New Smyrna Beach Offshore Charter Adventures

Inshore Fishing with Captain Todd Vivian

Looking for a solid fishing trip that won't break the bank? Captain Todd Vivian at Spot Stalker Charters LLC has been putting anglers on fish in the waters around New Smyrna Beach for years. This isn't some crowded party boat experience – you're getting personalized attention with just one angler on board. Whether you're targeting the flats of Mosquito Lagoon or working the nearshore waters off Ponce Inlet, Captain Todd knows where the fish are biting and how to get you hooked up.

What to Expect on the Water

Your day starts early, meeting Captain Todd at one of the local launches around New Smyrna Beach. The beauty of this charter is the flexibility – depending on conditions and what's biting, you might find yourself sight fishing the crystal-clear shallows of Mosquito Lagoon or drifting structure in the deeper nearshore waters. The Mosquito Lagoon system is legendary among Florida anglers, and for good reason. These waters hold some of the most diverse fisheries on the East Coast, from grass flats loaded with redfish to deeper holes where snapper stack up. Captain Todd's been fishing these waters long enough to read the subtle changes that make the difference between a slow day and a fish-filled adventure. You'll cover water from Edgewater down through Port Orange, hitting the spots that consistently produce fish while avoiding the weekend crowds that can make popular areas less productive.

Tackle and Techniques

Captain Todd comes prepared with quality gear that's perfectly matched to the fishery. For inshore work, expect medium-action spinning rods paired with reels that can handle both finicky redfish and the blistering runs of a good-sized snook. Live bait is the name of the game here – fresh shrimp, pilchards, and finger mullet that'll get the attention of whatever's cruising the flats. When you're working the nearshore structure, the tackle gets a bit heavier to handle the bigger snapper and the occasional cobia that might crash the party. Captain Todd's approach is hands-on but not overwhelming. He'll show you the right technique for working a live shrimp over a grass flat or how to present a bait to spooky fish in shallow water. The Mosquito Lagoon can be technical fishing – these fish see a lot of pressure, so presentation matters. You'll learn to read the water, spot fish movement, and make those precise casts that turn follows into hookups. For nearshore work, it's more about understanding structure, current, and how fish relate to bottom features that hold baitfish.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Lane snapper are one of the most underrated fighters in these waters. Don't let their size fool you – a good lane snapper will give you a fight on light tackle, and they're absolutely delicious table fare. These fish love structure, whether it's natural rock formations or artificial reefs, and they're active year-round in Florida waters. Captain Todd knows the spots where lanes congregate, often in schools that can provide fast action once you dial in the right depth and bait presentation. Peak action usually happens during moving water, when these aggressive feeders are most active.

Spanish mackerel are pure adrenaline on light tackle. These speed demons show up in good numbers during the cooler months, typically from fall through early spring, and they'll absolutely scream line off your reel. They're excellent targets for anglers who want consistent action – when you find a school of Spanish mackerel, you can often catch fish after fish until they move on. They're also fantastic eating when handled properly, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill. Look for diving birds as a sign of mackerel activity, and be ready for fast, aggressive strikes.

Southern flounder are the ultimate ambush predators, and catching them requires patience and the right technique. These flatfish hide in sandy areas near structure, waiting to ambush unsuspecting baitfish. Fall is prime time for flounder fishing, when they're moving toward inlets for their offshore spawning migration. A good flounder is a trophy fish – they can reach impressive sizes and provide excellent table fare. The key is working your bait slowly along the bottom, giving these deliberate feeders time to commit to the bite.

Bluefish are the bulldogs of the nearshore waters, and when they're around, you'll know it. These aggressive predators travel in schools and feed with reckless abandon, often creating spectacular surface activity. They're excellent fighters that will test your tackle and your drag system. While they're not the best table fare, they're pure fun on light tackle and often save the day when other species aren't cooperating. Spring and fall migrations bring the biggest schools through the area.

Grey snapper, also known as mangrove snapper, are among the smartest fish you'll target on this trip. These cunning predators are structure-oriented and incredibly line-shy, making them a real challenge for anglers. But that challenge is exactly what makes them so rewarding to catch. They're excellent table fare and can reach impressive sizes around the right structure. Night fishing often produces the biggest grey snapper, when they're more willing to venture away from cover to feed. Captain Todd knows the spots where these wary fish feel comfortable enough to bite during daylight hours.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're ready to experience some of Florida's best inshore and nearshore fishing without the crowds, Captain Todd Vivian has the local knowledge and fishing skills to make it happen. The waters around New Smyrna Beach offer year-round fishing opportunities, with seasonal patterns that keep things interesting no matter when you visit. This personalized charter experience gives you the flexibility to target the species you're most interested in while learning techniques that'll make you a better angler long after the trip ends. Don't wait – the best fishing days fill up fast, especially during peak seasons when the fish are most active.