Manatee Island Park Fishing Pier

Manatee Island Park Fishing Pier is a downtown Daytona Beach pier on a small Halifax River island, reached on foot over a footbridge from the Riverfront Esplanade. It is a pleasant place to wet a line between a stroll and a concert.

• Fishing pier on a park island in the Halifax River
• Seatrout, redfish, black drum and sheepshead
• Restrooms, pavilions, a playground and an amphitheater
• Short walk from downtown parking

The island park is on North Beach Street in downtown Daytona Beach, tucked into the Halifax River and tied to the mainland by a pedestrian bridge. The City of Daytona Beach manages the Riverfront Esplanade it belongs to.

• Reach the island on foot over the bridge from the Esplanade
• Parking: use the downtown lots and street spaces nearby, and read the signs for fees and time limits
• The walk is short, on paved paths and a footbridge
• Hours are not confirmed here; check the city before an early or late trip

The river around the island is a mix of grass, oyster bars and deeper channel edges.

• Spring (Mar-May): spotted seatrout and flounder on the moving tide
• Summer (Jun-Aug): snook and jacks hunt the shadows at dawn and dusk, with ladyfish on bait schools
• Fall (Sep-Nov): redfish and seatrout follow the mullet run along the island's edges
• Winter (Dec-Feb): sheepshead and black drum on the pilings and shells

Light spinning tackle with 8 to 15 lb line suits the pier.

• Seatrout: live shrimp under a popping cork, or a soft plastic on a jig head
• Redfish and drum: a small chunk of cut mullet or shrimp on a bottom rig
• Sheepshead: fiddler crabs or shrimp dropped right against the pilings
• Snook: a live pilchard or finger mullet drifted along the edges at first light
• Because it is a walk-in island, carry a small bucket and a light rod rather than a full cart

The Halifax River rises and falls twice a day with the Atlantic, with moderate current around the island.

• Moving water, especially the hour after a tide change, brings bait past the pier
• An incoming tide gives the clearest water
• Calm mornings and evenings are the most comfortable and productive
• Strong east winds push muddy water and chop into the river
• A cool, still winter day with clear water is best for sheepshead

This is an easy city pier, but it is a busy event park.

• The park is only reached by footbridge, so there is a short walk from parking
• Watch for crowds and sound checks when events are held at the amphitheater
• Keep lines clear of passing boats and paddlers
• Leave the pier at the first thunder in a summer storm
• Carry water; shade over the pier is limited in summer

The park has the usual city-park conveniences.

• Restrooms and picnic pavilions on the island
• A playground and an amphitheater
• Walking paths linking the island to the downtown riverfront
• No bait shop confirmed on the island; bring bait or buy it before you arrive
• Downtown restaurants and shops are a short walk away

• Come on a weekday morning; evenings and event nights are crowded
• Fish the edge of the pier nearest the channel for the deeper water
• Check the city's event calendar before you go with a lot of gear
• Bring fiddler crabs in winter for sheepshead
• Use light leaders on clear days; the river water can run very clear
• Stop at a tackle shop on the way for live shrimp, since the island has none

The City of Daytona Beach manages Manatee Island Park and the Riverfront Esplanade.

• Follow the posted park rules and any closures during events
• A Florida saltwater fishing license is required unless you are exempt
• Snook, redfish and tarpon have special rules; check FWC before keeping one
• Check current FWC rules (myfwc.com) for size, bag and season limits before keeping anything