December Fishing in New Smyrna Beach: Cool Temps, Hot Drum & Sheepshead Action

December 5th, 2025

Winter Arrives in the Sunshine State

December in North Central Florida is a special time on the water. The air is crisp, mornings are cool, and every few days, a warm front reminds you you’re still living in the Sunshine State.

While summer species slow down, cooler temperatures create new fishing opportunities. This is when I shift gears from chasing tarpon and snook to targeting winter favorites like black drum and sheepshead—two of the best-tasting and most rewarding cold-weather species in our area.

Black Drum: December’s Heavy Hitters

When the temperatures drop, black drum become one of my main targets. These fish love the deeper structure—holes near the inlet, bridge pilings, and dock edges—anywhere there’s current and food.

You’ll often mark them stacked in deeper pockets near the jetties or causeways. And when you do, you’ll know—these “stud” drum can pull like freight trains.

Here’s how I like to target them:

Location: deeper holes, bridges, docks, and jetties
Top Bait: halved or quartered blue crab (my #1 choice)
Other Options: live shrimp or cut mullet

Drum are bottom-feeders, so keep your presentation close to the structure and stay patient. The bite can be subtle, but once they commit—you’ll know it.

Sheepshead Season: Bait-Stealing Specialists

Another winter favorite, sheepshead, really turn on as the overnight temps cool the water. These striped “convict fish” love to hang around anything with barnacles, oysters, or crustacean growth—making docks, seawalls, and rocks prime territory.

Catching them takes finesse, the right bait, and a little patience.

My go-to setup for sheepshead includes:

Bait: fiddler crabs or sand fleas
Bonus Tip: add a piece of sand flea-flavored Fishbites to make your bait irresistible
Rig: Carolina rig with a short (10”) leader and a #1 Owner 5115 hook

Some anglers prefer a jig head rig tied straight to braid, which works great around heavy structure. I’ve had success with football jigs and Bottom Sweeper jigs, but I really like the ones with a free-swinging hook loop—they give the bait a natural movement that sheepshead can’t resist.

When in doubt, remember: if there’s barnacle growth, there’s sheepshead nearby.

Best Structures to Target in December

December is all about fishing smart around structure. Both black drum and sheepshead gravitate toward hard cover where bait collects and current moves.

Here’s a quick guide to productive winter fishing spots around New Smyrna Beach:

Structure Type	Likely Species	Bait to Use	Best Time
Inlet Jetties	Black Drum, Sheepshead	Blue Crab, Fiddler Crabs	Morning / Incoming Tide
Bridge Pilings	Black Drum	Cut Mullet, Crab	Midday / Slower Current
Docks & Seawalls	Sheepshead	Fiddler Crabs, Fishbites	Outgoing Tide
Channel Drop-offs	Drum	Blue Crab, Shrimp	Morning & Evening

Stick with moving water, adjust your bait depth, and always stay alert—many bites happen just as the current shifts.

Gear Tips for Winter Inshore Fishing

While summer often calls for lighter setups, winter fishing requires a little more backbone. Here’s what I suggest for targeting drum and sheepshead in December:

Rod & Reel: Medium to medium-heavy spinning setup
Leader: 20–30 lb fluorocarbon
Hooks: 1/0–4/0 circle hooks or #1 Owner 5115
Weights: Just enough to keep your bait steady near structure

Keep your drag set right—black drum hit hard, while sheepshead tend to nibble. A sensitive rod tip helps detect those soft, sneaky bites.

Bonus Bite: Late-Season Surprises

Although drum and sheepshead take center stage, don’t be surprised if you hook into a stray redfish or speckled trout this time of year. Warmer days in between cold snaps can fire up the bite, especially around shallow oyster beds and creek mouths.

Bring a few soft plastics or shrimp-tipped jigs just in case—you never know what might take your bait in December.

Final Thoughts: Cool Weather, Hot Action

December proves that fishing in New Smyrna Beach isn’t just a summer sport—it’s year-round fun. The cooler air brings calm conditions, less boat traffic, and a new challenge for those willing to adapt their tactics.

If you’re ready to switch gears and try something different, black drum and sheepshead fishing will test your patience, skill, and reflexes—all while offering a tasty reward at the end of the day.

As always, if you see the Yellow Dawg crew out there—say hello! And if you’d like to join us on the water, give us a call and book your winter fishing charter today.

FAQs About December Fishing in New Smyrna Beach

1. What’s the best time to fish in December?
Mornings and incoming tides offer the best bite, especially for drum and sheepshead around structure.

2. What bait works best for black drum?
Halved or quartered blue crab is my go-to, but live shrimp and cut mullet also work well.

3. Where can I catch sheepshead in New Smyrna Beach?
Target docks, rocks, and seawalls with plenty of barnacle growth using fiddler crabs or sand fleas.

4. Do I need special gear for winter fishing?
Not necessarily—but use stronger leaders (20–30 lb fluorocarbon) and circle hooks for best results.

5. Are there still redfish and trout around in December?
Yes! Warmer days can bring a surprise bite from reds, trout, or even flounder in protected areas.

6. How can I book a December charter with Yellow Dawg Fishing?
Visit YellowDawgFishing.com to reserve your winter inshore fishing trip today!

Book Your Winter Fishing Adventure Today!

Don’t pack away your rods just because it’s cooler out—December fishing in New Smyrna Beach offers some of the most rewarding days of the year. Join Yellow Dawg Fishing for a guided inshore charter targeting black drum, sheepshead, and more this winter.

Book your trip now at YellowDawgFishing.com