Captain

Doug Hicks

New Smyrna Beach, United States

10+ reviews

Capt. Doug Hicks is your guide to an unforgettable fishing adventure in the waters of New Smyrna Beach, Florida. This area is known for Amberjack, Jack Crevalle and Mangrove Snapper and you'll get to catch them using bottom fishing, spinning, drifting, jigging, or other techniques. The only way to learn is to join them on the water.

Charter

The Fishing Trip

New Smyrna Beach

Instant Confirmation

Trips from

US $450

Rating

4.8

14 reviews

4.8

Boat & Equipment

4.9

Captain & Crew

4.8

Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (9)

All reviews (14)

Showing 1 – 5 of 14 reviews

David Kaheh
Arizona, US
Member since 2025
5.0
Verified
Great Captain, Friendly & Personable
3/4 Trip - Inshore and/or Nearshore on December 27, 2025 • 2 adults
I am writing to share how much we enjoyed our recent trip with you. You were a great captain—personable, friendly, and engaged in conversation. We especially appreciated you sharing your great fishing stories, area knowledge, and history. The weather was also perfect. We highly recommend you to anyone looking for an awesome experience. Thabk you again and looking forward to book our next trip with you again.
Reported catch:
Kristin Favaloro
Repeat angler
Ohio, US
Member since 2023
2 trips
5.0
Verified
Great trip!
Inshore Trip - Morning on August 13, 2026 • 6 adults • 2 children
We caught fish the whole trip! From catfish, puffer fish, whitings, sea trout, mangrove snapper, and sheeps head to 2 monster redfish! One is dinner the other was too big to keep!
Reported catch:
+1
Response from Captain
August 13, 2026
You have a great family, and we enjoyed having you all aboard! see y’all next time.
Pat Donnachie
Repeat angler
Pennsylvania, US
Member since 2021
8 trips
5.0
Verified
The Fishing Trip Experience
Inshore Trip - Morning on April 2, 2026 • 2 adults
Great weather and a good time was had with Capt Hicks. We caught a variety of fish at different locations. We were provided excellent assistance with bait, rod and tackle. Boat size and performance was great. We highly recommend The Fishing Trip experience with Capt Hi ks.
Reported catch:
Response from Captain
April 4, 2026
Thank you for the great review! I’m glad you had a fun day on the water and enjoyed the variety of fish. It was a pleasure having you aboard, and I appreciate you recommending The Fishing Trip experience. Hope to see you out again soon!
Shaun Westfall
Repeat angler
California, US
Member since 2025
2 trips
5.0
Verified
Awesome day
Half Day Trip - Morning Offshore on July 25, 2026 • 4 adults • 3 children
Doug and his son got us into the fish. Great gear, great boat
Response from Captain
August 21, 2026
Thanks Shaun! we had a great time fishing with you!
Nicholas Brish
Repeat angler
Michigan, US
Member since 2024
2 trips
5.0
Verified
Great Trip!
Inshore Trip - Morning on March 16, 2026 • 1 adult
capt. doug and his son were fantastic to fish with. they put me on fish, never let a hook go un baited and got everything netted and into the boat fast. had a great time 10/10 recomendation for anyone fishing in this area!
Reported catch:
Response from Captain
April 4, 2026
Thank you Nick for the great review! We had a blast fishing with you and really appreciate you coming out with us. Glad we could keep you on the fish and make the trip smooth and enjoyable. Hope to see you back on the water again soon!

Real catches shared by our community

The Fishing TripNew Smyrna Beach, FL
Redfish
Kristin F.3 months ago
We caught fish the whole trip! From catfish, puffer fish, whitings, sea trout, mangrove snapper, and sheeps head to 2 monster redfish! One is dinner the other was too big to keep!
The Fishing TripNew Smyrna Beach, FL
Redfish
7 months agoNew Smyrna Beach Fishing Report - April 2026 (Redfish, Snook & Spring Bite Heating Up) If you're thinking about getting out on the water, April is shaping up to be a great month here in New Smyrna Beach. The spring bite is picking up, water temps are rising, and we’re seeing solid action across multiple species. ? What’s Biting Right Now Redfish: Redfish have been consistent in the backcountry and along the flats. Early mornings and late afternoons have been the best, especially on higher tides. Live bait and artificial lures are both producing. Snook: Snook are starting to turn on with the warmer water. We’ve been finding them around docks, mangroves, and deeper edges. They’re still a little picky, but the bite is getting better each week. Trout: Speckled trout are active in the grass flats, especially when there’s good moving water. Popping cork rigs and soft plastics are working well. Tarpon (Starting to Show): We’re beginning to see early signs of tarpon moving into the area. It’s not peak season yet, but things are lining up for a strong run in the coming months. ________________________________________ ? Current Conditions • Water Temps: Rising into the low 70s • Tides: Moving water has been key • Weather: Mild mornings, warmer afternoons, typical spring patterns These conditions are ideal for inshore fishing and will only continue to improve as we move deeper into spring. ________________________________________ ? Best Time to Fish Right Now • Early morning (sunrise trips) • Late afternoon / evening • Around moving tides (incoming or outgoing) ________________________________________ ? Where We’re Fishing Most of our action has been coming from: • Mosquito Lagoon • Indian River • Backcountry creeks and flats around New Smyrna Beach ________________________________________ ? Final Thoughts April is one of those months where everything starts coming together. The variety of species, improving conditions, and lighter crowds make it a great time to get on the water whether you're experienced or brand new to fishing. If you're looking to get in on the action, now is the time to book before things get busy heading into tarpon season. ________________________________________ ? Book Your Trip If you want to get out on the water and experience it for yourself, I’d be happy to take you out. Spots are filling up as we head into peak season. ________________________________________ Captain Doug Hicks New Smyrna Beach Fishing Charter
The Fishing TripNew Smyrna Beach, FL
Bonnethead Shark
James R.8 months ago
We have a great time. Captain Doug and his son were awesome. Super helpful and approachable about everything on the boat!
The Fishing TripNew Smyrna Beach, FL
Black Drum
Carrie R.11 months ago
Outstanding captain and an unforgettable experience. He went above and beyond in every way to ensure my husband and son had a great trip. Highly recommend!
The Fishing TripNew Smyrna Beach, FL
David K.11 months ago
I am writing to share how much we enjoyed our recent trip with you. You were a great captain—personable, friendly, and engaged in conversation. We especially appreciated you sharing your great fishing stories, area knowledge, and history. The weather was also perfect. We highly recommend you to anyone looking for an awesome experience. Thabk you again and looking forward to book our next trip with you again.

What's biting with The Fishing Trip in New Smyrna Beach

As we transition into winter, the inshore lagoons become increasingly appealing. Trout, Redfish, and Snook can be caught through to February, while Wahoo, Sailfish, and Kingfish bite hard offshore.