August Fishing in New Smyrna Beach: Hot Weather, Big Bites & Tarpon Thrills

August 1st, 2025

August Fishing Outlook: Hot Days, Heavy Rain, and Big Opportunities

August in New Smyrna Beach means one thing—heat and humidity are in full force. The water’s warm, the summer storms roll through, and when conditions line up just right, the fishing can be fantastic.

Even with the occasional upwelling, once the water stabilizes, expect great action across the inlet, nearshore reefs, and back bays. And with the fall mullet run just around the corner, this is the month to gear up and get out there.

In short—if I were you, I’d go fishing!

Early Mornings Win: Beat the Heat, Beat the Fish

The golden rule for August fishing? Get on the water early.
With air temperatures soaring by mid-morning, the best bite almost always happens before the sun gets too high.

At first light, reds, snook, and tarpon patrol the inlet and nearby rocks, chasing baitfish in the moving current. These fish are active, aggressive, and hungry—especially before the heat slows everything down.

If you’re looking for a full morning of action, start early, plan around the tides, and have your bait variety ready to go.

Best Baits for August Inlet Action

August can be unpredictable—one day shrimp is hot, the next it’s all about mullet. The key is to come prepared with a mix of live bait options. Here’s what I recommend having in your livewell:

•  Shrimp – Always reliable for reds and snook
•  Pinfish – Hardy and effective in current
•  Croakers – Great for tempting slot snook and reds
•  Mullet – Prime bait for tarpon and bull reds

Each day can be different, so don’t be afraid to experiment and see what the fish are keyed in on.

Reading the Water and Positioning Your Boat

When fishing the inlet, boat positioning is everything. I rely on side-scan sonar to mark fish, then move up-current and let the baits drift naturally back into their zone.

Here’s a quick setup guide:

• Use 3–4 oz egg sinkers to keep baits near the bottom in strong current.
• Add pinch weights for mid-depth presentations.
• Free-line your baits when fish are feeding near the surface.

A good rule of thumb is to position your boat about 15 yards off the rocks. Pitch your lighter rigs slightly up-current, let the bait drift naturally with the flow, and repeat until you connect.

For gear, I recommend:

• Leader: 20–40 lb fluorocarbon (at least 3 ft)
• Hook: 4/0 circle hook

This setup gives you the perfect balance of stealth, strength, and sensitivity.

Flounder & Nearshore Reefs: August Bonus Bite

Don’t overlook the flounder bite this month! The inlet edges and nearshore reefs often hold some nice fish throughout August.

If you can get your hands on mud minnows, you’re in luck—they’re a top-tier bait for flatfish this time of year. Bounce them gently along sandy patches or reef edges with slow retrieves, and you’ll be rewarded with a few “doormat” flounder for your efforts.

Tarpon at Sunrise: The Ultimate Florida Wake-Up Call

Nothing wakes you up faster than an 80-pound tarpon cartwheeling before your first sip of coffee.
August mornings bring rolling tarpon along the beach and inlet, gorging on schools of baitfish.

While live mullet are always productive, I’ve found great success throwing larger paddle tails—especially when the fish are finicky. The combination of flash, vibration, and size mimics a fleeing baitfish perfectly.

Keep your drag smooth and your camera ready—these battles are the kind you’ll want to remember.

Pro Tips for August Success