Ponce Inlet Fishing Charters & Guides

Ponce Inlet Fishing Charters

Ponce Inlet is a quiet little town hiding in the shadows of the popular Daytona Beach to the North and New Smyrna Beach to the South. But that’s not to say it doesn’t have tons to offer for those willing to go off the beaten path to this angler’s dream destination. Ponce Inlet is a peninsula with islands and water all around. It’s adjacent to the Ponce de Leon Inlet, Halifax River, and the Atlantic Ocean. The town is best known for its Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, Florida’s tallest lighthouse at 175 feet. Climb the 203 steps to the top and enjoy the spectacular view of Florida’s east coast. You’ll also see the miles and miles of water that surround the city. Many Ponce Inlet charters offer eco tours to explore and enjoy the local wildlife. You’re sure to see wild birds, manatees, turtles, and lots of lots of fish.

Ponce Inlet Inshore Fishing

Ponce Inlet is where the Halifax River and the Atlantic Ocean meet, therefore there are tons of opportunities for anglers looking for a great day of fishing. The intercoastal waters are filled with a variety of inshore fish species such as redfish, snook, flounder, and tarpon depending on the season. Tarpon fishing in Ponce Inlet is generally year round, with peak season in the summer months (June - August). The inlet becomes a highway for tarpon in their migration and anglers will consistently find “silver kings” weighing over 60 pounds. Their nickname is “silver king” due to their coloration (silver) and speed (fast). We think they also get the nickname because they demand the full attention of their subjects (anglers), but that’s our opinion. Once you experience a tarpon fishing trip, it’s hard to target any other species. Tarpon are exceptional fighters that induce heart-pumping 30-minute fights just to land it, and that’s if they don’t shake the hook before getting to the boat. Once on the hook they are known for their explosive jumps out of the water and acrobatic twists. Make sure you have enough line and stamina to keep up. Another Ponce Inlet inshore charter favorite is redfish. Redfish (or “reds”) are part of the drum family and are also called red drum. The drum species are known for the grunt sounds they make; red drum and black drum are the most common drums found in Florida. Anglers will sight fish for reds as they are typically found in shallow water. If you’re looking for some bull reds (over 27 inches) try drifting shrimp or crab along the bottom. Use a top water popping cork that will imitate the crustacean and get the reds’ attention, then start reeling once the hook is set.

Ponce Inlet Offshore Fishing

Ponce Inlet charters will travel just a few miles offshore for another type of adventure - deep sea fishing! Marlin and sailfish are just two examples of what offshore charters are catching in Ponce Inlet. Both are part of the billfish family with narrow bodies and long, pointed snouts. The sailfish can be distinguished from the marlin by its dorsal fin that looks like a sail. Ponce Inlet captains will typically troll for marlin and sailfish. Trolling is a technique where captains will run the boat dragging bait through the water, hoping to catch their target’s attention. Downriggers are used to troll certain baits at the right depth for billfish, while outriggers are used to spread out the bait presentation, making it managable for the Captain to troll 5-6 rods at once. Once on the hook sailfish are notorious fighters and will jump trying to spit the hook. Your Ponce Inlet charter will need a heavy tackle rig, and you’ll need a lot of stamina for the battle. Other Ponce Inlet offshore charters may target king mackerel, grouper, or snapper. There are several reefs and wrecks off the coast of the Inlet that are swarming with these bottom feeders and more. Mutton snapper, vermillion snapper, and red snapper are just a few of the snapper species awaiting your bait. Snapper live near structure and often hide in coves or near edges to attack their prey. Make sure your bait has a natural presentation, whether you’re using live or cut bait, or lures. Ponce Inlet offshore charters will be able to identify what kind of snapper you’re reeling in and whether or not they are within regulations (depending on the size and season). Many anglers enjoy offshore fishing for snapper from Ponce Inlet, and the local guides are sure to get you hooked up in no time.

