Fishing in Daytona Beach: The Ultimate Guide

Being one of the top 10 beaches in the world, Daytona Beach is not only known for its immense beauty but also for one of the oldest and most applicable sports – fishing.

Fishing in Daytona Beach is one of those things that cannot be overstated. There is always something unfathomable and unknown, followed by the hope that the next time will improve.

Fishing has a much deeper meaning – as a form of meditation and an introduction to a deep feeling of calmness and contentment. To ensure you have the best experience and a good catch, we bring you this guideline to make your fishing much more successful.

Fish Species Found in Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach waters are pretty crowded. You can find all kinds of species in various sizes, from young to adult trophy specimens. Native and migratory, find out below which are the most impressive species that swim around the coast of Daytona Beach.

Native Species 

It is best to see for yourself, but until you do it on the spot, you will have to take our word for it that among the native fish species, there are some fascinating specimens and here are some of them!

Redfish

The most popular sport fishing fish is the mullet. If you ever fish in Daytona Beach, there is a high chance you will see a few of these. They are primarily located in shallow water so that you can fish from the coast or pier.

To catch them, use the bait casting method and use bait that is still alive. You can also use the fly fishing method with bait offers, including mullet, pinfish, swimbaits, and spoons.

• Best Time to Catch: Spring and early fall

• Habitat: Shallow water

• Preferred Bait: Mullet, pinfish, swimbaits and spoons

• Fishing Technique: Casting, fly fishing

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Depth: Shallow to deep

This species is most suitable for fishing during the spring and early fall seasons. During this time, the temperature in the shallow water is ideal, which attracts this species towards the shallows in search of food. Although migrations are not a common trait of this species, sudden temperature rises may cause them to move into deeper waters.

Triggerfish

This group includes Lagoon Triggerfish, Red-toothed Triggerfish, and Bursa Triggerfish. Beware when handling them since they can be aggressive and bite you, especially during the mating season. They inhabit areas with rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks and typically range in size from around 1 to 3 pounds; some types can grow up to 20 pounds.

• Best Time to Catch: Summer

• Habitat: Rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks

• Preferred Bait: Crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish

• Fishing Technique: Bottom fishing

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Depth: Moderate to deep

Bottom fishing is the right approach since this species lives in the lower layers, near the bottom, and bait selection includes crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish.

This fish species can be caught throughout the year, but it's best to fish for them during summer. Male fish tend to migrate towards where they were hatched, which helps them secure their territory and increases their chances of reproduction.

Hogfish

The most common way to catch Hogfish is with a spear while on the boat. Of course, this doesn't mean you can't catch one with your fishing pole. But be prepared! This fish won't give up without a fight, so if you want to grab it, be fast. 

You can use the spear or try classic anchoring and bait-casting techniques. When it comes to bait, the most common are small crustaceans such as shrimp, crabs, and mollusks.

• Best Time to Catch: Summer

• Habitat: Rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks

• Preferred Bait: Crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish

• Fishing Technique: Spearfishing, anchoring, bait casting

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Depth: Moderate to deep

Hogfish prefer habitats with rocky bottoms, reefs, and ledges ranging from 30 to 130 feet. Not significantly prominent but stunningly voracious, they can grow around 1 to 5 pounds, with some occasional specimens exceeding 10 pounds.

The best time to fish this species is summer. During March and April, this species is much more aggressive because that's when their breeding season is in full swing, so fishing for this species should be avoided then.

Spadefish

If you come across a group of jellyfish while fishing, it could mean success in catching some Spadefish. Jellyfish are a favorite food of Spadefish, so be observant of the water before you start fishing. You could use them as bait while trolling from your boat. Additionally, consider using algae, plankton, or small invertebrates as bait when fishing for Spadefish.

Inexperienced anglers often confuse Spadefish with Angelfish, but Spadefish are distinguished by an additional black line that Angelfish do not have. Late summer and early fall are the best times to catch Spadefish. At that time, the mating season is long over, and the adults swim freely in search of food.

