Updated: Thursday, October 15, 2026 · Next update: Thursday, October 22, 2026
This Daytona/Space Coast fishing report covers mid-October, when the mullet run is the story along this stretch of the coast and the predators lining up behind it make for some of the best fishing of the year. Bull reds lead the way at Ponce Inlet and along the beach, snook feed on mullet around the inlets and bridges, and pompano and whiting work the surf. Plan around the outgoing tide at the inlets, with tides moderating as the moon builds toward first quarter.
What’s Hitting
Bull reds are showing at Ponce Inlet and along the beach, and snook are feeding on mullet around the inlets and the bridge pilings. Pompano and whiting are in the surf, and Spanish mackerel and bluefish mix in with the bait pods.
In the lagoons, redfish tail in the shallows of Mosquito Lagoon, and trout hold on the grass in the Banana River. Expect the mullet run to stay active for the next couple of weeks, with the bull reds following the bait down the beach and the lagoons holding redfish and trout well into the fall as the water cools.
Where to Find Them
Fish the Ponce Inlet jetties and the nearshore beach on the outgoing tide for bull reds and snook. An outgoing tide pulls mullet schools out of the river and through the inlet, where the big fish wait along the rocks and the edges of the channel.
In Mosquito Lagoon, work the shallow flats at first light, and in the Banana River, drift the grass edges for trout. Along the surf, look for diving birds and shifting bait pods.
Tides & Conditions
Tides are moderating as the moon builds toward first quarter, making the inlet easier to fish. The outgoing tide at the inlets is the best window, and calm early mornings give good sight-casting conditions in the lagoons. Mosquito Lagoon has little lunar tide, so wind drives its water levels more than the moon; a tide chart is most useful at the inlets.
Tackle & Tactics
Spinning rods in the 7- to 9-foot range handle most of this fishing.
- Bull reds: cut mullet and live finger mullet on a heavy circle hook.
- Surf: a pompano jig or sand flea rig for pompano and whiting.
- Lagoons: a weedless gold spoon or soft plastic over the flats.
On the beach, stay mobile and work from one rip or trough to the next until you find bait. In the lagoons, a quiet approach with a trolling motor on low pays off, and polarized glasses help you spot tailing fish and cruising snook. Carry a long-handled net for bigger fish.
Local Intel This Week
Spruce Creek Park in Port Orange is the launch closest to Ponce Inlet. The Haulover Canal area gives access to Mosquito Lagoon and the canal itself, Parrish Park in Titusville opens up the Indian River and Banana River side, and Sebastian Inlet State Park to the south offers inlet and jetty fishing.
Fish concentrate at the inlets, the canal and the grass edges. Check current FWC and federal regulations and seasons before keeping fish. Redfish and snook rules in particular are specific.
This Week’s Tip
Watch the birds and the nervous bait. When mullet start spraying, the predators are right underneath, so cast just beyond the commotion and work the lure through the edge. A lure that swims out of the school like a lone, panicked mullet is an easy target.
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