Palm Coast, Florida, offers diverse fishing environments, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Intracoastal Waterway and backwaters. Anglers of all experience levels will find numerous opportunities to reel in everything from redfish to tarpon. Here’s a guide to some of the top fishing spots near Palm Coast.
Flagler Beach Pier
Just south of Palm Coast, Flagler Beach Pier is an 806-foot pier stretching into the Atlantic Ocean. It’s known for its wide variety of saltwater fish, including whiting, flounder, redfish, and Spanish mackerel. The pier’s structure attracts fish, making it an ideal spot for both beginners and seasoned anglers .
- What You Can Catch: Redfish, whiting, flounder, Spanish mackerel
- Facilities: Bait and tackle shop, restrooms, nearby restaurants
- Best Times to Fish: Early mornings and late afternoons
Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area
Located just south of Palm Coast, Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area offers both surf fishing along the beach and inshore fishing along the Intracoastal Waterway. Anglers can catch sea trout, flounder, black drum, and sheepshead in the calm waters of the Intracoastal or the surf .
- What You Can Catch: Sea trout, flounder, black drum, sheepshead
- Facilities: Restrooms, picnic areas, camping sites
- Best Times to Fish: Early morning and dusk during tidal changes
Intracoastal Waterway
The Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) provides excellent inshore fishing, especially for those targeting redfish, snook, tarpon, and spotted seatrout. With easy access from various parks and docks, anglers can fish from shore or launch kayaks to explore the waterway .
- What You Can Catch: Redfish, snook, tarpon, spotted seatrout
- Facilities: Public docks, boat ramps, restrooms
- Best Times to Fish: Dawn and dusk, especially during tide changes
Bings Landing
Bings Landing is a popular park along the Intracoastal Waterway with a fishing dock and boat ramp. This spot is perfect for catching redfish, black drum, and mangrove snapper. The peaceful surroundings make it a great place for families or anglers looking for a relaxing day .
- What You Can Catch: Redfish, black drum, mangrove snapper
- Facilities: Boat ramp, picnic areas, restrooms
- Best Times to Fish: Late afternoon to early evening
Princess Place Preserve
Princess Place Preserve offers a peaceful retreat for kayak or shore fishing along Pellicer Creek. The preserve is ideal for those targeting speckled trout, snook, and flounder in a quiet, natural setting.
- What You Can Catch: Speckled trout, snook, flounder
- Facilities: Picnic areas, limited amenities
- Best Times to Fish: Early morning or late afternoon
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park offers a unique mix of surf fishing along the Atlantic and freshwater fishing in its ponds. The park’s scenic coquina rock formations attract fish like pompano, redfish, and whiting. Inland, anglers can catch bass and bluegill.
- What You Can Catch: Pompano, redfish, whiting, bass, bluegill
- Facilities: Restrooms, picnic areas
- Best Times to Fish: Early morning, especially during high tide
Pellicer Creek Aquatic Preserve
The Pellicer Creek Aquatic Preserve is a peaceful location ideal for kayak or canoe fishing. Its calm waters attract species like redfish, spotted seatrout, and snook. The preserve offers a backwater fishing experience that’s more remote than other spots.
- What You Can Catch: Redfish, spotted seatrout, snook
- Facilities: Kayak and canoe access points
- Best Times to Fish: Early morning and late afternoon
Matanzas Inlet
For anglers seeking bigger catches and stronger currents, Matanzas Inlet is a prime spot. Its fast-moving waters provide ideal conditions for tarpon, jack crevalle, flounder, and bluefish. This inlet connects the Intracoastal Waterway to the Atlantic Ocean, making it a great spot for inshore and surf fishing .
- What You Can Catch: Tarpon, flounder, jack crevalle, bluefish
- Facilities: Parking, restrooms
- Best Times to Fish: High tide, early morning or late evening
Conclusion
Palm Coast offers some of the most varied and rewarding fishing opportunities in Florida, from the calm waters of the Intracoastal Waterway to the thrill of surf fishing on the Atlantic. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just starting, these fishing spots are sure to provide plenty of exciting catches. So grab your gear, secure your fishing license, and explore these top fishing locations near Palm Coast.
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Sources
1. Flagler Beach Pier Information - Flagler Beach.com
2. Fishing at Flagler Beach Pier - Florida Go Fishing
3. Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area - Florida State Parks
4. Intracoastal Waterway Fishing - Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
5. Bings Landing Park - Flagler County Government
6. Princess Place Preserve - Visit Flagler
7. Washington Oaks Gardens State Park - Florida State Parks
8. Fishing in Washington Oaks - Fishidy
9. Pellicer Creek Aquatic Preserve - Florida Department of Environmental Protection
10. Matanzas Inlet Fishing - Florida Sportsman
11. Matanzas Inlet Overview - Coastal Angler Magazine
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