Pole Dancer Fishin' Charters

Your Latest Inshore Fishing Update

2025-10-13

The fall mullet run has been very productive although the inlet has been blown out since the beginning of October. Awesome fishing at the inlet this time of year so it’s kind of a bummer only being able to fish a little bit of it with the ocean being churned up.

We have had a lot of rain and a king tide so the water has been very high. I do really well using mullet in October and the high water can make it tricky to get bait at times. I actually decided just recently that I should put a little more effort into finding some areas to get bait when the water is way up and it worked out. One of the easiest ways is to check the shallowest areas you can. Literally drive around and look. Mullet get way up in the mangroves and tall grass and they are very tricky to get to if at all possible. If you know of a sandbar or any type of beach, that’s a good place to start. There’s thick right now so when you find them you can load up!

I’ve been fishing the mangroves a lot and doing awesome with snook and redfish. I’m mainly using finger mullet and shrimp with a split shot and as long as there is some tide movement it’s been fail proof. We’re catching slot redfish every day and usually multiples. It’s not uncommon to land double digits on snook too. The bridges have also been holding a lot of big snook. I’ve been doing best on the beginning of incoming tide free lining a live pinfish. There’s been jacks all over the river and I’ve seen them going crazy busting mullet in the channel a few times. I’ve caught a bunch lately.

The inlet has been holding a big school of redfish if you can make it out there in between the sloppy conditions. I’ve had some days with 20 fish or more. This is also one of the best times to get big snook there too. Live pinfish, croakers, and 6-9” mullet are some good baits. Tarpon are around there too and actually spread throughout the river around the channel as well. I’ve been seeing them rolling every day. There’s some awesome fishing this time of year and I always tell the locals September through November is probably the most consistent fishing of the year. Call me when you’re ready!

Summer Bite is Hot

2025-07-17

The water out of the beach was cold for a month or longer and finally creeped up to 80 degrees. There’s been huge schools of pogies all up and down the beach. I’ve been tarpon fishing around these bait pods and doing awesome! Not to mention there’s been plenty of bait. I’ve been free lining these pogies outside of the bait pods. Quite a few times I have brought some of these pogies back to the inlet and targeted tarpon, redfish, and snook. There has been some big reds and snook in the 30-40” range. Outgoing tide has been producing the most action. I’ve been fishing the river getting a good variety from Ormond to Ponce Inlet. Redfish, snook, flounder, seatrout, tarpon, jacks, and mangrove snapper have all been chewing. Especially up in Ormond I have been seeing tons of bait. Big schools of pogies have been around the channel and deeper docks. Up there they’ve been a little smaller than the ones off the beach and perfect size to use in the river, 3-4”. There has been finger mullet and shrimp all over the shorelines and around docks and fish have been busting them like crazy in the morning. Doing best fishing areas with a good current. Awesome fishing going on as always during the summer!

Redfish Throat Recipe

2025-06-20

Also referred to as the “collar”, I will take the throat over the fillet of the fish any day! If you’re not familiar with it, you can find videos online how to cut this section of the fish out. I compare it to a chicken thigh being that it’s hard to overcook and is very juicy and tender. I play with different seasoning blends along with fresh herbs, like cilantro, rosemary, and oregano.

I put it on the grill meat side down over an open flame for a couple minutes to give it a nice char and then flip it over and cook over in-direct heat at 350 for another 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the thickness. Pick it out of there with a fork and there are a couple bones that will come loose, but they tend to be bigger bones, so you don’t have to worry about eating them. Absolutely delicious!

Redfish, Black Drum, and Seatrout: A Winter Fishing Report

2025-02-03

Well, the new year has been a tough start with a lot of undesirable conditions and pretty slow fishing. We had two or three weeks of lots of wind, rain, and below-average temperatures. Getting towards the end of January, we had that cold front that dropped the water temps dramatically. The inlet got down to 50°, and I saw low 50s in the Intracoastal. I saw a few dead tarpon and snook, but it was not as bad as I thought it was going to be. They pile up in dead-end canals and other areas trying to stay warm. I found hundreds of snook sunning, and it’s quite a sight with a lot of 30-40” fish.

The focus since all the cold weather has been the shallows. Redfish, black drum, and seatrout have been around oyster bars, and you can find some good schools this time of year on the flats. Some days they bite; some days they drive you crazy and won’t touch a bait. The water has been really clear, which can also make things more difficult. Once the fish get spooked, they may not bite. Also, with the water being so clear, it helps to go with a lighter leader and smaller hooks if you’re using live bait. I typically use a 1/0 circle hook on a 10 lb fluorocarbon leader.

