Flats Fishing Charters in New Smyrna Beach

Flats Fishing the famous waters of mosquito lagoon

Flats fishing is the heart of technical inshore angling in Florida. For those who enjoy the challenge of targeting individual fish in shallow water, few experiences rival watching a redfish tail in 10 inches of water and delivering the perfect cast.


Captain Bach Charters offers private, flats-focused fishing trips for 1–2 anglers across New Smyrna Beach, Mosquito Lagoon, and surrounding systems. While these trips are built for serious anglers—whether you're throwing flies at cruising reds or walking soft plastics along mangrove edges—we are equally eager to host beginners and casual fishermen looking to learn something new or have relaxed day on the water.


There’s no trolling or bait soaking here. This is active, precision fishing, made for people who want to engage the water with intent.

What Makes Flats Fishing Unique

Fishing the flats isn’t just about casting—it's about reading the water. You’ll learn to spot push wakes, shadow movement, nervous bait, and the subtle tail flicks that signal feeding fish. This style of fishing rewards awareness, patience, and control. Whether on fly or spin, flats trips provide:

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The visually engaging elements of side fishing

Whether you are fly fishing or spin fishing, Mosquito lagoon and the Indian river are famous arenas for targeting highly sought after inshore game fish

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Blind casting

From throwing topwaters for explosive eats, to covering water with artificials, you never know what the next cast can bring

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Live Bait

A great option for the beginner or someone looking for their personal best of a species. if you want to max out your day, there's nothing like the real deal

Man on a boat holding a reddish-brown fish with a dark tail in front of a blue sky and water.

Flats Fishing

Flats Fishing: What makes this fishery so unique is that all this action is happening in less than three feet of water, often making for a visual and exciting bite! The scenery is unlike any other, with sprawling pastures of marine grass and clear water.

It’s both a technical and immersive way to fish—one that sharpens your instincts and improves your fishing overall.

What You’ll Target on the Flats

The flats around New Smyrna Beach and Mosquito Lagoon are home to several shallow-water gamefish. These species often feed aggressively on the right tide and offer real shot opportunities for skilled anglers.

Primary Targets Include:

Redfish

Year-round opportunities; often found tailing or cruising solo or in small pods

Spotted Seatrout

Especially aggressive in early morning light or on cooler days

Snook

Common along shadow lines, mangroves, and dock edges

Black Drum

Occasionally seen tailing in slightly deeper flats or cruising in schools

Flounder

Often ambush feeders around sandy transitions

Sheepshead

 Sometimes sight-fishable around oyster bars or structure

Man on boat, holding up a caught fish, arms raised. Wearing hat and swim trunks. Blue water and sky.

Trip Details and Gear Provided

Every flats fishing charter is fully outfitted and tailored to your skill level and fishing preference. Capt. Bach brings a tactical mindset to every outing, treating each tide window like a unique opportunity.

Included in All Flats Trips:

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Private charter for 1–2 anglers

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Premium fly and/or spin gear

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Custom flies and high-quality artificial lures

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Cooler with ice and water

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Florida fishing licenses

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Quiet poling skiff for stealth access

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Coaching on casting, positioning, and fish behavior

Fly or Spin — Your Choice

Captain Bach guides both fly anglers and conventional fishermen, offering full flexibility and equal attention to both disciplines.

 Fly Fishing the Flats

Perfect for anglers who want to improve or test their accuracy in skinny water. You’ll cast to visible targets using shrimp, crab, or baitfish imitations—often within 30–50 feet. Leaders, flies, and rigging are all optimized in advance.

Man on boat holding large, silver tarpon fish; overcast sky and water in background.

Spin Fishing the Flats

Whether you're sight fishing, blind casting, or utilizing live bait,  you can choose to challenge yourself or just hammer them!

Both methods require controlled body movement, line awareness, and discipline—something Captain Bach helps refine throughout the trip.

Rates for Flats Fishing Trips

Charters are private and include all equipment. Rates are based on trip length:

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4-Hour Flats Trip – $500

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6-Hour Flats Trip – $600

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8-Hour Flats Trip (Full Day) – $700

Booking early for seasonal tides and moon phases is strongly recommended.

Reviews from the Flats

“The flats trip I did with Captain Bach was everything I hoped for—clear shots at tailing reds, great coaching on fly placement, and no fluff. Just solid fishing.”

 

— Verified Google Review

“Technical, smart guiding with perfect gear. Hunter adjusted to wind changes without wasting time and had us on fish throughout. Highly recommend if you’re into real flats fishing.”


 — Verified Facebook Review

Book Your Flats Fishing Charter

For anglers who want the satisfaction of a clean, well-placed cast and a tailing redfish exploding on the eat, Captain Bach’s flats fishing charters are built for you.

Call or email to discuss the best tides, gear preference, and availability. Or book instantly through FishingBooker to lock in your date.

Trips launch from New Smyrna Beach, Mosquito Lagoon or the Indian River depending on wind and tide conditions.