Our two days of Red Snapper season here in Daytona Beach was much like the parking lot at the ramps. Anyone that fishes the offshore here knows the endangered red unicorn is a myth, it is a challenge to get baits down for fish you can keep due to the aggressiveness of the red snapper.
The offshore sites near Daytona Beach are holding some nice mangrove snapper, vermillion and lanes. I have had reports of some really nice gag grouper, there are also some cobias on the wrecks.
The near shore rockpiles are producing lots of whiting, sand trout, weakfish and some decent flounder mixed in. Mud minnows are a great bait this time of year and plentiful at the bait shops if you don’t want to net your own. Live shrimp as always will not be turned down when offered. A #2 circle hook works well for those who can resist the urge to set hook like it’s a trophy bass.
Inshore has been on fire in the evening with large snook around the bridges and docks. There are still some sheepsheads around the oyster bars and pilings. Plenty of mangrove snapper inside but most are just barely on the legal side. Fishing the banks with a live croaker will give you your best chance for larger catches.
Tightlines!
Captain Ron
Tightline Fishing Charters
Daytona Beach, Florida