January Inshore Fishing Report – Palm Coast / Flagler Area with Chris from Skinny Water Lures
January in the Palm Coast and greater Flagler County area is a month that separates casual anglers from those willing to adjust, slow down, and truly fish the conditions. Winter inshore fishing isn’t about fast limits or covering miles of water — it’s about understanding how cold fronts, tides, and water temperature influence fish movement on a daily basis.
This January has brought a steady rotation of cold fronts, dropping overnight temperatures into the 30s and 40s, which has pushed water temperatures into the low to mid-50s. These conditions force redfish, trout, and black drum to conserve energy, making them far less aggressive but still very catchable for anglers who commit to a slower, more methodical approach.
Understanding the Winter Pattern
After a strong cold front, fish in the Palm Coast area retreat into deeper water. Creeks, canals, channel edges, and areas with darker bottom become prime holding zones. Once the sun has been up for several hours, fish will slide shallow to feed before pulling back into depth again as temperatures drop later in the day.
The best bite window this month has consistently been late morning through mid-afternoon, especially on sunny days with light wind. These small temperature increases are often all it takes to turn a slow day into a productive one.
Bing’s Landing
Bing’s Landing has continued to shine throughout January thanks to its access to deeper Intracoastal water and nearby feeder creeks. Redfish have been schooling up along drop-offs, oyster edges, and bends in the ICW, often sitting tight to the bottom.
The most productive approach here has been fishing Skinny Water Lures 2.5” paddle tails slowly along the bottom, keeping the bait in contact with the structure as much as possible. Short drags followed by long pauses have been key. Many bites are subtle — just a slight “tick” or added weight — so staying focused and fishing light tackle makes a big difference.
On outgoing tides, fish have been staging at creek mouths waiting for bait to wash out, making these transition areas high-percentage spots worth spending time on.
High Bridge (Palm Coast)
The High Bridge area has been a wintertime staple, and January has been no exception. The deeper water, bridge pilings, and current flow make this a natural refuge for fish during colder weather. Trout have been especially consistent here, holding along the deeper edges and channel transitions.
This is an area where patience truly pays off. Fishing Skinny Water Lures curly tail grubs on light jig heads and allowing the bait to sit nearly motionless on the bottom has produced some of the best trout bites of the month. Long pauses are critical — often the bite comes just as you begin to move the lure again.
Black drum have also been mixed in around the bridge structure, especially during slower current periods. Keeping presentations tight to the bottom and fishing methodically around structure has been the most productive approach.
Matanzas Inlet
Matanzas Inlet remains one of the most consistent winter fisheries in the region, particularly when water is moving. The inlet offers everything winter fish need: depth, current breaks, and a steady flow of bait.
Redfish have been staging along inlet edges, sand transitions, and current seams, while black drum have been holding closer to the bottom in slower water. Trout have been found slightly off the main current, often in deeper pockets and eddies.
Because of the stronger current, slightly heavier jig heads have been necessary to maintain bottom contact. Even so, Skinny Water Lures paddle tails and curly tail grubs continue to excel here, providing subtle action without requiring fast retrieves. Fishing the slower seams rather than the main flow has resulted in more consistent bites and fewer missed opportunities.
Lure Size & Presentation Matter
January is not the time for oversized baits or aggressive retrieves. Downsizing has been critical. Smaller profiles look natural, stay in the strike zone longer, and don’t require fish to expend extra energy to eat.
Skinny Water Lures are built for these exact conditions — allowing anglers to fish slow while still getting lifelike movement. Whether it’s a paddle tail creeping along the bottom or a curly tail barely moving in the current, these baits continue to trigger bites when other lures fail.
Key January Takeaways
• Fish deeper water with access to shallow feeding areas
• Focus on late morning to afternoon
• Slow down — then slow down even more
• Downsize your lure profiles
• Target drop-offs, creek mouths, and channel edges
Winter fishing in Palm Coast isn’t about numbers — it’s about quality fish, clean presentations, and confidence in your approach. January rewards anglers who trust the process and stick with it, even on cold mornings that start slow.
If you’re willing to adjust your mindset, embrace finesse tactics, and keep Skinny Water Lures tied on, January can easily produce some of the most memorable inshore fishing of the year.