Bass Drive Beach Access, Ormond-by-the-Sea Fishing

Bass Drive Beach Access is a quiet walkover to a lightly used beach in Ormond-by-the-Sea. It is a pleasant place for patient surf casting.

• A dune walkover on A1A
• Whiting and pompano, with bluefish, mackerel and flounder in season
• A calm, undeveloped stretch with intact dunes
• Parking is not described, so read the signs and go light

The access is in the 3600 block of Ocean Shore Boulevard (A1A), at Bass Drive in Ormond-by-the-Sea.

• The Ormond Scenic Loop lists a dune walkover here
• The access is open 24 hours with no overnight parking
• Parking is not described in detail; park only where signs allow
• Use the walkover, not the dunes
• Expect soft sand on the far side, and bring a cart if your kit is heavy

Surf anglers report these seasonal patterns.

• Spring (Mar-May): whiting and a rising pompano bite, with bluefish
• Summer (Jun-Aug): whiting, Spanish mackerel when bait is near, bonnethead sharks
• Fall (Sep-Nov): bait schools and mullet bring bluefish, jacks and mackerel
• Winter (Dec-Feb): pompano on calm, clear days, plus flounder along sandy edges

Keep it simple: a bottom rig and good bait.

• Pompano rig or fish-finder rig with a pyramid sinker of 2 to 5 oz
• Bait: fresh shrimp, sand fleas from a tackle shop, or cut bait
• Light jigs for pompano and flounder, bounced along the trough
• Spoons or cut mullet on a wire leader for bluefish and mackerel
• Use 15 to 20 lb line and a sand spike

Two tides a day, so check the nearest NOAA tide station.

• Fish the first of the rising tide through high
• Cast over a trough between sandbars
• Clear water and a light east breeze are best
• Big surf and murky water slow the bite
• Dawn and dusk are the most comfortable, and the quietest

A remote beach means more self-reliance.

• Rip currents: avoid wading beyond your knees
• Summer lightning arrives suddenly; walk back at the first thunder
• Few lifeguards on this stretch, so tell someone where you are
• Shuffle your feet for stingrays
• Access: a walkover and a soft-sand walk; not a smooth or paved route

There is little here, so carry what you need.

• A dune walkover
• Restrooms, bait and lights are not confirmed at this access
• Bring bait, water, sun protection and a headlamp
• The nearest river dock is Seabridge Riverfront Park on the Halifax side

• Walk a bit to find a gully if the first spot is quiet
• Arrive well before sunset in summer and park only where signs allow
• Sand fleas and fresh shrimp out-fish frozen bait
• Bring your own rod holder; the sand is soft
• Leave the dunes and sea oats alone; they hold the beach together
• Take all line and trash with you

Volusia County administers the beach and its parking rules.

• The county's published information does not list this exact access as a fishing spot, so read the posted signs
• No overnight parking is allowed
• Chumming is not allowed on Volusia County beaches
• Shore-based shark fishing needs a free FWC permit
• A Florida saltwater fishing license is required unless you are exempt
• Check current FWC rules for size, bag and season limits before keeping anything