Deep Sea Fishing Daytona Beach | An Overlooked Paradise for Bottom Fishing
Deep Sea Fishing Daytona Beach
Get ready for the fishing adventure of a lifetime in Daytona Beach! The waters here are a well-kept secret, packed with amazing deep sea fishing opportunities that you won’t want to miss.
This comprehensive guide provides all the essential information you need to plan an unforgettable angling adventure, including top fishing spots, seasonal insights, and charter recommendations. Dive into the thrilling world of deep sea fishing in Daytona Beach and reel in the catch of a lifetime!
Table of Contents
Why Choose Daytona Beach
While Daytona Beach may be best known for its stunning beaches and world-famous motorsports events, it also offers some of the finest deep sea fishing experiences that often fly under the radar. Those who are “in the know” are well aware that the snapper fishing in this region is truly unparalleled, making it a must-visit destination for avid anglers.
The secret behind Daytona Beach’s exceptional fishing lies in its diverse underwater landscape. The area boasts a complex Artificial Reef System created by strategically placed materials such as concrete, steel, and even old ships, which provide an ideal habitat for marine life. These artificial reefs attract various fish species, including different types of snapper, grouper, and other reef-dwelling fish.
In addition to the artificial reefs, Daytona Beach is also home to an extensive network of natural reefs and live bottom areas. These expansive underwater ecosystems teem with marine life, drawing in game fish like snapper, amberjack, and cobia, as well as pelagic species like sailfish, tuna, and mahi-mahi. The combination of natural and artificial structures provides a rich and diverse environment for an unforgettable deep sea fishing experience.
The abundance of marine life, coupled with the area’s relatively undiscovered reputation, makes Daytona Beach a true hidden gem for deep sea fishing enthusiasts. Whether you’re targeting the unrivaled snapper populations or seeking out the thrill of reeling in a big game fish, Daytona Beach has it all.
Fish Species
All of the usual suspects can be found offshore of Ponce Inlet. In this section we will explore the best times of year to find each one. Read our section on fishing spots below for some great areas to target these fish.
Snapper
Best Months: June, July, August
Mangrove(Grey) Snapper
In the summer months is when the best snapper fishing happens. Particularly July during the full moon, when the mangrove snapper gather on the reefs to spawn. This is a prime opportunity to get on a snapper bite like you have never seen.
Chum heavy and you can bring them right up to the boat!
It is not at all uncommon to catch your limit of mangrove snapper and have none of them be less than 8 pounds!
Red Snapper
Due to federal regulations, red snapper can only be harvested in this area during the short season that typically occurs in July. Red snapper in this area are extremely abundant however, and can be caught year round, whether you are targeting them or not.
For more information, read our Guide to Catching Red Snapper out of Ponce Inlet.
Other Snapper
The summer months are also great for lane and vermillion snapper when the warmer water and longer days make for periods of heavier feeding and more active fish.
Grouper
Best Months: October, November, December
During the winter months is when the various grouper species tend to move a bit inshore in search of warmer water. This is a prime time to target them without fishing 300ft of water and driving 40miles. Places like the Turtle Mound and the Party Grounds are great places to start.
The most common grouper found near Daytona Beach is the red grouper, though gag and other types of grouper are not uncommon.
This is also a great opportunity for slow pitch jigging as these fish will readily eat a jig and the technique allows you to cover a lot more water. Read our comprehensive Slow Pitch Jigging Guide for more details.
Amberjack
Best Months: February, March, April
While these tough fighting monsters can be caught year round, they are most plentiful during the early spring months when they gather together over reefs and live bottom areas with a huge appetite.
Mahi-Mahi
Best Months: November-April
Mahi are most plentiful during the colder months when the cold water of northern areas pushes them further south. Look for them past 120ft and near or around the gulf stream, which averages around 40 miles offshore from Daytona Beach.
Sailfish
Best Months: December, January, February
Sailfish are most often found from 160ft out to the gulf stream. Because of the spread out nature of the area, I recommend trolling skirts to find where they are located. If you catch one, stick to that depth and go north/south.
Wahoo
Best Months: Year Round
This fast moving fish can be caught at any time of year, but you will need to make a run to get to where they are, they almost primarily stay around the gulf stream and steeples area. for reference, you can find the beginning of the seamount at 29°4.408’N • 80°7.953’W.
Try slow trolling big silver spoons for great success.
Blackfin Tuna
Best Months: October – March
By far, my favorite way to fish for tuna is jigging, whether vertical jigging or slow pitch. I like to start my drift at 28°53.400’N • 80°5.686’W and jig for a few miles. If I get no bites, I will move a few miles deeper and try again.
Kingfish
Best Months: April, May, October, November
King Mackerel are apex reef predators, look for them over the artificial and natural reefs during the late spring and fall months. Slow trolling or freelining a live bait in these areas can be deadly effective.
Cobia
Best Months: February, March, April
Spring is the best time for cobia as they migrate through. Best places to look for them are around the numerous wrecks in the artificial reef system.