Ponce Inlet Fishing Calendar

January

Bonito, mahi-mahi, amberjack and barracuda as well as snook and wahoo are top catches this month. Fish are still a way offshore, but it makes for a pleasant Florida day on the water while everybody else is fighting winter weather. Deeper offshore fish like tuna, barracuda and sailfish offer plenty of action. There’s lots of inshore fishing here, for mackerel and some little tunny.

February

Inshore fishing gets a little better for king mackerel and there are good speckled trout and redfish catches. A half-day trip can provide as much action as most anglers are looking for. Longer runs are also available for fish like mahi-mahi. Don’t overlook snook this time of year, either. A few marlin start to show up deep and trolling for amberjack and barracuda remains good.

March

It’s a period of adjustment for fish and fishermen as offshore trolling and bottom rigging produces amberjack, barracuda, mahi-mahi, snapper and a few yellowfin tuna start showing up. But there are also migrations of baitfish into shallower water and with that comes all kind of other fish like cobia and mackerel.

April

Spring brings a new life to fishing in this area with lots of options for anglers. The Spanish mackerel, bluefish and Jack Crevalle join in with redfish and speckled trout in any number of locations. Mahi-mahi fishing continues to be good and the fish start moving into traditional feeding areas. Amberjack, barracuda and mackerel are still a go and the first marlin of the year start showing up. Yellowfin tuna also become available as a top target for anglers.

May

The wahoo bite is back on and fish can be caught both near shore and offshore. Bluefish and king mackerel offer good action. But for those willing to take a trip to the edge of the Gulfstream, once-in-a-lifetime trophy sailfish and blue marlin become available for the patient and skilled angler. Mahi-mahi are being caught and tuna offer fast action and great eating.

June

Sailfish, mahi-mahi and wahoo get closer to shore this month and with the summer crowd starting to show up, it’s easy to figure out where and when the fish are biting because there are lots of folks on the water. Inshore wrecks and reefs start producing great amberjack and barracuda catches as well as king and Spanish mackerel. Marlin fishing picks up this month and the yellowfin tuna bite is still on. Fish seem to scatter somewhat this month, but a good captain will keep you on the fish.

July

It’s on for just about anything that swims in these waters this month. Much like June, wahoo and mahi-mahi get closer to shore and easier to catch along with fish like amberjack and barracuda. Mackerel catches remain strong and the big fighters like tuna, marlin and large varieties of snapper can be caught. And don’t forget sailfish. It’s a challenge, but the reward is worth it. Most people fish for them just for sport, but sharks can also give you a tight line memory of a fight you won’t forget. Redfish and grouper are also good this month.

August

It’s amberjack, barracuda, mahi-mahi, grouper and snapper for the most action right now. Marlin provide the big excitement for deeper water and shark fishing remains really good. Fish scatter somewhat, but again, your captain will know where to find them. You’ll focus more on reefs and wrecks but fishing continues to be good.

September

The Gulfstream has gotten pretty close to shore and shorter trips can yield some fantastic catches. Those bottom feeders like triggerfish, black sea bass, snapper, and grouper provide lots of action along with king mackerel. The sailfish bite is still on, too.

October

Lots of variety spices up the fishing life again this month as grouper, red drum, amberjack, barracuda, king mackerel, pompano and sea bass fill up angler’s icechests. The weather is a bit milder and fishing is fun and comfortable. Blackfin tuna also make this a good month for a trip.

November

Time to focus on snapper, wahoo, blackfin tuna ,redfish, grouper and cobia this month. Mahi- mahi also provide some action as do king and Spanish mackerel.

December

Deep water fishing remains good for sailfish as long as the winter weather doesn’t hit. King mackerel are king this time of year and the bottom fishing for snapper and grouper is great. The snook bite often heats up as long as the cold fronts stay away, and there is still a good run of wahoo.

Book A Ponce Inlet Fishing Charter

Families who visit Ponce Inlet enjoy the beautiful nature and wildlife that the small town has to offer. Bring your favorite fishing buddies for an incredible tarpon trip in the summer, or charter out to the reefs for some unbelievable snapper action. Ponce Inlet charters are fishing twelve months of the year and are geared up, ready for your adventure. Find a local guide today and get the adventure started!