February Inshore Fishing Report – Palm Coast / Flagler County Area with Chris
from Skinny Water Lures
February in the Palm Coast and greater Flagler County area has continued the winter
pattern — but with noticeable signs that spring isn’t far off. This month has been a
transition period. We’ve still seen cold fronts roll through, but the warming trend
between fronts has been longer and more consistent, gradually pushing water
temperatures from the low 50s into the upper 50s and even low 60s on sunny
afternoons.
That slight temperature bump has made a big difference.
Redfish, trout, and black drum are still in winter mode, but they’ve been feeding more
consistently during warming trends. February has rewarded anglers who stay flexible —
adjusting locations based on recent weather and focusing heavily on tide timing and sun
exposure.
Understanding the Late Winter Transition
After February cold snaps, fish have continued to slide into deeper water — creeks,
canals, residential docks, channel edges, and deeper bends of the Intracoastal.
However, unlike January, they’ve been moving shallow more quickly once the sun gets
up.
The best bite window this month has been mid-morning through late afternoon,
especially two to three days after a front when water stabilizes. Dark mud bottoms,
oyster bars that hold heat, and protected flats out of the north wind have all produced.
As we near March, expect fish to begin spreading out more. Instead of being tightly
grouped in winter holes, they’ll start staging along transitional areas — edges that
connect deep wintering zones to shallow spring feeding grounds.
Bing’s Landing
Bing's Landing continues to produce quality winter fish, especially on outgoing tides.
Redfish have been holding along ICW drop-offs and oyster edges, but in February
they’ve been more willing to slide up shallow during the afternoon warming periods.
Slow-rolling 2.5” Skinny Water Lures paddle tails along the bottom has remained
effective, but this month we’ve also seen fish respond to slightly more movement —
subtle hops instead of strictly dragging.
Creek mouths have been key on falling tides, with bait beginning to show up more
consistently. As we move into March, expect these fish to spend more time feeding
along the flats during stronger afternoon sun.
High Bridge (Palm Coast)
High Bridge has remained a reliable winter pattern area through February. Trout have
been steady along deeper channel edges and around bridge structure, especially during
moving water.
Long pauses are still producing bites, but compared to January, trout have shown
slightly more aggression during warmer afternoons. Curly tail grubs on light jig heads
continue to shine here, particularly when allowed to sit just off bottom in slower current.
Black drum have been mixed in tight to structure during slack tide windows. As water
temperatures climb into March, look for trout to spread toward nearby flats earlier in the
day instead of holding strictly in deeper channels.
Matanzas Inlet
Matanzas Inlet has been one of the most consistent February producers, particularly on
days with clean water and steady current. Redfish have been staging along sand
transitions and current seams, while black drum have remained tight to bottom in slower
eddies.
Trout have been holding just off the main flow, often in slightly deeper pockets adjacent
to moving water. Heavier jig heads have still been necessary to maintain bottom
contact, but retrieves can be slightly more active than mid-winter.
As we move into March, expect increased bait presence in the inlet and more
aggressive feeding windows — particularly around strong tide movement.
What to Expect in March 2026
March is when the true spring transition begins in Flagler County.
• Water temperatures should consistently reach the low to mid-60s
• Fish will spread out from winter holes
• Bait activity will increase significantly
• Feeding windows will expand beyond just midday
Redfish will begin cruising flats more regularly, especially on higher tides. Trout will push
shallower earlier in the day, and black drum will remain steady around structure and
oyster beds.
Presentation can gradually become more active — but don’t abandon finesse
completely. Early March can still bring surprise cold fronts, temporarily resetting the
pattern. Stay adaptable and fish the conditions in front of you.
Key February Takeaways
• Focus on warming trends between cold fronts
• Fish deeper early, move shallow as the day warms
• Outgoing tides at creek mouths remain productive
• Slow presentations still win — but subtle hops can trigger more bites
• Start scouting transitional areas leading into flats
Late winter fishing in Palm Coast and throughout Flagler County is about reading daily
conditions and adjusting accordingly. February proved that fish are still catchable — and
March should bring more consistency, more movement, and longer feeding windows.
Keep confidence in your approach, trust the slower techniques when needed, and as
the water warms, be ready to cover a little more water. Spring is knocking at the door.