Experience the Thrill of Daytona Beach Fishing Charter

For saltwater fishing near the Daytona Beach area, spring is a prime season marked by migrating baitfish, clear waters, and comfortable weather. The action is split between nearshore and offshore opportunities in the Atlantic and inshore fishing in the Halifax River and nearby estuaries. Nearshore and offshore fishing

• Pelagic migration: In the spring (March–May), large schools of baitfish, such as menhaden, travel north along the coast, drawing large predatory fish close to shore.
• Cobia: This is the top target for spring anglers. They are found nearshore, often swimming in the shadows of large rays. Charter captains and experienced fishermen will sight-cast to them in the clear spring waters, sometimes just a few miles from the beach.
• Reef fishing: Nearshore and offshore artificial reefs are very productive in the spring. You can catch redfish, triggerfish, flounder, and black sea bass on the bottom, while species like amberjacks and sharks patrol above.
• Trolling: For bigger game, trolling for fast-moving pelagic species is effective. Common catches include king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, mahi-mahi (dolphinfish), and barracuda. 

Inshore fishing

• Locations: Productive inshore waters include the Halifax River, Ponce Inlet, and nearby estuaries like Spruce Creek.
• Key species: The warming weather in spring activates many resident species. Anglers targeting the brackish waters can expect to catch:
  • Redfish: Popular gamefish found on the reefs and inshore.
  • Snook: A popular sport fish often found in the estuaries.
  • Spotted seatrout: Prized for their flavor and a frequent catch in the inshore waters.
  • Black drum: Large adults move nearshore to spawn in the spring.
• Techniques: Anglers use a variety of techniques, including fishing with live shrimp on the Intracoastal Waterway and bridge fishing on the Halifax River. 

Surf and pier fishing

• Piers: Daytona's Main Street Pier and Flagler Beach Pier are popular spots. Anglers often use live shrimp on a bottom rig to catch whiting, flounder, and drum. Sharks are also common pier catches.
• Surf fishing: You can fish from the beach for pompano, whiting, and flounder using rigs with salted clams or sand fleas. 

Fishing success varies depending on whether you are casting from the shore, staying inshore, or heading offshore. Nearshore and surf fishingSummer brings some impressive fishing closer to shore, with the nearshore artificial reefs coming alive with warm-water species. 

• Target Species: Look for Tarpon off the beaches, while species like Mangrove Snapper, Cobia, Jack Crevalle, and sharks move into nearshore coastal waters. Surf anglers can catch Whiting, Pompano, and Bluefish.
• Key spots: Artificial reefs are a popular and productive nearshore option, some as close as one mile offshore. The Ponce Inlet jetties are also a hotspot for Tarpon.
• Tips: Fish the early mornings to avoid the afternoon heat and potential thunderstorms. During periods of calm, clear "glass-like" water, Tarpon will be migrating along the beaches. 

Inshore fishingThe protected waters of the Halifax River and the nearby Mosquito Lagoon offer consistent inshore action throughout the summer. 

• Target species:
  • Snook: The summer months are an ideal time to fish for Snook, which are active and spawning in the inlets and backwaters, particularly around mangroves, bridges, and docks.
  • Tarpon: Adult Tarpon can be found in deeper channels of the Halifax River and around Ponce Inlet.
  • Redfish and Spotted Seatrout: These species can be found in the brackish water flats and creeks of the Halifax River and Mosquito Lagoon.
  • Other species: Look for Jack Crevalle, Black Drum, Mangrove Snapper, and Flounder.
• Key spots: Target the mangrove shorelines and docks in the Halifax River and Mosquito Lagoon. The jetties and bridges at Ponce Inlet are also great for catching Snook and Tarpon. 

Offshore fishingFor those willing to venture further out, the summer provides a prime opportunity for chasing a variety of big game fish. 

• Target species:
  • Reef fish: Grouper season is open, with Gag, Black, and Red Grouper being common catches. Snapper species, including Mangrove and Lane Snapper, also school around the reefs.
  • Pelagics: Trolling around the reefs can land you Amberjacks, Cobia, Dolphinfish(Mahi-mahi), King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, and Barracuda.
  • Deep-sea trips: Longer charters can target Sailfish, Tuna, and Wahoo.

