Another popular species to target in these waters is the spotted seatrout, prized for its delicious flavor and abundance in the local estuaries and flats. Anglers can often find schools of seatrout feeding on baitfish and shrimp in shallow, grassy areas, particularly during the cooler months. Using techniques like drift fishing with live bait or casting artificial lures can yield success when targeting these elusive fish. Whether fishing from a boat or wading in the shallows, hooking into a trophy-sized seatrout is a memorable experience for any angler visiting New Smyrna Beach.

For those seeking an offshore adventure, New Smyrna Beach offers opportunities to target a variety of pelagic species such as king mackerel, mahi-mahi, and even sailfish. Offshore fishing charters provide access to deeper waters where these species roam, offering anglers the chance to test their skills against some of the ocean's most formidable predators. Trolling with live bait or artificial lures, as well as bottom fishing over wrecks and reefs, are common techniques used to entice these offshore game fish. Whether targeting inshore or offshore species, New Smyrna Beach provides anglers with a diverse and rewarding fishing experience year-round.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    I took my two Sons, (13 ) and (15) out for some In Shore Fishing and we had a fantastic time. Fishing was good, spots we went to were great. Capt. Mike was very attentive and helpful. We caught a lot of Fish and could not have been more thankful for our Capt. choice. Thanks again MIke!

    Stephen H. | November 24, 2024

    Trip: 4 Hour Inshore/Near 1-5pm

  • ★★★★★
    Taylor was a great captain who was a joy to fish with and put us on the fish. He's an easy going guy who, despite being a younger captain, already has considerable experience in Mosquito Lagoon. He was right on time, the boat was clean and well-organized, and spotted so many fish for us. Taylor is your secret weapon in the Lagoon.

    Scott K. | October 6, 2024

    Trip: Half-day Fishing Charter

  • ★★★★★
    Thank you Capt Neal for getting us in on short notice. Had a great time!

    Mark C. | August 7, 2024

    Trip: 2-Hour Oak Hill Quick Trip

  • ★★★★★
    My 9 year old son and I had a wonderful time. Captain Neal was friendly and informative. We caught trout, sailcat, and hooked and saw a tarpon but it broke the line about 10-15 feet from the boat. It was amazing. We are returning to Florida in December and we will be booking with Captain Neal again.

    Jeremy P. | August 3, 2024

    Trip: 2-Hour Oak Hill Quick Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Neal is a very knowledgeable Captain, very laid back and a great teacher. It was a slow bite at the beginning of our trip but Captain Neal put us on the fish. We caught many Trout, brought in 4 keepers, a ladyfish, several Kack " Crevalle, and the shark pictured. Great time. Plan on booking again when I am in town.

    George S. | July 28, 2024

    Trip: 2-Hour Oak Hill Quick Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Capt Matt put us on the fish and we smashed it. Thanks Capt!

    Tim B. | July 6, 2024

    Trip: Mosquito Lagoon Backcountry

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Neal was an excellent guide and fisherman. We were on fish in the first thirty minutes and caught over 2 dozen fish. We absolutely recommend using his service and can’t wait to go back out with him again!

    Matthew L. | June 29, 2024

    Trip: Indian River Fishing Frenzy

  • ★★★★★
    Todd was very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful with our group that had a few inexperienced anglers on the boat. Will definitely seek out Todd the next time we are in New Smyrna beach!

    Gregg S. | June 19, 2024

    Trip: Inshore Saltwater Run

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great trip

    Randa M. | June 13, 2024

    Trip: Inshore fishing trip

  • ★★★★★
    Todd was a great Captain!!! Not a disappointment at all ! Me and my family had blast out on the water catching some most beautiful species of fish that you could think of. If your in Dayton Beach Todd is the perfect Captain for your experience!!!

    Galan | June 8, 2024

    Trip: Inshore Saltwater Run

  • ★★★★★
    We had a nice experience with Captain Todd.

    Olga L. | May 13, 2024

    Trip: Inshore Saltwater Run

  • ★★★★★
    Billy was a great captain. He was very helpful and attentive. Me and my son had a great time! Definitely an experience to remember!

    Dorothy L. | April 2, 2024

    Trip: 3 Hour Beginners and Kids Trip

  • ★★★★★
    I have many ways I could explain this trip I was unable to go so I sent my 218-year-old sons with their buddies and they had the time of their life. They couldn’t say enough about Captain Aaron. He made them feel right at home even after two of them puked. Plenty of fish were caught and plenty of memories made specially for two seniors 100% be going back to captain Aaron. But next time I’m going see you soon.

    Matt R. | March 30, 2024

    Trip: Inshore fishing trip

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Billy was awesome and we enjoyed the morning fishing trip with him!

    Mike G. | March 29, 2024

    Trip: Inshore Insanity

  • ★★★★★
    Five stars warranted. Skilled and personable captain with nice boat and gear, plus the requisite “local knowledge.” Did a half day with trip tailored by the captain to match our specific inshore interests and to maximize fishing time. Had continuous action, and it was fun to see my daughter catch a nice mixed bag of fish species she hadn’t seen. Highly recommend Captain Matt.

    Randy S. | March 28, 2024

    Trip: Inshore Bay and Flats Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    We had an amazing time with Aaron! He had a great personality, which made it a very enjoyable experience! We did the 8am charter and had a beautiful day. Aaron made sure that we all caught fish and was very accommodating rigging up our lines. I would highly recommend booking with Aaron! Thanks Aaron! 😉

    Brenda W. | March 20, 2024

    Trip: Inshore fishing trip

  • ★★★★★
    Aaron was amazing! Very family friendly and it was my daughters first time even holding a fishing pole and she enjoyed every minute of it. We chose the inshore fishing and the other kids had a great a time also. My son caught a shark, it was cold when we went out (I didn’t check the weather before hand) but we were very comfortable on the boat and he was very accommodating with the weather. I highly, highly recommend Aaron for your fishing trip.

    Felicia I. | March 20, 2024

    Trip: Inshore fishing trip

  • ★★★★★
    Great 1/2 day fish with the kids. Billy was a beauty and knows the area and how to fish !

    John T. | March 14, 2024

    Trip: 3 Hour Beginners and Kids Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Aaron was great! He was very patient and pleasant. He knew excellent where to go to get some great catches. My boys absolutely loved their fishing day!

    Paulette F. | March 13, 2024

    Trip: Inshore fishing trip

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great time. Capt. Billy was very knowledgeable of the area. We moved around caught some nice fish. It was a great time for my family and I.

    Matthew R. | March 12, 2024

    Trip: 3 Hour Beginners and Kids Trip

What's biting in New Smyrna Beach?

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