Tilefish
Best Months: Year-Round
Tilefish are a tough catch in this area, there is not a lot of great habitat for them and it is a very long boat ride to get there. I would generally recommend a trip down south if you really want to target them. If you are willing to put in the effort, the tilefish populations here are not very pressured and you can do well. Here is one of my spots.
29°38.163’N • 80°12.657’W.
Fishing Spots
The Daytona Beach and Ponce Inlet area is teeming with an abundance of fishing locations, many of which can be easily found on public charts. However, in this guide, I’ll be sharing some exclusive, personal fishing spots that you won’t come across anywhere else. These secret spots are sure to make your next trip a success.
Turtle Mound
Snapper, Grouper, Triggerfish, Black Seabass, Kingfish, Amberjack
The biggest reef in the area, located about 22 miles ESE of Ponce Inlet. Running mostly north to south, this reef stretches nearly 6 miles from tip to tip.
- 29°1.753’N • 80°28.745’W
- 29°1.919’N • 80°28.454’W
- 29°1.156’N • 80°28.031’W
- 28°59.105’N • 80°25.588’W
- 28°59.349’N • 80°25.809’W
Party Grounds
Snapper, Triggerfish, Black Seabass, Kingfish, Grouper
Located around 20miles almost directly out of Ponce Inlet, the Party Grounds are among the most popular reefs in the area. These are some of my personal honey holes on this reef.
- 29°10.374’N • 80°34.915’W
- 29°10.118’N • 80°33.992’W
- 29°10.709’N • 80°35.719’W
15 Off the Mound
Amberjack, Snapper, Grouper, Triggerfish
This is a light reef that is a little further out than the Turtle Mound. Sparse live bottom that can be hard to spot, but is teeming with life.
- 29°6.294’N • 80°25.462’W
- 29°6.425’N • 80°25.043’W
NE Grounds
Vermillion Snapper, Seabass, Triggerfish, Kingfish
One of the closest reefs to the inlet. Bottom structure can be hard to spot in this area, but it is there.
- 29°12.930’N • 80°41.102’W
- 29°13.139’N • 80°41.587’W
- 29°13.559’N • 80°41.677’W
- 29°14.307’N • 80°42.065’W
Cracker Ridge
Vermillion Snapper, Mangrove Snapper, Red Snapper, Seabass, Amberjack, Triggerfish
Site 2 of the Volusia Artificial Reef Program was dropped almost on top of this old popular fishing spot. Drive around this mark and pay close attention to the bottom.
- 29°9.751’N • 80° 39.376’W
Mango Hole
Snapper, Triggerfish, Seabass
The most popular area for mangrove snapper on the full moon. This place is named specifically for the sheer amount of spawning mangos that will congregate here. At night, during the full moon in the last few weeks of july or first few weeks in august, this spot will be on fire.
- 29°18.133’N • 80°23.259’W
- 29°18.021’N • 80°23.173’W
- 29°18.309’N • 80°23.332’W
Slow Pitch Jigging Spots
These coordinates are guidelines for good general areas to begin a long drift for slow pitch jigging.
- 29°23.659’N • 80°43.661’W – 80ft
- 28°52.971’N • 80°28.304’W – 70ft
- 29°14.491’N • 80°19.971’W – 120ft
- 29°23.899’N • 80°21.067’W – 130ft
- 29°12.766’N • 80°14.171’W – 180ft
- 29°23.380’N • 80°16.800’W – 160ft
- 29°23.888’N • 80°9.255’W – 480ft
Bait and Tackle Shops
New Smyrna Outfitters
Carrying a variety of premium gear for all types of saltwater fishing, New Smyrna Outfitters is the perfect destination to get all your gear in the New Smyrna Beach area.
The Fishin Hole
A small shop that manages to carry all the stuff you need from premium equipment to bait, they even offer rod and reel repair services.
Donald's Bait and Tackle
This bait shop has been a staple of the area for many years. Conveniently located at the entrance to the Dunlawton boat ramp, they carry all the bait you could need for your excursion.
Boat Ramps
Swoop Site Ramp
The most convenient boat ramp is the swoop site ramp located very near the inlet on US 1. It costs $10 to park for the day and the ramp is very steep. The Boat ramp is well maintained and there are public restrooms. Be aware that on the weekends this ramp will fill up very quickly.
Dunlawton Boat Ramp
If you would prefer a free option, there is the Dunlawton Boat Ramp to the north. This park has excellent facilities and a fishing pier. Be warned that the trip to the inlet is several miles and there is a large no-wake zone to pass through. For the extra distance, you get a ramp with a ton of parking and is a bit quieter than the other ramps.
North Causeway Boat Ramp
Another free option with a lot of no-wake driving. The North Causeway Boat Ramp is a great option with limited parking. Get here early if you are going out on a weekend.
Ponce Inlet Fishing Charters
Sea Spirit
The most popular headboat in the Daytona Beach area. The crew is friendly and the pricing is very competitive. This boat always produces fish. Make sure to book ahead of time, especially during red snapper season. For more information, check out their website.
I am happy to answer any questions