Inshore Fishing Report – Palm Coast / Flagler County Area with Chris from
Skinny Water Lures
Spring fishing along the Palm Coast is starting to hit its stride, with improving conditions
and more consistent action across all inshore species. Warmer water temperatures and
increased bait movement have fish feeding more aggressively and holding in
predictable patterns. Anglers are finding success by focusing on tides, water clarity, and
matching the local forage. Here’s a breakdown of what’s biting and how to make the
most of your time on the water this month.
Redfish Report
Redfish have been the most consistent bite lately, with strong action across shallow
grass flats, oyster bars, and back creeks. The falling tide has been the key window, as
fish push off the flats and stage in potholes and along edges. Early mornings are
producing tailing fish and cruising singles in skinny water, often in knee-deep depths.
Top producers have been Skinny Water Lures 3” paddle tails, especially in pickle back
and green goblin. A slow retrieve with occasional bumps along the bottom has been
getting it done. As the sun rises, sight fishing opportunities improve along the edges, but
if the water gets dirty, switching to a darker profile can make all the difference.
Speckled Trout
The trout bite has been solid and continues to improve daily. Focus on grass flats with
moving water, and target deeper potholes during mid-day for better quality fish. The
early morning topwater bite is just starting to turn on, so don’t miss that window.
Go-to setups include Skinny Water Lures paddle tails on light jig heads, along with
twitch baits when fish are suspended. Trout are feeding aggressively right now,
especially when bait is present—if you find bait, you’ll find trout.
Flounder
Flounder are being caught consistently around dock pilings, ICW drop-offs, and creek
mouths. The key is patience and presentation.
Slowly drag a Skinny Water Lures soft plastic along the bottom, letting it sit before giving
it a subtle hop. Most bites are light—if something feels even slightly “off,” go ahead and
set the hook.
Conditions & Strategy
Water clarity has ranged from slightly stained to clear, depending on wind and tide.
Moving water has been critical for success, and light morning winds have created
excellent sight fishing conditions.
For mid-day fishing, shift your focus to deeper edges and structure. Early mornings and
late afternoons continue to favor shallow water patterns.
What’s Working Best Right Now
Skinny Water Lures are producing across the board:
3” Paddle Tails → Reliable for both redfish and trout
Twitch Baits → Triggering reaction strikes and targeting bigger trout
Natural colors early, darker colors in stained water
Fish are heavily keyed in on bait, so matching the profile has been a major factor in
success.
Final Thoughts
This is one of the best times of year as everything starts to align—water temperatures,
bait movement, and aggressive feeding patterns. If you’re heading out around Palm
Coast, keep it simple: fish the tides, find the bait, and throw what’s working. The bite is
only going to improve from here.