Bings Landing, Matanzas River Fishing

Bings Landing is one of the best places in Flagler County to fish the Intracoastal from land: an eight-acre county park on the Matanzas River with a fishing pier, shade and parking. The river here is tidal, fed by Matanzas Inlet to the north, so fish move with the current.

• Redfish, flounder, trout and black drum along the channel edge.
• Sheepshead around the pilings in winter.
• Mangrove snapper, snook and tarpon in the warm months.
• A calm, family-friendly spot with a restaurant on site.

The park is at 5862 North Oceanshore Boulevard (State Road A1A) in the Hammock, Palm Coast, on the west side of A1A.

• Hours: The park and pier are open dawn to 11 p.m. daily; the county says the boat ramp remains open, and FWC lists it as a 24-hour ramp.
• Parking: Shared with the busy boat launch.
• Surface: Park paths and a fishing pier over the water.
• The park also protects the archaeological site of the Mala Compra Plantation; keep to the paths.
• Pets are allowed in the park.

The Matanzas River holds fish all year, with the warm months busiest.

• Spring (Mar-May): Redfish and trout on the move, sheepshead finishing their spawning season, black drum and flounder.
• Summer (Jun-Aug): Mangrove snapper around the pilings at night, snook, small tarpon, jacks and ladyfish chasing bait.
• Fall (Sep-Nov): The mullet run brings redfish, flounder and jacks; one of the best seasons for flounder.
• Winter (Dec-Feb): Sheepshead and black drum around the pier, flounder and trout in deeper water.

Light to medium spinning gear is ideal.

• Redfish, trout and flounder: 10-15 lb braid with a 20 lb fluorocarbon leader; live shrimp or mud minnows drifted with a small split shot or on a Carolina rig, or scented soft plastics on a 1/8-1/4 oz jighead.
• Sheepshead and black drum: Fiddler crabs or shrimp on a 1/0 hook fished tight to the pilings.
• Mangrove snapper: Live shrimp or cut mullet on 20 lb fluorocarbon at night around the pilings.
• Snook and tarpon: Live mullet or swimbaits in summer, with a heavier leader.
• A long-handled landing net helps from the pier.

The Matanzas River is tidal here, with semidiurnal tides (two highs and two lows a day) of a few feet, arriving later than at the inlet.

• Moving water is what matters: the first hours of the incoming and outgoing tide fish best.
• Slack water is the time for sheepshead and drum right against the pilings.
• Clear incoming water brings trout and reds up onto the edges.
• Heavy rain darkens the river and pushes fish toward the inlet.
• Night fishing within park hours is good for snapper and trout.

A safe, sheltered spot for all ages.

• Boat ramp: Watch for trailers in the lot and boats at the ramp; do not cast across the ramp lanes.
• Current: Tidal current runs along the pier; supervise children at the rails.
• Weather: Summer afternoon storms bring lightning; the pier is exposed.
• Wildlife: Watch for manatees and dolphins and do not hook them.
• Access: A small park, with the pier a short walk from the parking area.

Bings Landing is a well-equipped county park, and one of the more comfortable places on the Matanzas River to spend a few hours.

• Restrooms.
• A picnic pavilion and a playground.
• A fishing pier and a boat launch the county calls state of the art.
• A restaurant in the park.
• No bait shop is listed in the park; bring bait with you.
• Shade from the maritime oak hammock the park sits in.
• Pets are welcome in the park.

• Fish the first two hours of the incoming tide for redfish along the channel edge.
• In winter, fiddler crabs on the pilings produce the best sheepshead.
• Mangrove snapper bite better after dark; the park stays open until 11 p.m.
• Scented soft plastics dragged slowly along the bottom are deadly for flounder in fall.
• Launch a kayak here to reach spoil islands and Pellicer Creek to the north.
• Weekday mornings are quietest at the ramp and the pier.

Bings Landing is managed by Flagler County Parks and Recreation.

• The park is open dawn to 11 p.m.; follow posted pier rules.
• A Florida saltwater fishing license is required unless you are exempt.
• Snook and tarpon have their own permit, season and release rules; check FWC.
• Check current FWC rules (myfwc.com) for size, bag and season limits before keeping anything.