Daytona and Space Coast fishing report for the week of October 8, 2026. The fall mullet run is in full swing, the surf is alive with bait, and the inlets from Ponce to Port Canaveral are drawing predators. A new moon this weekend should add fuel to the fire.
What’s Hitting
Bull redfish are the headliners at Ponce Inlet and the Port Canaveral jetties, with big fish crushing live mullet and cut bait. Snook are staging near the inlets and along the Haulover Canal, and jacks, bluefish and Spanish mackerel are chasing bait in the surf. Pompano are beginning to show along the beach, and tarpon are lingering around the jetties on moving water.
Where to Find Them
Ponce Inlet and the Lighthouse Point Park jetties are prime for bull reds and snook on the outgoing tide. At Port Canaveral, Jetty Park holds the same mix, including big jacks. Inside, the Haulover Canal and the Indian River Lagoon flats produce redfish and trout. Along the beach, look for the nervous water and diving birds that give away the mullet schools.
Tides & Conditions
The new moon means strong tides. Fish the inlets on the outgoing tide when mullet get flushed through the passes, and keep an eye on the surf conditions, which can get rough with a northeast wind. Early morning and late afternoon are the best windows, and the bite often shuts down in the middle of the day.
Tackle & Tactics
Live mullet on a heavy circle hook is 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 works well, and artificials like a large paddle tail or a swimming plug are effective around the jetties. For pompano, a small jig or sand flea on a pompano rig does the trick. Use heavier tackle around the rocks.
Local Intel This Week
Public access includes Lighthouse Point Park at Ponce Inlet, Jetty Park in Cape Canaveral, and the Haulover Canal launch area, with the Sebastian Inlet State Park to the south. Fish are concentrating around the jetties and the inlet channels. Check current FWC regulations and seasons before keeping any fish, and handle oversized redfish with care, as they must be released.
This Week’s Tip
Bring a net or long-handled tailer for the jetties, and be ready to move quickly. A big bull red near the rocks will head straight for cover, so set the drag and apply pressure early.
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