Daytona Beach fishing calendar
What’s biting each month, and the best months to book.
Plan your Daytona Beach fishing trip with our month-by-month calendar for redfish, spotted seatrout, sheepshead, black drum, flounder and snook. Peak means the best fishing of the year, Good means steady fishing and Fair means possible but slower.
When is the best time to fish in Daytona Beach?
The best fishing in Daytona Beach is Sep–Nov, when redfish, spotted seatrout, flounder, tarpon and jack crevalle are at their peak. There is something to catch all year: winter is best for redfish, sheepshead and black drum; spring is best for redfish, spotted seatrout and sheepshead; summer is best for tarpon, mangrove snapper and mahi-mahi; fall is best for redfish, spotted seatrout and flounder.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): best for redfish, sheepshead, black drum and sailfish; also spotted seatrout, jack crevalle and blackfin tuna.
- Spring (Mar–May): best for redfish, spotted seatrout, sheepshead and black drum; also flounder, mangrove snapper and jack crevalle.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): best for tarpon, mangrove snapper, mahi-mahi and king mackerel; also redfish, spotted seatrout and flounder.
- Fall (Sep–Nov): best for redfish, spotted seatrout, flounder and tarpon; also sheepshead, black drum and snook.
Daytona Beach fishing calendar by month
How good the fishing is for each fish, month by month. Tap a fish for our full guide.
- Peak best fishing of the year
- Good steady fishing
- Fair possible, but slower
- – slow, out of season or closed
| Fish | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inshore | ||||||||||||
| Redfish | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak |
| Spotted seatrout | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Good |
| Sheepshead | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Fair | Fair | Good | Peak | ||||
| Black drum | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Good | Good | Peak |
| Flounder | Fair | Fair | Fair | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Fair |
| Snook | Fair | Fair | Good | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Good | Fair | |||
| Tarpon | Fair | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | ||||||
| Mangrove snapper | Fair | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Fair | |||||
| Jack crevalle | Fair | Fair | Fair | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good |
| Offshore | ||||||||||||
| Sailfish | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Good | Peak | Peak |
| Blackfin tuna | Good | Good | Good | Good | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Good | Good | Good |
| Wahoo | Fair | Fair | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Fair | Fair |
| Mahi-mahi (dolphin) | Fair | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Fair | ||||||
| King mackerel (kingfish) | Fair | Fair | Fair | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Fair |
| Grouper | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Good | ||||
Seasons, size limits and bag limits change every year: see FWC saltwater rules and FWC freshwater rules. Snook and some other fish are catch-and-release in closed months.
What’s biting each month in Daytona Beach
Swipe to see every month →
January
Peak Redfish, Sheepshead, Black drum and Sailfish
Good Spotted seatrout and Blackfin tuna
February
Peak Redfish, Sheepshead, Black drum and Sailfish
Good Spotted seatrout and Blackfin tuna
March
Peak Redfish, Spotted seatrout, Sheepshead and Black drum
Good Snook, Sailfish, Blackfin tuna and Wahoo
April
Peak Redfish, Spotted seatrout, Black drum and Snook
Good Sheepshead, Flounder, Jack crevalle, Sailfish, Blackfin tuna, Wahoo and King mackerel (kingfish)
May
Peak Spotted seatrout, Snook, Mahi-mahi (dolphin) and King mackerel (kingfish)
Good Redfish, Black drum, Flounder, Mangrove snapper, Jack crevalle, Wahoo and Grouper
June
Peak Mangrove snapper, Mahi-mahi (dolphin) and King mackerel (kingfish)
Good Redfish, Spotted seatrout, Flounder, Tarpon, Jack crevalle, Wahoo and Grouper
July
Peak Tarpon, Mangrove snapper, Mahi-mahi (dolphin) and King mackerel (kingfish)
Good Redfish, Spotted seatrout, Flounder, Jack crevalle, Wahoo and Grouper
August
Peak Tarpon, Mangrove snapper and King mackerel (kingfish)
Good Redfish, Spotted seatrout, Flounder, Jack crevalle, Wahoo, Mahi-mahi (dolphin) and Grouper
September
Peak Redfish, Flounder, Tarpon, Jack crevalle and King mackerel (kingfish)
Good Spotted seatrout, Snook, Mangrove snapper, Wahoo and Grouper
October
Peak Redfish, Spotted seatrout, Flounder, Jack crevalle, King mackerel (kingfish) and Grouper
Good Black drum, Snook, Tarpon, Sailfish, Blackfin tuna and Wahoo
November
Peak Redfish, Spotted seatrout, Flounder, Jack crevalle, Sailfish and Grouper
Good Sheepshead, Black drum, Snook, Blackfin tuna and King mackerel (kingfish)
December
Peak Redfish, Sheepshead, Black drum and Sailfish
Good Spotted seatrout, Jack crevalle, Blackfin tuna and Grouper
Best months for each fish in Daytona Beach
- Redfish: best Sep–Apr; good all year.
