The deep sea fishing New Smyrna Beach has on its doorstep will turn the casual angler into a diehard fisherman. In some spots, the Gulf Stream runs just 20 miles offshore, bringing a collection of big game fish with it. Meanwhile, a variety of reefs and shipwrecks play host to Snapper, Grouper, and Amberjack. Come spend a day on the water and see if you can’t set a new record for yourself!

What to Expect While Deep Sea Fishing

A deep sea fishing trip out of New Smyrna Beach will take you straight to the offshore fishing grounds. You’re likely to start somewhere around the 20 mile mark, trolling for Kingfish, Barracuda, Mahi Mahi, and Cobia. If the season is right, you may even hook into Wahoo or Sailfish this close to shore.

Your captain will keep heading into the Gulf Stream until you make your way up to 40 or 60 miles offshore. Out here, you’ll find Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna, and Wahoo. For a substantial catch, you might head north to “Rolldown,” a ledge 45-55 miles offshore where the seafloor gradually rolls from 200 to 2,000 feet below. Here, you’ll find plenty of Wahoo and other big game brutes.

If you’re after a decent catch to grace your table, you can take advantage of great bottom fishing opportunities year-round. Shipwrecks in water several hundred feet deep host Amberjack in the 40-50 lb range. The Oculina coral reef 25 miles offshore is famous for its abundance of Snapper, Grouper, and other bottom fish.

With plenty of trolling and bottom fishing opportunities just 20 miles from shore, it’s easy to get a taste of the deep sea fishing New Smyrna Beach has to offer on a 6-8 hour trip. To make the most of this fishery, however, we recommend a trip of 10-12 hours. It can take an hour or two just to reach the prime fishing spots 40+ miles from shore, and once you’re there, you’ll be hooked on the action! 

How to Fish

Deep sea fishing will have you trolling for speedy pelagic game fish and bottom fishing for a variety of treats near the wrecks and reefs. Trolling at various speeds will help you catch Marlin, Wahoo, Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Tuna, Kingfish, and more. Baits vary from cut and live bait to artificials such as rubber skirts.

Bottom fishing is likely to involve drifting and jigging. Vertical jigging or live lining Mullet in water a couple hundred feet deep will land you a massive Amberjack. Other baits such as Pinfish, Sardines, and frozen Squid work well for Snapper, Grouper, and other dwellers.