Updated: Historical report for the week of October 8, 2026 (original publication date preserved; reorganized October 27, 2026) · Next update: None. This archived week will not be updated again; for current conditions, read the latest Daytona/Space Coast fishing report.
This Daytona/Space Coast fishing report covers the week of October 8, 2026, when the fall mullet run was in full swing. The surf was alive with bait, and the inlets from Ponce to Port Canaveral were drawing predators. A new moon that weekend was expected to add strong tides, and the outgoing tide at the inlets was the window that mattered most.
What’s Hitting
Bull redfish were the headliners at Ponce Inlet and the Port Canaveral jetties, with big fish taking live mullet and cut bait. Snook were staging near the inlets and along Haulover Canal, while jacks, bluefish and Spanish mackerel chased bait in the surf. Pompano were beginning to show along the beach, and tarpon lingered around the jetties on moving water. Nearly everything keyed on the passing mullet schools.
Where to Find Them
Ponce Inlet and the Lighthouse Point Park jetties were prime for bull reds and snook on the outgoing tide. At Port Canaveral, Jetty Park held the same mix, including big jacks. Inside, Haulover Canal and the Indian River Lagoon flats produced redfish and trout. Along the beach, nervous water and diving birds gave away the mullet schools, and predators were rarely far behind them.
Tides & Conditions
The new moon meant strong tides. The inlets fished best on the outgoing tide, when mullet were flushed through the passes. A northeast wind could make the surf rough, so checking conditions before a beach or jetty trip was essential. Early morning and late afternoon were the best windows, and activity often slowed in the middle of the day.
Tackle & Tactics
Live mullet on a heavy circle hook was the standard for bull reds and snook around the inlets. From the beach, a high-low rig with cut mullet or a fish-finder rig worked, and a large paddle tail or swimming plug was effective around the jetties. For pompano, a small jig or sand flea on a pompano rig was the choice. Heavier tackle was needed around the rocks to turn big fish. Our snook fishing guide covers inlet and mullet-run presentations.
Local Intel This Week
Public access included Lighthouse Point Park at Ponce Inlet, Jetty Park in Cape Canaveral and the Haulover Canal launch area, with Sebastian Inlet State Park to the south. Fish were concentrating around the jetties and inlet channels. Large redfish should be handled with care and released quickly. Check current FWC and federal regulations and seasons before keeping fish. This report records conditions from that week and should not be read as current.
This Week’s Tip
Bring a long-handled net or tailer for the jetties and be ready to move quickly. A big bull red near the rocks heads straight for cover, so set the drag before the cast and apply pressure early.
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