• Best Time to Catch: Late summer and early fall

• Habitat: Rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks

• Preferred Bait: Algae, plankton, and small invertebrates

• Fishing Technique: Trolling 

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Depth: Moderate to deep

You will likely encounter these fish while swimming around reefs, wrecks, jetties, and buoys. They often congregate in large schools. Although not very big, typically 12 to 20 inches long, they are pretty spirited and aggressive. This funny-looking and exciting fish species can surprise you if you underestimate it.

Migratory Species 

Almost as enticing and attractive as the native species, the migratory fish of this area, their size and number will exceed all your expectations. Find out below which fish from afar, according to their seasonal cycles, swim in the waters of Daytona Beach.

Grouper

It is a large and slow group of fish that will be a real feast if you catch it. Not only will it feed a group of people, but it is full of nutrients. Since this species is huge, you will need robust equipment for bottom fishing.

In Daytona Beach, you can catch Red Grouper, Gag Grouper, Warsaw Grouper, Scamp Grouper, Speckled Hind Grouper, Snowy Grouper, and Goliath Grouper.

• Best Time to Catch: Late fall and winter

• Habitat: Rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks

• Preferred Bait: Pinfish, grunts, and mullet

• Fishing Technique: Bottom and drift fishing

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Depth: Moderate to deep

Grouper fish prefer depths of 20 to 200 feet or more. Depending on the species and age, they can grow from a few pounds to over 50. Bottom and drift fishing with pinfish, grunts, and mullet are the best techniques for conquering them.

To catch this species, fish in late fall and winter. Use tiny hooks. In summer, Goliath Grouper migrates to shallower parts of the sea to mate and lay eggs.

Flounder

Living at the bottom and estuaries of the ocean requires some skill to catch this fish. This is why the bottom fishing method, combined with baits such as small fish and crustaceans, will do the work in this case. This group includes three main species: Gulf Flounder, Summer Flounder, and Southern Flounder.

• Best Time to Catch: Summer 

• Habitat: Bottoms, estuaries 

• Preferred Bait: Small fish, crustaceans

• Fishing Technique: Bottom and drift fishing

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Depth: Deep

The Summer Flounder gets its name from its characteristic migration. It is also in shallow water in the summer, but as soon as the summer ends, it goes into deeper waters, and fishing for this subspecies becomes almost impossible for classic anglers.

Weakfish

Catching this fish will require patience, not because of the time needed to see it. Weakfish got its name because it can easily slip from a hook, so be well-prepared and gentle.

If you want to catch it, you can use a few easiest methods, such as surf fishing or trolling with small fish, shrimp, and crustaceans. Weakfish mainly inhabit areas such as bays, estuaries, and nearshore reefs. When it comes to size, it typically measures between 12 to 24 inches in length.

• Best Time to Catch: Late spring and summer

• Habitat: Bays, estuaries, and nearshore reefs

• Preferred Bait: Small fish, shrimp, and crustaceans

• Fishing Technique: Surf fishing, trolling

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Depth: Moderate

This species migrates to deeper waters in winter and returns to shallower waters in warmer temperatures. Therefore, it is best to catch it during late spring and summer. This species is fascinating to see in Daytona Beach.

Sharks

For those who like something more extreme, sharks are the real deal! You can encounter Bull Sharks, Hammerhead Sharks, Atlantic Sharpnosed Sharks, Blacktip Sharks, Lemon Sharks, and many more.

There are many techniques to use. Some include nets, cages, and spears, but you can use fishing poles for smaller specimens. If you are lucky to meet them, you will find them in nearshore reefs or offshore waters.

• Best Time to Catch: Summer

• Habitat: Nearshore reefs or offshore waters

• Preferred Bait: Chunks of fish, squid, mullet, Bonito, Mackerel, and Barracuda

• Fishing Technique: Surf fishing, trolling

• Difficulty: Challenging to difficult 

• Depth: Moderate to deep

The hunting time depends on the species, but there is a golden mean. Summer night is undoubtedly the best time to catch these predators due to their hunting activity to feed their hungry mouths.

