Inshore Fishing Report – Palm Coast / Flagler
County Area
with Chris from Skinny Water Lures
Summer has officially settled into the Palm Coast and Flagler County area, and the
inshore fishing has remained remarkably consistent for anglers willing to fish the tides
rather than the clock.
Water temperatures have climbed into the low 80s, bait is abundant throughout the
Intracoastal Waterway, and predator fish are settling into predictable summer feeding
patterns. Finger mullet, glass minnows, mud minnows, juvenile shrimp, and small
pogies are now widespread, providing an endless food source for redfish, trout,
flounder, snook, and even juvenile tarpon.
Similar summer patterns are being reported throughout Northeast Florida, with
abundant bait driving strong action across the inshore fishery.
Understanding the Summer Pattern
June marks the beginning of a true summer pattern. Rather than roaming, predator fish
are establishing feeding areas around moving water, current breaks, oyster bars, creek
mouths, and shoreline structure.
The first two hours of the incoming tide have produced the most consistent action, while
the final hour of the outgoing tide continues to concentrate bait around creek mouths
and drains. During the hottest part of the day, many fish slide toward deeper water, dock
pilings, and Intracoastal drop-offs before returning shallow during low-light periods.
As we move into July, expect these patterns to become even more predictable as water
temperatures continue to rise.
Redfish
Redfish continue to be the most dependable target throughout the Palm Coast area.
Oyster bars around Bing's Landing, the High Bridge shoreline, creek mouths, spartina
grass points, and flooded grass during higher tides have all been producing quality fish.
Four-inch Skinny Water Lures Paddle Tails in Smoked Mullet, Green Goblin, and Pickle
Back have been producing consistent results, while the Black & Gold Slow Sinking
Twitch Bait has been especially effective around docks and oyster edges. Anglers
fishing live finger mullet, mud minnows, or shrimp under a popping cork have also
enjoyed excellent success.
Most quality fish are positioning themselves just outside the strongest current, waiting
for bait to wash past.
Speckled Trout
The trout bite improved significantly throughout June as warmer water temperatures
increased feeding activity.
Grass flats, sand potholes, creek mouths, and Intracoastal drop-offs have all held good
numbers of fish, particularly during the early morning hours. Once the sun climbs higher,
moving to deeper water has produced better results.
Three-inch Paddle Tails in Smoked Mullet, Purple Haze, and Blue Crab, along with the
Curly Tail Grub, have all been productive when retrieved slowly with frequent pauses.
Live shrimp and finger mullet remain dependable choices, while calm mornings continue
to provide outstanding topwater opportunities before sunrise.
Flounder
Flounder have provided one of the most consistent bites of the month.
Creek mouths, sandy transitions, dock pilings, rock edges, and bridge structure have all
been holding fish. Since flounder naturally position themselves facing into the current,
slow presentations that keep the bait in contact with the bottom have been most
effective.
Three-inch Paddle Tails in Smoked Mullet and Mud Chicken, along with the Curly Tail
Grub, have performed exceptionally well, while live mud minnows, finger mullet, and
shrimp continue producing quality catches.
Snook
Snook numbers continue to increase as summer settles in.
Docks, seawalls, mangrove shorelines, and bridge systems have all been productive,
particularly during low-light periods and after sunset. Four-inch Slow Sinking Twitch
Baits, along with White and Smoked Mullet Paddle Tails, have triggered aggressive
strikes when worked with sharp twitches followed by long pauses.
Live finger mullet, pilchards, and pinfish continue producing larger fish around shoreline
ambush points.
Juvenile Tarpon
Early mornings have continued to produce juvenile tarpon around creek mouths and
residential canals.
A fast-retrieved 4-inch Paddle Tail worked just beneath the surface has been drawing
explosive strikes, while live finger mullet remain one of the most effective natural bait
options. Be prepared—tarpon often follow a bait several times before committing to a
violent strike.
Live Bait Report
Live bait remains one of the strongest options throughout the Palm Coast area.
Finger mullet continue to be the top producer for redfish, snook, and tarpon, while live
shrimp have remained highly effective for trout and flounder. Mud minnows and small
pinfish are also producing quality fish around structure and current.
Best Areas
Oyster bars around Bing's Landing
High Bridge shoreline
Creek mouths along the Intracoastal
Spartina grass points
Grass flats and sand potholes
Residential docks and canal systems
Bridge pilings and rock edges
Best Techniques
Fish the first two hours of the incoming tide.
Work creek mouths during the final hour of the outgoing tide.
Slow-roll Paddle Tails along the bottom.
Fish Twitch Baits with long pauses around structure.
Keep presentations slow around oyster bars and creek mouths.
Stay mobile and fish where active bait is present.
What to Expect in July 2026
The summer bite should remain strong as water temperatures continue climbing.
Redfish will remain reliable around current and structure.
Trout fishing should stay productive during low-light periods.
Snook activity will continue increasing around docks and bridges.
Flounder should remain consistent around creek mouths and sandy transitions.
Juvenile tarpon sightings should become more common throughout residential canals
and feeder creeks.
Key June Takeaways
Fish the tides, not the clock.
Follow the bait—active bait means active predators.
Moving water continues to produce the most consistent action.
Natural-colored Paddle Tails remain the top artificial presentation.
Live finger mullet and shrimp continue producing across multiple species.
June delivered another excellent month of inshore fishing throughout Palm Coast and
Flagler County. With abundant bait, predictable summer patterns, and multiple species
feeding aggressively, anglers have plenty of opportunities for success.
Whether you're throwing tournament-proven Skinny Water Lures or fishing live bait
around structure, staying mobile, fishing moving water, and matching the available
forage should put you on quality redfish, trout, flounder, snook, and perhaps even a
surprise tarpon.