What would you recommend to anglers fishing in New Smyrna Beach, Florida for the first time?

Great location to fish. Leaving under the north causeway bridge by some beautiful houses with large boats and out of Ponce Inlet with jetties on both sides and the lighthouse is great. Seeing the hotels/condos of New Smyrna and Daytona is really nice. Add in a bunch of fish and this is a great trip.

Nothing really, this was our first time fishing there, and we had an awesome time!!! And the only reason I say no it wasn't what I expected at booking, or not to did we catch the fish we wanted, was cause we thought we were going out deeper, and the fish would be different, and bigger. But it doesn't take anything away from the fact we caught fish we never thought we'd catch, seen fish we've never seen before, and it was just an amazing time!!!

Be patient, as the weather dictates what kind of fishing can be done. But, there is plenty of in-shore fishing to be had during those times when you can't get out to deeper water. Check out Reel Compulsive fishing charters. My friend and I had a great time. Caught 13 different species of fish, and even reeled in a Stone Crab that wouldn't let go of my bait shrimp. Took his big main claw, and tossed him back. Dolphins and manatees routinely swimming by the boat, both while anchored and while moving. So, you can get some wildlife watching and fishing in at the same time.

Pray for a day that was not so windy and cold. Captain Gary did an excellent job under challenging conditions. Filleting the sheepshead must have been brutal in the cold wind. I would not hesitate to go fishing with Gary again.

Pay for the 12 hour trips if it is offered because the bite is good early in the morning and it gets good again late in the evening, but if you only pay for the 8 hour trip then you'll loose out on those evening bites.

Highly recommend it. The captain worked extra hard to make as enjoyable as possible thumbs up to Fred Carter, Carter's charters. A very memorable trip,hanging a fish of a lifetime and everyone had a time about to fight it thanks a million

We were novices, but the fish were biting all day. We didn't catch anything big, but we caught a huge variety of fish, which made it a fun day.

If you're in the area use captain Jimmy at Blue Voodoo Outfitters . I guarantee a good trip

Definitely hire a guide. Water is warm and hard to find fish but bless you know where I hey are.

Fish with someone who knows the back area unless your hitting up Ponce inlet. We like the mangrove for the kids.

Pick your months carefully. I added this as a last minute thing & didn’t expect a huge bite so I was pleased we had a good weather day with adequate bite for January.

Book a full day so that you have time to make the run out to where the big fish are. It was so worth it....

Don't waste your time with boats. Surf fish or fish the draw bridge. Look for a Captain Mike, he's supposed to be experienced but has tiny boat.

It was our first time and we caught 11 fish. Don’t know if that’s good but we felt good about our day

We enjoyed the intracoastal option for big fish without the seasick risk of the ocean.

Be ready for a fight with those fish. Be ready for the heat. And just enjoy the experience!

Keep in mind that the most common catch is red snapper, a lot of fun, but not in season to keep.