Fishing Report brought to you by Chris Crego with Skinny Water Lures
Overview:
The inshore fishing scene in Palm Coast, Florida has been absolutely thriving lately, with a solid mix of species making their way through the estuaries, flats, and mangroves. With cooler temperatures settling in, water conditions are stabilizing and baitfish are abundant, creating prime opportunities for anglers to get out and target a variety of game fish. Redfish, trout, snook, and flounder are all in good numbers, and the bite has been steady throughout the week.
Water Conditions:
Water temps are in the mid-70s, which is perfect for targeting a wide range of inshore species. The clarity has been excellent in most areas, with some spots in the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) seeing clearer water thanks to the lower winds. In the backcountry, though, you’ll find some areas with a bit more tannin stain, which often holds fish a bit tighter to structure, making for some exciting, close-range fishing.
Species Breakdown:
Redfish (Slot Reds & Big Bulls):
The redfish bite has been strong, with fish ranging from slot-sized (18-27 inches) to some big bulls pushing over 30 inches. Most of the action has been in the early mornings and late afternoons when the reds are actively feeding on schools of mullet and shrimp in the shallows. Look for them around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove edges. Topwater baits like Skinny Water Lures peanuts and spook jr style have been working well early in the day, while soft plastics like the Skinny Water Lures Twitch Bait and paddle tails have been productive throughout the day, especially in the 3-4 inch range.
Trout:
Spotted seatrout have been plentiful, especially on the grass flats and deeper channels. The bite has been best in the early mornings, just as the sun starts to rise. Live shrimp, if you can find them, have been a go-to bait, but artificial lures like the Skinny Water Lures Paddle Tails, as well as SWL twitch baits, are also effective. Keep an eye on the changing tides as trout often move into the shallows to feed on baitfish during rising water and retreat back to deeper holes as the tide recedes.
Snook:
Snook fishing has been solid, especially in the warmer, shallower waters closer to the mangroves. A lot of the snook are holding around structure like docks, pilings, and mangrove roots, especially as they begin their transition toward their winter haunts. Try throwing a larger paddle tail or twitch bait, which are good choices for covering water. Early mornings are best for snook, with some fish also active during the outgoing tide.
Flounder:
Flounder fishing has seen a bit of a resurgence this month, with some nice flatfish hanging out near drop-offs, deeper holes, and around sandy points near grass flats. Live mullet or small pinfish on a jig head have been working great, but soft plastics like the 4inch SWL curly tail grub or a small paddle tail rigged on a light jig head are also effective. Fish slow along the bottom for the best chances of a hook-up.
Other Species:
While reds, trout, snook, and flounder have been the primary targets, there’s still plenty of action from species like black drum, sheepshead, and mangrove snapper. Look for black drum around deeper flats and oyster bars, while sheepshead are hanging around the pilings and dock structures, particularly as they start to prepare for the winter months. Mangrove snapper have been hitting cut baits, shrimp, and small jigs in the deeper holes near the ICW.
Tackle & Techniques:
As always, light to medium tackle has been the key to success in Palm Coast’s inshore waters. A 7-8 foot medium-action rod paired with a 2500-3000 series reel is perfect for throwing both live bait and artificials. For leaders, a 15-20lb Mono leader is recommended, especially when fishing for species like snook and redfish that have sharp teeth and are known for making fast, aggressive runs.
For artificial lures, look for soft plastics in natural colors like white, chartreuse, and olive green. Topwater lures are always a fun choice for reds and snook during the morning hours, and twitch baits are great for enticing trout and snook in both shallow and deeper waters. As for live bait, shrimp, mullet, and pinfish are all in abundance and are sure to attract a variety of species.
Conclusion:
The inshore fishing in Palm Coast is shaping up to be fantastic for the next few weeks, with great action for both beginners and seasoned anglers alike. Whether you’re targeting reds, trout, snook, or flounder, the bite is consistent, and the weather is perfect for getting out on the water. The fishing should remain strong through the coming weeks as cooler temps bring fish closer to shore, and the fall and winter patterns set in. If you haven’t already, now’s the time to get out there!
Good luck out on the water, and tight lines!