Fishing spots in Volusia County

Volusia County's coast runs from Ormond Beach through Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach to Canaveral National Seashore, with the Halifax River and Indian River North behind the barrier island. The fishing centers on Ponce de Leon Inlet, fished from the jetty at Lighthouse Point Park on the north side and from Smyrna Dunes Park on the south, where sheepshead, black drum and redfish are reliable. Daytona's piers, including the storm-damaged Sunglow Pier, and miles of surf beach add whiting, pompano and the spring and fall mackerel runs.

Ponce de Leon Inlet

• Character: A jettied inlet with strong current, fished from both sides.
• What it suits: Sheepshead, black drum, redfish, flounder, bluefish, Spanish mackerel.
• Access: Lighthouse Point Park (north) and Smyrna Dunes Park (south), both county parks with a fee.

Daytona Beach and Daytona Beach Shores

• Character: Wide surf beaches with piers, including Sunglow Pier and the Main Street Pier.
• What it suits: Whiting, pompano, flounder, sheepshead, bluefish.
• Access: Beach ramps and walkovers; pier access varies after storm damage.

Halifax River and Indian River North

• Character: Tidal rivers with docks, causeways and city piers.
• What it suits: Trout, redfish, black drum, sheepshead, flounder.
• Access: City parks and fishing piers in Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach and New Smyrna Beach.

Season	Likely species (shore)	Notes
Spring (Mar-May)	Sheepshead, black drum, pompano, whiting, bluefish, Spanish mackerel	Sheepshead peak at the inlet jetties.
Summer (Jun-Aug)	Redfish, flounder, mangrove snapper, snook, jacks, tarpon	Early mornings; lightning in the afternoons.
Fall (Sep-Nov)	Redfish, bluefish, jacks, flounder, snook, tarpon	The mullet run brings the biggest variety.
Winter (Dec-Feb)	Sheepshead, black drum, whiting, bluefish, trout	Cold fronts push fish into the inlet and rivers.

• Jetties: Fiddler crabs and shrimp on short leaders for sheepshead; fish-finder rigs with cut bait for reds and drum.
• Surf and piers: Two-hook bottom rigs with shrimp, sand fleas or Fishbites.
• Mackerel and bluefish: Small spoons and Gotcha plugs with a bite leader.
• Flounder: Live mud minnows on Carolina rigs near structure.
• Rivers: Live shrimp under a popping cork for trout.

• Tides are semidiurnal (two highs and two lows a day) with a range of a few feet on the beaches.
• Ponce Inlet has strong currents; the outgoing tide suits redfish and flounder, slack water suits sheepshead.
• River tides arrive later and are smaller than at the inlet.
• Northeast swells make the beaches and inlet rough; westerly winds give clean water.
• Cold fronts trigger bluefish and push fish into the inlet.

• Ponce Inlet's currents are extremely dangerous; do not swim near the jetties or inlet.
• Stay on paved walkways; jetty rocks are slippery.
• Summer thunderstorms bring lightning most afternoons.
• Beach driving areas mean vehicles on the sand; stay alert.
• Rip currents are common; shuffle your feet for stingrays.
• Several piers were damaged by the 2022 and 2024 hurricanes; confirm what is open before you go.

• Winter and spring sheepshead at the Ponce Inlet jetty are the county's most dependable fishing.
• Buy fiddler crabs before you arrive at the inlet parks.
• Smyrna Dunes has a long boardwalk; pack light or bring a cart.
• Phone Sunglow Pier before bringing gear; its fishing deck has been open only intermittently since the storms.
• The Volusia County annual beach pass covers Lighthouse Point Park's entry.
• Fish the outgoing tide at the inlet for redfish.

• Flagler County – Gamble Rogers, Bings Landing and the Flagler Beach Pier rebuild to the north.
• Brevard County – Sebastian Inlet, Cocoa Beach Pier and Port Canaveral to the south.

• Do I need a fishing license in Volusia County?
  • A Florida saltwater fishing license is required unless you are exempt; check FWC (myfwc.com).
• Is Sunglow Pier open for fishing?
  • The pier was shortened by the 2022 storms and is being restored; fishing access has been intermittent, so call ahead.
• Where is the best jetty fishing?
  • The north jetty of Ponce Inlet at Lighthouse Point Park, with a paved walkway.
• When are sheepshead best?
  • Winter and early spring, on fiddler crabs around the jetty rocks.
• Are there fees at the inlet parks?
  • Yes, both Lighthouse Point Park and Smyrna Dunes Park charge for vehicle entry or parking.

Area	Coast character & access	Best species	Prime season	Go-to methods	Key safety notes	Facilities
Ponce Inlet Jetty, Lighthouse Point Park	Paved jetty walkway; county fee; sunrise to sunset	Sheepshead, drum, redfish	Winter and spring	Fiddler crabs, cut bait	Current, slick rocks, boats	Restrooms, showers, trails
Smyrna Dunes Park	Boardwalk to inlet beach; parking fee	Redfish, drum, flounder	Fall and spring	Fish-finder rigs, mud minnows	Very strong inlet current	Restrooms, accessible pier
Sunglow Pier	Shortened wooden pier; status varies	Whiting, sheepshead, pompano	Fall to spring	Bottom rigs, fiddler crabs	Closed sections, rip currents	Restaurant
Halifax River	Tidal river parks and piers	Trout, redfish, drum	Spring and fall	Popping cork and shrimp	Boat traffic	Varies by park