May Inshore Fishing Report – Palm Coast / Flagler County Area with Chris from Skinny Water Lures May fishing throughout Palm Coast and the greater Flagler County area was nothing short of outstanding. As water temperatures climbed and larger schools of bait began flooding the creeks, flats, and backwater systems, the inshore bite turned on strong across the region. Redfish, trout, snook, and flounder all provided steady action throughout the month, with anglers finding success along the Intracoastal Waterway, creek mouths, oyster bars, residential canals, and shallow grass flats. The combination of warming water, active bait movement, and longer feeding windows made May one of the most productive months so far this year. Understanding the Late Spring Pattern May marked the transition into a more aggressive summer feeding pattern. Finger mullet, shrimp, and smaller baitfish became increasingly active throughout the system, pulling predator fish shallow during moving tides and low-light periods. Early mornings and evening tide changes produced the best action, especially around creek drains, oyster edges, and shallow flats with active bait presence. Fish were far more willing to push shallow this month compared to spring, and many areas held consistent feeding activity throughout the day during stable weather conditions. As we move into June, expect bait schools to continue increasing while predator fish feed even more aggressively around current seams, structure, and shoreline ambush points. Redfish The redfish bite was one of the highlights of the month. Slot-sized reds were actively cruising shallow flats and feeding aggressively around mullet schools during moving tides. 3-inch and 4-inch Skinny Water Lures paddle tails in natural colors like Smoked Mullet, Purple Haze, and Texas-T produced excellent results throughout May. Anglers targeting oyster edges, creek mouths, and shallow grass flats saw consistent hookups, especially during outgoing tides and early morning conditions. Redfish were also heavily keyed in on live finger mullet fished near shoreline structure and current seams. 1Trout Speckled trout fishing remained steady all month long, particularly during low-light conditions and outgoing tides. Trout stacked up over grass flats, drop-offs, and creek intersections where bait concentrations were highest. Smaller Skinny Water Lures paddle tails and twitch baits worked exceptionally well when retrieved slowly with occasional pauses. Live shrimp under popping corks also continued producing solid numbers of fish throughout the month. As water temperatures continue warming into June, expect trout to remain active early and late in the day while pushing slightly deeper during the hottest afternoon periods. Snook Snook activity increased significantly throughout May as warmer water temperatures pushed fish farther into residential canals, creek systems, and dock lines. Live mullet and live shrimp under popping corks produced quality fish during evening tide changes and around moving current. Artificial anglers also found success throwing paddle tails tight to docks, mangroves, seawalls, and current lines. Many of the better snook bites occurred during lower light periods when fish became more aggressive around shoreline ambush points. Live Bait Report Live bait played a major role throughout May. Finger mullet, mud minnows, and live shrimp all produced depending on conditions and target species. Finger mullet fished near docks, creek mouths, and oyster bars consistently attracted redfish and snook, while live shrimp under popping corks kept trout rods bent throughout the month. As bait schools continue growing into June, live bait should remain one of the strongest options for anglers targeting larger fish. Best Areas • Creek mouths along the Intracoastal • Oyster bars during outgoing tides • Shallow grass flats during early mornings • Residential dock systems and canal edges • Matanzas River shorelines and feeder creeks 2Best Techniques • Slow-rolling paddle tails near bottom structure • Twitch bait retrieves with long pauses • Popping cork rigs with live shrimp • Free-lining finger mullet near current seams What to Expect in June 2026 June should continue the strong inshore pattern seen throughout May. • Larger schools of bait will continue moving into the system • Feeding windows should expand during early mornings and evenings • Snook activity should continue increasing in creeks and canals • Redfish and trout will remain active around moving tides and structure • Warmer water temperatures may push fish slightly deeper during midday heat Anglers should continue focusing on moving water, active bait presence, and low-light conditions for the most consistent action. Key May Takeaways • Bait movement triggered aggressive feeding activity • Outgoing tides remained highly productive • Paddle tails in natural colors produced consistently • Live shrimp and finger mullet remained top live bait choices • Creek mouths, flats, and shoreline structure all held quality fish May delivered excellent inshore fishing throughout Palm Coast and Flagler County, with quality fish being caught daily across a variety of locations and techniques. As we move deeper into summer, expect the bite to remain strong with larger bait schools and increasingly aggressive predator fish throughout the system. Whether you’re throwing tournament-proven Skinny Water Lures or soaking live bait around structure, now is the time to get on the water and chase that next trophy fish.
