The sun has been shining and the weather has been kind at Sebastian Inlet State Park, but don’t let the clear skies fool you—fishing has been a little sluggish lately.
Click here to watch the video of this full report and see the fishing action unfold!
In this Sebastian Inlet Fishing Report, I’ll break down the best spots to target sheepshead, black drum, redfish, and snook based on local insights and my own observations from a visit earlier this week.
Local fishing guru Wayne Landry, better known as “The Snookman” told me that last week’s southeast winds, blowing steady at 15-25 mph, stirred up 3-5 foot surf and made casting a challenge. Landry said these conditions don’t do anglers any favors.
On the bright side, he noted that the water temperature has held steady at 71 degrees—no sudden drops to spook the fish, which is a promising sign as we edge toward warmer months.
I stopped by the inlet on Wednesday and chatted with a few anglers who echoed Landry’ss sentiment: it’s been slow. One fisherman, leaning against the railing near the South Jetty, shrugged and said, “I’ve seen better days.”
Historically, adult snook start biting more as spring heats up, but we’ll need the water temperature to climb a few more degrees before they really show up in force.
Here’s a rundown of where the fish have been biting over the past week based on reports and firsthand accounts:
North Jetty Area (West of Sebastian Inlet Bridge)
The North Jetty itself remains closed until July for repairs, but anglers can still fish west of the Sebastian Inlet Bridge along the rocky shoreline. Sheepshead have been the main catch here, with some black drum mixed in.
Live sand fleas and cut shrimp have been the go-to baits, especially during the incoming tide. “It’s not a bonanza, but it’s steady enough,” one angler told me as he reeled in a modest sheepshead.
South Jetty
Action at the South Jetty has been inconsistent—classic hit-or-miss territory. Small, undersized snook have been nipping at live shrimp and small thumper jigs along the jetty rocks.
Landry reported a rare highlight: one slot-sized snook caught over the weekend. Sheepshead and black drum have also made occasional appearances on the south side, biting on live shrimp and sand fleas.
The tip of the South Jetty has been a hotspot, though it’s crowded. Anglers there have landed sheepshead, blue runners, small jacks, and a few black drum, mostly during the outgoing tide.
T-Dock
The T-Dock is closed due to an ongoing dredging project, but the surrounding shoreline is open. It could take another 6 weeks until the dredging is complete.
Don’t get your hopes up, though—activity has been minimal in this area. Landry said he’s heard of some undersized snook and redfish hitting during the incoming tide, but it’s been quiet otherwise.
Surf Fishing
If you’re thinking of hitting the beach, think again. I spoke with two surf anglers today who said the seas have been too choppy to make it worthwhile.
“Rough water, no bites,” one of them said as he packed up his gear. It’s been a tough stretch for surf fishing along the park’s coastline.
Fishing Forecast
Expect highs in the upper 70s to low 80s through the weekend—perfect weather for being outdoors, if not a guarantee of a full cooler. Winds will stick around all week, with gusts up to 25 mph, so casting could stay tricky.
There’s a 40 percent chance of rain on Monday, which might shake things up. For now, patience is the name of the game at Sebastian Inlet.