Sharks are not to be messed around with, so you will need sturdy gear, probably for techniques such as bottom fishing, drift fishing, and trolling with good bait presentation, including chunks of fish, squid, mullet, Bonito, Mackerel, and Barracuda.

Prime Fishing Spots in Daytona Beach

Good weather, high-quality equipment, and a good mood are sometimes not enough to make a good catch. That is why we need to emphasize the importance of the place from where you fish. The key is to choose a spot that suits the fish, not us.

We bring you several top locations in Daytona Beach that will accommodate both the fish and you. All you have to do is choose the location that suits you best, sit comfortably, and enjoy a good catch!

Bicentennial Fishing Park Pier

Fishing during the summer can be exhausting due to the strong Sun. However, the Bicentennial Fishing Park Pier offers a great solution with its many well-shaded spots provided by the surrounding trees.

Granada Bridge

Below the bridge, there is a pier suitable for fishing. Nearby are places for picnicking, cleaning fish, and grilling. One of the best perks, if you're driving, is free parking.

Granada Bridge is an excellent choice if you're going for early morning or afternoon fishing, as it closes at midnight. As for fish, you can find Snapper, Redfish, Trout, and Black Drum, and if you're lucky, you can even catch Sharks.

Ponce Inlet Jetty

If you don't like highly crowded places, then Ponce Inlet Jetty will be the perfect place for you. There, you can find Redfish, BlueFish, and Flounder. The only problem is the rocky terrain, so be careful when throwing the hook. If you want to learn more about this fishing spot, you can watch a video that will help you and give you some tips and tricks from other anglers.

Sunglow Pier

This pier is the perfect place for relaxation and fishing. If you didn't bring your fishing pole, no worries! You can rent everything at Sunglow Pier, from fishing poles to baits. The fishing spots have already set up benches and an area where you can immediately clean your catch.

Halifax Harbor Marina

Being open 24/7, Halifax Harbor Marina is the best place if you suddenly want to go fishing. You don't need to worry about the time limit, which will help you relax even more. As one of the cleanest places that contribute to the maintenance of the ecosystem, this Marina proudly carries its title and flag of Clean Marina. 

Fishing Techniques in Daytona Beach

If you decide to fish for a specific species, remember to bring bait that meets the needs of that species and the rest of the equipment, especially if large-dimensional and weight species are in question. Here are some styles that anglers use while fishing in Daytona Beach:

Angling

This is the most well-known method that most anglers probably tried initially. You only need your fishing pole, hook, and good bait. Angling technique involves using one rod with which you catch only one fish. 

Good bait and your strength are more important here. If you are fishing on the catch-and-return principle, then this is the technique you will most likely use. You can cast the hook from the shore, ship, boat, and water. It is up to you to choose what you like best.

Spearfishing

Spearfishing is a fishing technique that uses a spear, usually attached to a rope, to catch larger fish. This method requires a lot of strength and good coordination, as the angler must dive and throw the spear underwater. While diving with an oxygen cylinder can make this job easier, it's important to be careful about where you do it as it may not always be allowed.

You can use the spear in combination with other techniques. If you have caught a larger fish with a solid rod, you may have trouble getting it out, so a spear will do the job. A spear with a line on it is always a good option because, with the help of the line, you can just drag it along with your catch.

Trolling

It is the same as the Angling method, where you have multiple fishing poles and boats. The principle of this technique is that the bait should be mobile, so the boat should be moved slowly through the places where the fish congregate while your hooks with baits on them are already in the water.

In this way, mostly fish predators are caught, but other species can also be seen. Casting is the most important factor here. Do not cast the hook too close to the boat to avoid spooking the fish or getting the hook tangled.

Bottom Fishing

Bottom fishing targets species that dwell at the sea's floor or in lower water layers. The weight of this method rests at the end of your fishing pole. Larger fish are rarely caught near the surface due to small fish crowding the upper layers, making bottom fishing essential.

