Palm Coast fishing calendar
What’s biting each month, and the best months to book.
Plan your Palm Coast fishing trip with our month-by-month calendar for redfish, spotted seatrout, flounder, snapper & sea bass, king mackerel and cobia. 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 Palm Coast?
The best fishing in Palm Coast is Apr–Jul and Oct, when redfish, spotted seatrout, flounder, snapper & sea bass and king mackerel are at their peak. There is something to catch all year: winter is best for redfish; spring is best for redfish, spotted seatrout and king mackerel; summer is best for snapper & sea bass, king mackerel and mahi-mahi; fall is best for redfish, spotted seatrout and flounder.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): best for redfish; also spotted seatrout and snapper & sea bass.
- Spring (Mar–May): best for redfish, spotted seatrout, king mackerel and cobia; also flounder and snapper & sea bass.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): best for snapper & sea bass, king mackerel and mahi-mahi; also redfish, spotted seatrout and flounder.
- Fall (Sep–Nov): best for redfish, spotted seatrout, flounder and king mackerel; also snapper & sea bass.
Palm Coast 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 |
| Flounder | Fair | Fair | Fair | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Fair |
| Offshore | ||||||||||||
| Snapper & sea bass (reef) | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Good | Good |
| King mackerel (kingfish) | Fair | Fair | Fair | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Fair |
| Cobia | Good | Peak | Peak | Good | Fair | Fair | ||||||
| Mahi-mahi (dolphin) | Fair | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Fair | ||||||
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 Palm Coast
Swipe to see every month →
January
Peak Redfish
Good Spotted seatrout and Snapper & sea bass (reef)
February
Peak Redfish
Good Spotted seatrout and Snapper & sea bass (reef)
March
Peak Redfish and Spotted seatrout
Good Snapper & sea bass (reef) and Cobia
April
Peak Redfish, Spotted seatrout and Cobia
Good Flounder, Snapper & sea bass (reef) and King mackerel (kingfish)
May
Peak Spotted seatrout, King mackerel (kingfish), Cobia and Mahi-mahi (dolphin)
Good Redfish, Flounder and Snapper & sea bass (reef)
June
Peak Snapper & sea bass (reef), King mackerel (kingfish) and Mahi-mahi (dolphin)
Good Redfish, Spotted seatrout, Flounder and Cobia
July
Peak Snapper & sea bass (reef), King mackerel (kingfish) and Mahi-mahi (dolphin)
Good Redfish, Spotted seatrout and Flounder
August
Peak Snapper & sea bass (reef) and King mackerel (kingfish)
Good Redfish, Spotted seatrout, Flounder and Mahi-mahi (dolphin)
September
Peak Redfish, Flounder and King mackerel (kingfish)
Good Spotted seatrout and Snapper & sea bass (reef)
October
Peak Redfish, Spotted seatrout, Flounder and King mackerel (kingfish)
Good Snapper & sea bass (reef)
November
Peak Redfish, Spotted seatrout and Flounder
Good Snapper & sea bass (reef) and King mackerel (kingfish)
December
Peak Redfish
Good Spotted seatrout and Snapper & sea bass (reef)
Best months for each fish in Palm Coast
- Redfish: best Sep–Apr; good all year.
- Spotted seatrout: best Mar–May and Oct–Nov; good all year.
- Flounder: best Sep–Nov; good Apr–Nov.
- Snapper & sea bass (reef): best Jun–Aug; good all year.
- King mackerel (kingfish): best May–Oct; good Apr–Nov.
- Cobia: best Apr–May; good Mar–Jun.
- Mahi-mahi (dolphin): best May–Jul; good May–Aug.
Reviews from nearby trips
5.04 reviewsfrom iOutdoors trips in New Smyrna Beach. Palm Coast reviews will show here as they come in
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
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
Palm Coast fishing calendar FAQ
When is the best time to fish in Palm Coast?
The best fishing in Palm Coast is Apr–Jul and Oct, when redfish, spotted seatrout, flounder, snapper & sea bass and king mackerel are at their peak. There is something to catch all year: winter is best for redfish; spring is best for redfish, spotted seatrout and king mackerel; summer is best for snapper & sea bass, king mackerel and mahi-mahi; fall is best for redfish, spotted seatrout and flounder.
What fish are biting in Palm Coast in winter?
From December to February, redfish is at its best, and spotted seatrout and snapper & sea bass are good. Pick calm days between cold fronts.
What fish are biting in Palm Coast in summer?
From June to August, snapper & sea bass, king mackerel and mahi-mahi are at their best, and redfish, spotted seatrout, flounder and cobia are good. Book an early start to beat the heat and afternoon storms.
What is the best month for redfish in Palm Coast?
Redfish fishing in Palm Coast is best Sep–Apr, and good all year.
When is the best time for snapper & sea bass in Palm Coast?
Snapper & sea bass (reef) fishing in Palm Coast is best Jun–Aug, and good all year.
Do fishing seasons and limits apply in Palm Coast?
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 Palm Coast?
Pick your trip and date on the Palm Coast 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.