- Spotted seatrout: best Mar–May and Oct–Nov; good all year.
- Sheepshead: best Dec–Mar; good Nov–Apr.
- Black drum: best Dec–Apr; good Oct–May.
- Flounder: best Sep–Nov; good Apr–Nov.
- Snook: best Apr–May; good Mar–May and Sep–Nov.
- Tarpon: best Jul–Sep; good Jun–Oct.
- Mangrove snapper: best Jun–Aug; good May–Sep.
- Jack crevalle: best Sep–Nov; good Apr–Dec.
- Sailfish: best Nov–Feb; good Oct–Apr.
- Blackfin tuna: good Oct–Apr.
- Wahoo: good Mar–Oct.
- Mahi-mahi (dolphin): best May–Jul; good May–Aug.
- King mackerel (kingfish): best May–Oct; good Apr–Nov.
- Grouper: best Oct–Nov; good May–Dec.
Reviews from nearby New Smyrna Beach trips
5.07 reviewsfrom New Smyrna Beach trips, 15 miles south. Daytona reviews will show here as they come in
Capt Brad was great for both of our fishing trips. He took great care to make my husbands birthday fishing experience amazing and taught me how to use a bait caster. His boat was immaculate and most importantly, he put us on fish.
Ashley Eubanks · April 2026 · Google
A most delightful town
The town of New Smyrna is worth seeing and visiting. We enjoyed walking along the waterfront. You can drive your car to the beach. Ate dinner near the water at one of the Town Tavern which featured a live band. My friend and I went fishing, what fun, highly recommend it!
Lisa Wilson · January 2021
Obstacles conquered!
Started out with a full moon the night before and wind blowing 3 times what was forecast but Captain Brad had a plan. We got out and in no time had fish on! I had no expectations for what we might catch which turned out great 8 different species and two nice redfish! I had a great time!
Doug M. · March 2019 · TripAdvisor
Loved fishing
I have to say, this was one of the most professional organizations I have experienced. Booking was easy and customer support answered all my questions. Even when I remembered them and called back hours later! :) What was recommended was an afternoon trip with Capt Brad. I chose the 6 hour trip…
Tim S · January 2019
Best Birthday Gift Ever !!!
I booked this trip for my Dad's Birthday he loves to fish but rarely catches anything. We went with Capt Brad Kayholm and he delivered an awesome trip he was on time ,very friendly ,knowledgeable and put us on the fish !!! I would definitely recommend booking a trip with him!!!
flhomesbyrich · October 2018
Best Birthday Gift Ever !!!
I booked this trip for my Dad's Birthday he loves to fish but rarely catches anything. We went with Capt Brad Kayholm and he delivered an awesome trip he was on time ,very friendly ,knowledgeable and put us on the fish !!! I would definitely recommend booking a trip with him!!!
flhomesbyrich · October 2018 · TripAdvisor
Four hour trip with Captain Brad
We had a great time with Captain Brad. He had us on the fish right away in the morning and always kept us moving looking for more. He was very knowledgeable.
Eli L · October 2018 · TripAdvisor
Daytona Beach fishing calendar FAQ
When is the best time to fish in Daytona Beach?
The best fishing in Daytona Beach is Sep–Nov, when redfish, spotted seatrout, flounder, tarpon and jack crevalle are at their peak. There is something to catch all year: winter is best for redfish, sheepshead and black drum; spring is best for redfish, spotted seatrout and sheepshead; summer is best for tarpon, mangrove snapper and mahi-mahi; fall is best for redfish, spotted seatrout and flounder.
What fish are biting in Daytona Beach in winter?
From December to February, redfish, sheepshead, black drum and sailfish are at their best, and spotted seatrout, jack crevalle, blackfin tuna and grouper are good. Pick calm days between cold fronts.
What fish are biting in Daytona Beach in summer?
From June to August, tarpon, mangrove snapper, mahi-mahi and king mackerel are at their best, and redfish, spotted seatrout, flounder, jack crevalle, wahoo and grouper are good. Book an early start to beat the heat and afternoon storms.
What is the best month for redfish in Daytona Beach?
Redfish fishing in Daytona Beach is best Sep–Apr, and good all year.
When is the best time for sailfish in Daytona Beach?
Sailfish fishing in Daytona Beach is best Nov–Feb, and good Oct–Apr.
Do fishing seasons and limits apply in Daytona Beach?
Yes. Some fish have closed seasons, size limits and bag limits that change from year to year. Months marked “–” on this calendar are slow, out of season or usually closed. Your captain follows the current rules; check the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for this year’s dates.
How do I book a fishing trip in Daytona Beach?
Pick your trip and date on the Daytona Beach fishing charters page and book online with a local captain. Free cancellation up to 72 hours before your trip, and a full refund or free reschedule if the captain cancels for weather. Questions? Call or text (407) 392-4593.