One technique involves suspending the bait just above the bottom. Light pulls cause the bait to rise slightly, while stronger pulls angle the fishing line, raising the bait higher.

Another method is the direct descent, where the bait is lowered completely to the bottom. In this approach, the primary weight is placed closer to the float, and additional weights are evenly distributed, slowing the bait's descent through the water.

Netting

Netting is the best technique for catching as many fish as possible. You can place nets near the shore or take a boat and net from there. There are many types of nets that you can use on this occasion. Your choice depends on how you want to use them and the species you are catching. 

The nets that catch smaller species must have a smaller mesh size so the prey does not escape. This is especially true for bait fishing, where smaller fish and invertebrates (such as worms and larvae) are used as bait.

Stronger nets are necessary for large specimens, and the diameter of the meshes can be more extensive. The nets can be placed in the water, and due to their structure, in the summer, these nets are used with a slightly larger mesh diameter than in the winter. Trawl nets are used in many techniques. You can fish with them from a boat, but it takes a few people to get them out.

Fly Fishing

Fly fishing is a common and one of the oldest styles used for predator species. The only difference between Fly fishing and Angling is the bait. You can use fake flies as bait and fish from anywhere. 

The fake fly doesn't have to look like a fly. It can be any insect that the species you want to catch feeds on. You can make this kind of bait yourself if you're skilled enough, but if you're not, there's no need to worry, as many artificial flies are available on the market.

How Weather Conditions Affect Fishing in Daytona Beach

Weather significantly impacts fishing, as fish sense and react to changes like cooling, warming, rain, or wind. These shifts can either lead to a rewarding catch or a challenging day. Wind plays a key role, influencing water clarity, noise levels, and the movement of lures. While mild wind can work in your favor, strong gusts often reduce fishing success.

Rain can be particularly advantageous, especially when targeting larger fish. The temperature shifts and water activity triggered by rainfall often encourage fish to feed, increasing your chances of a catch. Similarly, fishing after a storm can be productive, as fish are often more active and feeding due to stirred-up nutrients in the water.

Other Factors That Affect Fishing in Daytona Beach

Apart from considering the weather conditions, it is also essential to pay attention to the clarity of the water while fishing. If the water is clear, the fish can spot the bait more quickly, but it becomes challenging to see in cloudy water. Therefore, it is advisable to use more noticeable bait in such situations.

It is important to emphasize another factor that affects a good catch – the human factor. Since Daytona Beach is a beautiful destination for a trip, you can encounter many tourists and locals doing their daily activities there. Choose places that will not be overrun with people because too much noise and activity in the water will scare the fish away.

Fishing Regulations and Licenses in Daytona Beach

If you plan to fish in Daytona Beach, you need a license. Whether you live there or are a tourist, you can only fish in these waters with a permit. You can buy a fishing license for a calendar year (annual license), for one day (daily permit), or several days, and up to seven days at most (multi-day license).

If you don't have a permit for fishing, don't worry. Seasonal fishing is open for everyone. You only need to follow the regulations and laws. Every species has its limit regarding how many you can catch. For more information about the rules for every species, check the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) site.

One general rule in fishing to always follow is to take fish at the required size. It is important to note that if you catch a fish smaller in weight or length than intended, return it to the water. You can get your license for fishing here in Daytona Beach.

Final Thoughts

Even in bad weather, you will always find someone who goes fishing. People will wonder why anyone only spends hours with an empty hook or net. But the answer is simple: loving fishing and enjoying it never goes away.

We have already said that fishing can be a form of meditation and relaxation, which is precisely why someone will go and cast a hook even during the worst conditions.

Although you have learned the best time to fish, how you feel about it is still important. If the conditions are unfavorable and you feel like fishing, it's time to go fishing! Fill your heart with your favorite hobby and enjoy the sea scent of the air at Daytona Beach. But remember that safety always comes first!

Have you tried fishing in this wonderful place yet? We'd love to hear your experiences! If you have any advice, tips, or tricks for other anglers, please share them in the comments below!