Updated: Thursday, October 22, 2026 · Next update: Thursday, October 29, 2026
This Daytona/Space Coast fishing report covers late October, when the tail end of the mullet run keeps the beach and inlets busy and the lagoons heat up as the water cools. Bull reds are the lead target at Ponce Inlet and along the beach, and redfish tail on the Mosquito Lagoon flats. The main condition to plan around is strengthening tides toward the full moon, which make inlet currents strong and flood the lagoon flats at high water.
What’s Hitting
Bull reds stack at Ponce Inlet and along the beach, and snook feed around the inlets and bridge pilings. Pompano and whiting work the surf. Redfish tail on the flats of Mosquito Lagoon, and trout hold on the grass in the Banana River. Jacks and bluefish mix in with the bait pods.
Expect the lagoon redfish action to keep improving as the water drops through the 70s, and pompano to peak along the beaches in the cooler months.
Where to Find Them
Fish the Ponce Inlet jetties and nearshore beach on the outgoing tide for bull reds, which wait for mullet flushed out of the inlet. 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.
Tides & Conditions
Tides strengthen toward the full moon, which makes inlet currents strong and floods the lagoon flats at high tide, where redfish push into the grass. The outgoing tide at the inlets is the best window. Check a current tide chart and wind forecast before you go.
Tackle & Tactics
- Bull reds: cut mullet and live finger mullet on a heavy circle hook.
- Surf: a pompano jig or sand flea rig.
- Lagoon flats: a weedless gold spoon or soft plastic.
In the lagoons a quiet approach with a trolling motor on low pays off, and polarized glasses help you spot tails and cruising fish. A circle hook sets itself in the corner of the mouth as a bull red swims off, so let the rod load instead of jerking.
Local Intel This Week
Launch at Spruce Creek Park in Port Orange for the Ponce Inlet area, use the Haulover Canal area for Mosquito Lagoon, and run from Parrish Park in Titusville to the northern Indian River and Banana River. Sebastian Inlet State Park to the south and Smyrna Dunes Park near Ponce Inlet give shore access, and Riverbreeze Park is another lagoon launch. Redfish and snook rules are specific. Check current FWC and federal regulations and seasons before keeping fish.
This Week’s Tip
Pole the flats. A push pole beats a motor when redfish tail in skinny water, because hull slap and motor noise spook fish in a few inches of water, while a pole lets the boat glide in close and quietly.
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