In the Daytona Beach area, the abundance of fishing-friendly local waters combined with a broad array of species to target with a line and a pole make for an angler’s paradise year-round. And although the fishing opportunities encompass all seasons here, and the varieties of fish — both freshwater and saltwater — that can be caught in the area cover the spectrum of sizes, species, and colors, area anglers tend to see red in the late summer and early fall.

Why? This is when what many argue is the Southeast’s most popular coastal game fish — the redfish — schools up for the spawn, increasing the numbers in its groups, as well as the angler’s chances of success. Also commonly referred to as red drum, the redfish is known for the wide range of waters it will inhabit: Regardless of water depth, clarity and temperature, the redfish seems happy to go wherever the food is. And, perhaps more important to the fishing enthusiast, it’s also renowned as a fun species to track down and catch.

Where to Fish for Redfish

As hinted at above, the redfish’s range is a wide one in the Daytona Beach area. Red drum inhabit inshore and near-shore waters throughout the area, and they can be caught miles offshore in the Atlantic Ocean, which is typically done via a fishing charter. (More on that later.) The fish tend to spawn near inlets, in passes, and around jetties, all of which are abundant in the Daytona Beach area.

While there’s no shortage of places to target redfish in the Daytona Beach area, among the most popular local redfish-fishing destinations are the fish-filled lagoons of Tomoka State Park, whose Tomoka Outpost offers convenient access to needed supplies, and even features charter opportunities.

 

A smiling fisherman holding a large redfish caught near Daytona Beach

 

How to Fish for Redfish

For anglers seeking to snag the largest of redfish, live baits typically offer the best opportunities for luring them in. Types typically providing the most success include mullet, mud minnows, and croakers. And in general, the larger the live bait used, the larger the fish you’re likely to catch — but be aware that when using large bait, you’ll reduce your chances of catching much of anything else.

Dead bait such as blue crab is also known to attract redfish, and anglers can also reel them in using light spinning tackle or even flies — though the best choice of bait often hinges upon the conditions in which you’re fishing.

An angler holding a redfish

 

The Redfish Rules

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission sets the rules for redfish fishing, and the regulations can vary depending on the part of the state and the conditions in and on the water. Visit the FWC’s Red Drum page to get the latest info regarding redfish limits, restrictions, and more. This area within the FWC South Zone.

Yellow Dawg Charter Boat tied to a dock near Daytona Beach

Area Redfish Charters

The Daytona Beach area is loaded with charter companies that are glad to take anglers out on redfish expeditions and supply all the gear they’ll need, not to mention share their extensive fishing know-how to greatly increase the fishing crew’s chances of success.

A few in the area are:

Captain CB’s Fishing Charters

A Tightline Fishing Charter

Yellow Dawg Fishing

Ready to take to the waters of the Daytona Beach area this redfish season? Learn more about fishing in the Daytona Beach area on DaytonaBeach.com’s Fishing page, and start planning your fishing getaway in the area today! You could even find a deal on your stay by checking for special offers on the Daytona Beach Hotel Deals page—but act fast before all the deals get away! Download our free official destination guide, or sign up for our e-newsletter. We’ll be looking forward to seeing you and your fishing crew soon for some Wide. Open. Fun.

 

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