top of page
FAQs
General Asked Questions
No. Every Reel Deal Fishin' charter includes your Florida fishing license, so there's nothing to buy or arrange beforehand. Just show up ready to fish — Capt. Chad handles the license side of things so you can spend your time on the water instead of paperwork.
Charters launch from New Smyrna Beach, FL, putting you minutes from the Indian River Lagoon, Mosquito Lagoon, and the nearshore Atlantic. That quick access is what lets Capt. Chad adjust each trip to where the fish are biting that day, instead of running a fixed route to a single spot.
Book directly through the website, or call or text Capt. Chad at (386) 853-4814. Let him know what you're after — inshore, nearshore, shark fishing, or a tour — and he'll match the trip type and timing to the best tide for that day.
Most charters comfortably fit small private groups. Every trip is private — it's your group only, never combined with another party — so there's no fixed headcount to hit. If you're bringing a larger party, just ask when you book and Capt. Chad will walk you through the options.
Every charter includes your Florida fishing license, all rods, tackle, and bait, plus a cooler, ice, and bottled water on board. Fish cleaning is included for in-season species once you're back at the dock. Pricing itself varies by charter type and trip length — call or book online for a quote.
Bring polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, and a camera — the gear itself is covered. Pack snacks and drinks for the ride, and a light jacket if you're heading out on a cool morning or a night trip. Beyond that, just show up ready to fish; Capt. Chad handles the rest.
If conditions aren't safe to run, Capt. Chad will reschedule your trip or refund you — your safety always comes first, no matter how far out you're booked. He watches the marine forecast closely and would rather move a date than put anyone on the water in bad weather.
Rarely. Most Reel Deal Fishin' charters run in calm, protected inshore water with minimal swell, and even the nearshore trips stay close to the beach rather than heading into open ocean. If you're prone to motion sickness, an inshore trip is the safest bet for a comfortable day.
Yes. Every charter carries all required U.S. Coast Guard safety gear, including life jackets sized for both adults and children. It's part of the standard equipment on board for every trip, no need to bring your own — just let Capt. Chad know if kids will be on board.
Plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time. That gives Capt. Chad time to run through safety basics, get everyone loaded and settled, and get out on the water right on schedule instead of rushing through prep at the dock.
Yes — fish cleaning is included at the dock for all in-season inshore species once your trip wraps up. It's part of what's included in the price, so you can head home with fish ready for the cooler instead of handling the cleaning yourself.
Sure. Whether you're after redfish on the flats, a relaxed family outing, or something with more pull like shark or nearshore fishing, Capt. Chad tailors the day around what you want. Just say so when you book, and he'll build the trip plan around that request.
All Reel Deal Fishin' charters are private. It's just you, your group, and the captain — never combined with another party you don't know. That means no crowds and no pressure, and the whole trip is built around what your group wants to catch, at your own pace.
Yes. If you've got a favorite rod and reel, bring it along and Capt. Chad will work with your setup. If not, no need to buy anything — every charter already includes rods, tackle, and bait, so you can show up with nothing and still be fully equipped.
Yes — gift certificates are available for any Reel Deal Fishin' charter or tour, and they're easy to purchase directly through Capt. Chad. They make a solid gift for anyone who'd enjoy a day on the water, whether they're an experienced angler or trying it for the first time.
Yes. Reel Deal Fishin' has hosted birthdays, family reunions, and couples outings on the water — just let Capt. Chad know what you're celebrating when you book, and he'll help plan a trip that fits the occasion, whether that means a relaxed tour or an active fishing charter.
Most trips require a deposit to hold your date on the calendar — exact amounts vary by charter type and length. Book directly online or call Capt. Chad to confirm the deposit for your specific trip, especially during busier seasons when dates on the calendar fill up fast.
Call Capt. Chad at (386) 853-4814 or check the online booking flow to confirm which payment methods are accepted before your trip.
If you need to cancel or reschedule, just give Capt. Chad as much notice as possible so he can rebook the slot. Cancellations due to weather are always fully refunded or rescheduled at no cost — that's the one cancellation reason that's entirely on the house.
Safety, Weather & Kids
Absolutely. Inshore trips run in calm, protected water that makes it easy to learn, and Capt. Chad and Capt. Falon both give hands-on coaching on casting and handling fish rather than just steering the boat. It's built for beginners and kids to actually catch something, not just watch.
If conditions aren’t safe, we reschedule or refund. Your safety comes first.
Rarely. Most of our charters are in calm inshore water with minimal swell. Even our nearshore trips stay close to the beach.
Yes. We carry all required U.S. Coast Guard safety gear for adults and children.
Very. Capt. Chad has years of experience teaching kids and first-timers, and inshore trips in particular run in calm water that keeps things easy and low-stress for families. It's less about a technical fishing trip and more about a fun day on the water everyone can enjoy.
Species and Seasonal Questions
It changes with the tides and the season, but Reel Deal Fishin' regularly puts anglers on redfish, trout, snook, flounder, sheepshead, and drum, plus sharks and other nearshore species when they're running. Check the fishing report blog for real, dated updates on what's biting right now.
Spring and fall bring the strongest action, but fishing runs year-round here. Spring means redfish and cobia, summer turns on snook and tarpon, fall is prime for flounder and drum, and winter brings sheepshead season along the docks and bridges — every season has its own highlight.
Yes, for in-season species like redfish, trout, flounder, and sheepshead, following Florida's size and bag limits. Sharks are catch-and-release only on every trip, no exceptions. Capt. Chad will tell you what's legal to keep on the day, since regulations shift by season and species.
Inshore charters target redfish, snook, trout, flounder, sheepshead, and drum in the calm, protected backwaters around New Smyrna Beach. Which species you focus on depends on the season and the day's bite — Capt. Chad adjusts the plan rather than running a fixed route to one spot.
Nearshore trips target sharks, kingfish, tarpon, jacks, and cobia when they're running, just a few miles off the beach. It's a step up in intensity from inshore fishing without the long run of a true offshore trip — the specific species depends on what's moving through that season.
Spring through fall is strongest, with peak action in summer.
Yes — nighttime flounder gigging is one of Reel Deal Fishin's signature trips and a genuinely unique experience in the New Smyrna area. Capt. Chad hunts flounder in shallow, calm water after dark using custom lighting and hand-held gigs — an after-hours option most visitors don't even know exists.
Most nearshore trips run just a few miles off the beach — close enough that you're never far from the coast, but far enough to reach kingfish, cobia, and other species that don't come inshore. That closeness is what makes the fishing here accessible without a long offshore run.
Logistics & Experience
Plan to arrive 10–15 minutes before your departure time.
Yes, for all in-season inshore species.
Sure. Whether you want redfish on the flats, a relaxing family trip, or something with bigger pull, we tailor the day to you.
All trips are private. No crowds, no pressure — just you, your group, and the captain.
Most days only a few miles off the beach. The action here is close.
Yes. If you’ve got a favorite setup, bring it. Otherwise, we provide everything.
Family, Groups & Special Requests
Very. Capt. Chad has years of experience teaching kids and first-timers.
Yes. Reel Deal Fishin' runs dolphin and manatee tours and nighttime bioluminescence tours for guests who want to be on the water without fishing. Both are scenic, laid-back options — a good fit for families, photographers, or anyone who just wants to see New Smyrna Beach from the water.
Yes. They’re easy to purchase and make great gifts.
Birthdays, family trips, couples outings — just let us know what you’re celebrating.
Payments & Policies
Most trips require a deposit to hold your date.
Call or check online booking for available options.
If you need to cancel or reschedule, just give us as much notice as possible. Weather cancellations are fully refunded or rescheduled.