Saltwater fishing off Daytona Beach during the fall is excellent, as the seasonal migrations bring a wide variety of species to the area. Multiple species are on the move, following baitfish like mullet southward as water temperatures begin to cool. Inshore and nearshoreThe inshore and nearshore waters, including the Halifax River, Mosquito Lagoon, and Ponce Inlet, are teeming with migrating fish. 

• Redfish: Large schools of redfish can be found in the shallows of New Smyrna Beach, the oyster bars of Ponce Inlet, and the flats of Daytona Beach.
• Speckled Sea Trout: These are plentiful in the inshore areas, especially around grass flats and drop-offs.
• Flounder: A favorite for inshore anglers, flounder are best targeted from October to December. Look for them on sandy bottoms in the Halifax River and Ponce Inlet.
• Snook: Snook fishing can be "on fire" as the fish move south through the Intracoastal Waterway (Halifax River).
• Tarpon: The fall season is one of the best times for tarpon fishing in the area, as these large fish migrate down the coast.
• Mackerel: Spanish and King Mackerel can be found nearshore, following baitfish close to shore. 

OffshoreBeyond the jetties and into the deeper Atlantic waters, offshore fishing is at its autumn peak, with many large gamefish migrating through. 

• Mahi-Mahi: The offshore waters cool in the fall, bringing in more baitfish and, in turn, large numbers of mahi-mahi.
• Sailfish: Beginning in mid-October, sailfish show up in good numbers as they follow the migration south.
• Wahoo and Marlin: Anglers can also hook into other big gamefish like Wahoo and even the occasional Blue Marlin.
• King Mackerel: Some of the season's largest king mackerel are caught in the fall as they fatten up for their migration.
• Blackfin Tuna: The fall season is the peak time to find blackfin tuna in the Gulfstream waters. 

Saltwater fishing in the Daytona Beach area is productive during the winter months, especially in the calmer inshore waters. Fish become more lethargic in colder temperatures and move to deeper, warmer pockets of water, meaning anglers should adjust their techniques. Target fish speciesInshore fishing (Halifax River/Intracoastal Waterway)

• Redfish: These are a year-round target and are a winter favorite in the Mosquito Lagoon and backcountry areas.
• Spotted seatrout: Abundant all winter, they are often found around seagrass, oyster bars, and deeper channels.
• Black drum: This is a prime season for black drum, which can be found in deeper channels and around structures.
• Sheepshead: Look for sheepshead near docks, bridges, and other structures along the Intracoastal Waterway from December through March.
• Flounder: Southern flounder are a common catch on inshore trips, especially during the winter.
• Mangrove snapper: While some move offshore as they mature, you can catch juvenile mangrove snapper in the brackish inshore waters. 

Surf fishing (Daytona Beach)

• Pompano: This is a popular and productive catch for surf fishers during the winter. 

Offshore fishing (Atlantic Ocean)

• Cobia: The bite for cobia will start to turn on when the water temperature reaches around 68-70 degrees.
• Wahoo: The bite for wahoo picks up offshore during the winter.
• Bottom species: Offshore bottom dwellers like snapper and grouper are available, though winter winds can make offshore trips difficult. 

Winter fishing strategy

• Fish deeper water: As the water cools, fish will move from summer spots to deeper areas like channels, inlets, and pockets with structure.
• Go slow: Use a slow, deliberate lure retrieve. Since fish are more lethargic, they are less likely to chase a fast-moving bait.
• Fish sunny days: On sunny winter days, fish will move into shallow flats and mud bottoms to warm up, making sight-fishing for redfish a good option.
• Use the right bait:
  • Live bait: Small live finger mullet, shrimp, and Gulf shrimp are effective for redfish and trout.
  • Artificials: Soft plastics and jigs are good choices for working the bottom slowly. 

Where to go

• Halifax River and Intracoastal Waterway: This brackish system is an ideal habitat for many winter species and provides shelter from offshore winds. Look for docks, bridges, and oyster bars.
• Ponce Inlet: This inlet is a hotspot, offering access to both the inshore river system and the Atlantic, attracting species like pompano, sheepshead, and black drum.
• Mosquito Lagoon and backcountry: This area south of Daytona is famous for its winter redfish sight-fishing in the shallows.
• Tomoka Inlet: The mix of fresh and saltwater creates a perfect habitat for flounder and sheepshead during the cooler months.