Sebastian Inlet North Jetty Fishing

Sebastian Inlet North Jetty is the headline spot on Florida's Space Coast, a railed catwalk that runs from the beach out into the mouth of Sebastian Inlet on the Brevard County side. The inlet drains the Indian River Lagoon, so the current carries bait and big fish past the end of the jetty on every tide.

• Legendary for snook and redfish, and for the fall mullet run.
• The north side of the park is open 24 hours, so night fishing is possible.
• The Sebastian Inlet District rebuilt 210 feet of the jetty in 2025 and has put more repairs out to bid.
• The beach to the north for pompano and whiting in the cooler months.

The north jetty is inside Sebastian Inlet State Park, off State Road A1A at the southern tip of Brevard County's barrier island, south of Melbourne Beach.

• Entry: A Florida State Parks vehicle entrance fee applies at the north entrance; annual passes are accepted.
• Hours: The north side of the park and its ranger station are open 24 hours a day.
• Parking: Since June 1, 2026 the south section of the north lot has been closed for the Sebastian Inlet bridge replacement, planned to run to spring 2032; limited parking remains nearby, and the park may close to incoming cars when full.
• The observation deck under the north end of the bridge is closed during the work.
• Surface: A paved approach and a railed catwalk over the rocks.
• The jetty closes at times for repairs or rough seas, and a second phase of jetty repairs went out to bid in summer 2026; check park and Sebastian Inlet District notices before a long drive.

The north jetty fishes all year, with the fall run as its peak.

• Spring (Mar-May): Snook and redfish return to the inlet, bluefish and Spanish mackerel pass on their northbound run, pompano on the beach, cobia occasionally cruise along the surf.
• Summer (Jun-Aug): Snook at the inlet mouth at night, tarpon rolling in the inlet, mangrove snapper and jacks.
• Fall (Sep-Nov): The mullet run brings snook, redfish, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, crevalle jacks and tarpon onto the bait close to the catwalk.
• Winter (Dec-Feb): Bluefish on cold fronts, sheepshead and black drum around the rocks, pompano and whiting from the beach.

Anglers stand shoulder to shoulder in the fall, so fish heavy enough to land fish quickly.

• Snook and redfish: 7-9 ft medium-heavy rods, 30-50 lb braid and a 40-60 lb leader. Live mullet or pinfish, or 1/2-1 oz bucktail jigs worked with the current.
• Mullet-run blitzes: Topwater plugs, silver spoons and swimbaits; a short wire or 50 lb mono bite leader for bluefish.
• Spanish mackerel: Gotcha plugs and small spoons retrieved fast.
• Sheepshead and drum: Fiddler crabs or shrimp on a short leader close to the rocks.
• Bring a long-handled drop net or bridge gaff; you cannot hand-land a big fish from the catwalk.

Tides at Sebastian Inlet are semidiurnal, with two highs and two lows a day and a modest range, but the narrow cut turns them into strong current.

• The outgoing tide is the snook and redfish tide, especially the last few hours at night or first light.
• The incoming tide brings clear green water and suits jacks, pompano and mackerel.
• Northeast winds and swell pile surf against the jetty and can spray the catwalk; calm or westerly days are more comfortable.
• Cold fronts in fall and winter push bait and bluefish into the inlet.
• The fall mullet run usually peaks from September into November, depending on water temperature.

The catwalk makes this one of the more accessible inlet jetties in Florida, but the water around it is dangerous.

• Current: Never enter the water near the jetty; the outgoing tide runs very hard.
• Surfaces: Spray and fish slime make the catwalk slippery; wear non-slip shoes.
• Crowds: Cast straight out and watch the anglers beside you; crossed lines and swinging hooks are common in the fall.
• Boats: Heavy boat traffic runs through the inlet; never cast at boats.
• Weather: Summer afternoon thunderstorms bring lightning; the catwalk is exposed.
• Wildlife: Sharks follow the bait; shuffle your feet in the surf for stingrays.
• Access: The railed, paved catwalk suits most visitors; construction fencing changes the walking routes from the parking.

The north side of the park has the most services.

• The park lists a concession and restaurant; ask there about bait and tackle.
• Shower stations in the park.
• A 24-hour ranger station on the north side.
• A lagoon-side boat ramp and a swim beach.
• Campgrounds, and two museums on the south side of the inlet.
• No lights are confirmed on the catwalk; bring a headlamp for night fishing.

• For fall snook and reds, arrive well before dawn; the catwalk fills up fast during the mullet run, and parking is short during the bridge work.
• Watch the end of the catwalk for bait showers and diving pelicans; that is where the fish push the mullet.
• Keep your leader heavy: the jetty rocks and pilings cut light line.
• Check the Sebastian Inlet District and state park notices before driving: jetty repairs and the bridge work change what is open.
• The south side closes at sunset and its jetty access is shut during the bridge work, so the north jetty is the one to fish.
• A bridge gaff or drop net is essential; people will help you if they see a big fish on.

The jetty lies in Sebastian Inlet State Park, managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Recreation and Parks, with the inlet maintained by the Sebastian Inlet District.

• The north side is open 24 hours; follow posted rules on the catwalk and stay out of construction areas.
• A Florida saltwater fishing license is required unless you are exempt.
• Snook and tarpon have their own permit, season and release rules; shore-based shark fishing requires a free FWC permit.
• Check current FWC rules (myfwc.com) for size, bag and season limits before keeping anything.