Chris from Skinny Water Lures bringing you this week’s Inshore Fishing Report!!
The inshore bite around Palm Coast has been solid, with a variety of species showing up along the flats and in the Intracoastal Waterway. Water temps are cooling down, and that’s bringing some exciting action for anglers.
Redfish:
Redfish are actively feeding, especially around oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and grass flats. With the cooler water temps, they’re more concentrated, making for some great opportunities to target them. Skinny water lures topwater lures early in the morning or late in the day have been the ticket producing some explosive strikes.
Speckled Trout:
Trout fishing has been on fire, especially on the deeper flats and around the mouths of tidal creeks. The bite has been strong on live shrimp and SWL soft plastics, with a few nice-sized trout (up to 24 inches) hitting the deck. Early morning and late evening are the best times to target them with SWL topwater plugs or SWL twitch baits.
Flounder:
Flounder fishing has been steady with some quality fish being caught. Fishing around the deeper holes, drop-offs, and sandy flats near bridges and jetties has been productive. The Skinny Water Lures curly tail grub on a jig head are working well for the flatties. Some real “doormats” have been coming in, especially as the water temps cool off.
Sheepshead:
Sheepshead action is picking up, especially around structures like docks, bridges, and rocky areas. Live fiddler crabs or shrimp on a light jig head or knocker rig have been the most effective bait. These fish are starting to move in more heavily as the winter approaches.
Pompano:
Pompano fishing has been decent around the surf and the ICW. Sand fleas and clams have been the go-to baits, and those fishing the outgoing tides have been seeing the best results. Keep an eye out for schools moving through the area.
Tips:
• Early mornings and late afternoons have been the most productive times to fish, with cooler water temps encouraging fish to be more active.
• Be sure to target deeper areas as fish start to move away from the shallow flats.
• The bite is often slower on windy days, so try to fish when conditions are calmer for a more consistent catch.
Overall, Palm Coast’s inshore scene is in full swing, with a mix of species available for anglers willing to put in the time. Tight lines and good luck out there!
