Daytona Beach Surf at University Boulevard Ramp Fishing

Daytona Beach Surf at University Boulevard Ramp is the beach between the Seabreeze and University Boulevard ramps, a classic open Atlantic surf spot. It suits anglers who like to set a rod or two in the wash and wait for whiting and pompano.

• Open sand with vehicle access in posted hours
• Whiting and pompano are the main surf targets
• Bluefish, flounder and drum turn up in season
• Fishing allowed around the clock

The stretch lies east of North Atlantic Avenue (A1A) in Daytona Beach, between the Seabreeze Boulevard and University Boulevard ramps. Volusia County runs the beach and its ramps.

• Vehicles: allowed on the sand in posted hours (8 a.m. to 7 p.m. May to October, sunrise to sunset November to April), tides permitting
• Fees: the county charges for on-beach driving and for off-beach ramp parking; walking on is free
• Closure: the Seabreeze Boulevard ramp was closed in August 2026 with no reopening date
• Surface: hard-packed sand, soft at the high-tide line

The surf here follows the Atlantic seasons.

• Spring (Mar-May): pompano and whiting at their best, with the first bluefish
• Summer (Jun-Aug): whiting, small sharks and rays, with catfish at night
• Fall (Sep-Nov): pompano and whiting again, black drum and flounder near the troughs
• Winter (Dec-Feb): whiting and bluefish when the water cools, with the odd drum

Surf rods of 9 to 11 feet with 15 to 20 lb line suit the open beach.

• Pompano and whiting: a two-hook bottom rig with a 2 oz pyramid sinker, small hooks, and sand fleas or cut shrimp
• Bluefish: cut mullet or a metal spoon cast past the breakers
• Drum and flounder: a chunk of shrimp or a finger mullet fished in a trough
• Bring a sand spike, a cooler and a bucket for the fleas you buy

The Atlantic gives two highs and two lows a day, and the trough changes with the surf.

• Fish the two hours either side of high tide, when fish come into the troughs
• A light onshore breeze with a bit of chop beats flat, glassy water
• Clean green water beats brown after a northeaster
• Dawn and dusk are quieter and cooler
• Heavy surf makes the lines hard to hold

This is an active beach, so mind people and vehicles.

• Driving is allowed, so watch the traffic and park east of the posted markers
• Rip currents run on rough days; do not wade out deep
• Keep lines clear of swimmers and surfers, and swim only by a lifeguard
• Shuffle your feet for stingrays
• Access: walk on from an open ramp or drive on, tides permitting

Facilities are on the ramps and the nearby streets.

• Off-beach parking lots at the ramps, with paid parking
• Restrooms and food are in the beachside businesses nearby; none confirmed on the sand
• Bait and tackle shops are in the Daytona area; buy bait before you go
• No lights on the sand

• Come in with the tide, not against it, and park above the high-tide line
• Whiting take small hooks; keep them to 1/0 or smaller
• Check the county's ramp status before you go, because ramps close for repairs or surf
• Fish away from groups of swimmers and children
• Bring a license; you will need one on the beach
• Pick up all line and trash

Volusia County manages the beach and its ramps.

• Chumming is not allowed in Volusia County; do not chum or give shark advice
• Fish only where it is safe and clear of swimmers; the city's tourism office advises designated areas, so read the posted signs
• Beach driving hours and fees are posted at the ramps
• A Florida saltwater fishing license is required unless you are exempt
• Check current FWC rules for size, bag and season limits before keeping anything