Chris from Skinny Water Lures brings you this weeks fishing report.
With winter right around the corner , we would like to talk about Winter Inshore Fishing Patterns in Palm Coast.
When the cool winds of winter blow through Palm Coast, Florida, many anglers hang up their rods and wait for warmer weather. However, savvy fishermen know that winter can actually offer some of the best inshore fishing of the year. The cooler months bring a change in fish behavior and present unique opportunities for catching some of Florida’s most sought-after inshore species. Whether you’re a local or a seasonal visitor, understanding winter fishing patterns in Palm Coast can lead to a productive day on the water.
Why Winter Fishing in Palm Coast is So Good
Palm Coast, situated along Florida’s “First Coast,” offers a variety of inshore habitats that are especially productive in the winter months. The cooler water temperatures drive fish like redfish, speckled trout, and flounder into more predictable feeding patterns. These species tend to congregate in deeper, warmer waters or around structures that provide shelter. While the fishing action can slow down in some areas of the state, Palm Coast’s diverse estuaries, tidal creeks, and deep channels provide a haven for inshore fish throughout the winter.
Winter fishing in Palm Coast often means fewer crowds and less competition, allowing you to enjoy a peaceful day on the water while still reeling in quality catches. Knowing the right places to fish and how fish behave during the colder months is key to success.
Key Inshore Species to Target in Winter
1. Redfish (Red Drum)
Redfish are one of the most popular species for winter inshore fishing in Palm Coast. During the colder months, redfish tend to concentrate in deeper water, near creek mouths, channels, and the mouths of tidal rivers. Look for redfish around drop-offs, mud flats, and oyster bars where the water is slightly warmer. They may also be found around mangrove-lined shorelines, as the roots provide shelter and protection from the colder air.
Fishing Tip: Use live or artificial shrimp, mullet, or soft plastics like paddle tails or jerkbaits. A slow, steady retrieve is often the most effective technique during winter when the fish are less aggressive.
2. Speckled Trout
As water temperatures drop, speckled trout become more concentrated in deeper, warmer areas. In Palm Coast, they are often found in deeper sections of the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) and tidal creeks. Speckled trout tend to school up in winter, so once you find one, you may find a whole bunch. They are also drawn to the structure provided by docks, rocks, and drop-offs, making these spots a prime location to target them.
Fishing Tip: Trout respond well to slow-moving baits like soft plastic shrimp imitations or suspending plugs. Early mornings and late afternoons can provide some of the best action as trout feed actively in the cooler water.
3. Flounder
Flounder are a favorite winter catch in Palm Coast. These bottom-dwelling fish are known for their ambush-style feeding behavior. During the winter, flounder move into deeper, sheltered areas like the mouths of tidal creeks, near jetties, or along deeper ledges. They’re typically less active in cold water, but if you present a bait right in front of them, they won’t hesitate to strike.
Fishing Tip: A slow, dragging motion with jigs tipped with live or artificial shrimp or mullet works best for flounder. Look for areas with a sandy or muddy bottom, where flounder like to bury themselves.
4. Black Drum
Black drum can be found year-round in Palm Coast, but winter is an especially productive time for these fish. They are often found in deeper water or near structures such as bridges, docks, and deep holes. Black drum are bottom feeders, so fishing with heavy rigs or jigs near the bottom is crucial to getting a bite.
Fishing Tip: Use fresh cut bait like shrimp, mullet, or blue crabs, which are natural prey for black drum. A simple Carolina rig or a weighted jighead will get your bait to the bottom where the black drum are feeding.
Winter Fishing Locations in Palm Coast
The key to successful winter fishing in Palm Coast is knowing where to go. While some areas can be less productive during the winter, others are hotspots for inshore fishing. Here are a few spots to target:
1. Intracoastal Waterway (ICW)
The ICW remains a reliable source of fish throughout the year. In winter, the deeper channels and creek mouths are where redfish, trout, and flounder will often be found. The water here tends to be warmer, making it a perfect location for winter fishing.
2. Pellicer Creek
This tidal creek off the ICW is a great place to fish during the cooler months. The creek has deeper holes and channels that serve as a winter refuge for species like redfish, trout, and black drum. The surrounding mangroves and oyster bars provide structure and attract baitfish, making it a prime spot to find predators.
3. Matanzas River
This river offers deeper, slower-moving water and provides a good refuge for fish during winter’s cooler temperatures. Target areas near the drop-offs and tidal creeks that feed into the river. The river’s channels are particularly productive for trout and redfish.
4. Bings Landing
Located just north of Palm Coast, Bings Landing is a well-known fishing spot where anglers can access both the Matanzas River and the nearby Intracoastal. The deepwater areas around the park are great for targeting winter species like redfish, trout, and black drum. It’s a great spot to fish from a boat or the shore.
5. Flagler Beach and Local Canals
Flagler Beach offers good fishing during the winter, particularly for redfish and speckled trout. While the surf fishing can be good, the nearby canals and estuaries also provide excellent inshore opportunities. Look for fish near the mouths of canals and around submerged structures that can attract baitfish.
Winter Fishing Tips and Techniques
• Fishing the Tides: Winter fishing in Palm Coast is highly tide-dependent. Fish are more likely to feed actively around high tide, when water levels rise and bring in baitfish. Focus your fishing efforts around the last two hours of the incoming tide and the first two hours of the outgoing tide for the best chances at catching fish.
• Slow Down Your Presentation: Fish are generally less aggressive in cold water, so slowing down your bait presentation is crucial. Use slower retrieves, allowing your lure or bait to remain in the strike zone longer. Bottom fishing with jigs or live bait can be very effective during winter months.
• Dress for the Weather: Winter mornings can be cold in Florida, but the weather often warms up quickly during the day. Dress in layers, and don’t forget to bring sunscreen, even in the cooler months, as Florida’s sun can still be intense.
Conclusion
Winter may be considered the “off-season” in some fishing destinations, but in Palm Coast, it’s an underrated time to be on the water. With fewer crowds and a more predictable fishing pattern, anglers can enjoy some of the best inshore fishing the area has to offer. Whether you’re after redfish, speckled trout, flounder, or black drum, Palm Coast’s estuaries and waterways remain productive through the cooler months. So, bundle up, grab your gear, and hit the water—winter fishing in Palm Coast offers a rewarding experience for any angler!