There have been some seatrout in some of the deeper holes around oyster bars in Spruce Creek. Black drum have been around the bridges, along with some sheeps. I’ve been fishing back in the Tomoka, as well as the basin, and the same things are going on up there. Redfish, black drum, and also some flounder have been hanging out in the basin. You might find a school of reds or drum up in the shallows.

Now that we are finally having some much better conditions, the fishing should really start picking up. Hopefully, someone turns the switch back on at the inlet too because, on my last two trips there, I barely marked a fish on the fishfinder and didn’t catch a single one, so I didn’t hang out long. Hoping for a fishy February!

December Fishing Frenzy: Redfish, Snook, Tarpon, and More

2024-11-28

The fishing is awesome in December! So much going on that some times it’s a little tricky what to do. We got our first good cold front and had temps in the low 40s and this cooler weather has the water temp dropping. It quickly went from upper 70s to mid/low 60s. The inlet has been on fire! Outgoing tide has been producing redfish, snook, and black drum consistently. I’ve been using live shrimp and mullet a lot around the inlet. Pinfish and pigs should be some good baits too I just haven’t gotten my hands on them recently. Most of these redfish have been in the 30-40” range. The snook bite has been stellar and I think I’ve had more big snook landed on my boat this year than I ever have. Snook season closes December 15 - January 31 so keep that in mind but they’re still a blast to catch. The black drum have been in the 5-10 lb range but there’s been some fish up to 40lb caught recently. I’ve been getting most of my drum just using live shrimp. It seemed like once this water started cooling down the tarpon showed up in numbers around the inlet. I’ve noticed some days they have been spread out all over the inlet in the channel and also over the shallow area south of the channel. We have hooked some of them while fishing for reds and snook on the bottom and I haven’t even really targeted them specially on recent trips. We have also caught some big jacks around the inlet channel which is always good for drag screaming. Sheepshead and a few pompano have started biting good as well. Two of my favorite eating inshore fish! I like using sand fleas for them over fiddler crabs but they will both work and even just small shrimp can do the trick.

In the intracoastal I’ve been hitting the bridges and docks for drum and snook but I’m sure there’s some sheeps around too. Select shrimp and live mullet are a couple of the baits I’m fishing the bridges with recently. I’ve heard lots of other reports of people getting black drum and snook around all the bridges in our area.

This time of year the weather can be absolutely gorgeous or about as bad as it gets with Northeast winds cranking with cold fronts so take advantage of the nice conditions when you can! Happy Holidays and Happy New Year from Pole Dancer Fishin’ Charters! Looking forward to making awesome memories on the water in 2025! Get your rod bent!

Mullet Madness: Redfish, Snook, and Tarpon Thrills During Peak Season

2024-09-26

We have some of the best fishing of the year right now! The mullet run is in full force and I’m focusing on redfish, tarpon, and snook more than anything. Around the inlet I’ve been using bigger mullet 8-10” for snook and it’s working out great. Some days I’ve even just free lined them against the rocks, which I have never done before at the inlet for snook, and it’s been very productive. I’ve also caught them on the bottom when there’s a stronger current, using up to a couple ounces of lead. Here lately the beginning of the incoming tide has been the best for me. It also seems like there’s been a lot more fish caught in the evening than in the morning recently. Snook season opened September 1st so everyone will be trying. Tarpon have been all over the inlet and north up the beach and I’m sure they’ll be very active over the next month during the mullet run. I’ll be honest I’ve been struggling with tarpon lately and when targeting them it hasn’t been productive. One day I had four different kinds of live bait and didn’t get a bite. Then, of course when I’m targeting redfish we end up hooking them and a tarpon jumping slinging a weight around isn’t a good combo! However, sometimes we luck out and still land them.

So far I’ve only seen a bunch of mullet around the inlet 1 day since they started running but something tells me it’s going to happen more often by the time this report gets out. There’s been slot redfish and I’ve also caught some bigger fish in the 40” range. It’s nice being able to get both this time of year if someone’s looking to keep a couple fish. We have caught some big jacks up to 10-15 lbs while we are targeting reds and snook which are always a blast to fight.

In the river the jacks have been everywhere going crazy on mullet. There’s been a bunch of nice river mangs hanging around docks and oyster bars which make for some awesome fish tacos! Redfish, snook, and flounder have been productive around mangrove banks. I’ve been using finger mullet and live shrimp fishing these areas. Best time of the year and most consistent for inshore fishing in my opinion and I always tell the locals that fish with me, now is the time to book a trip! Get your rod bent!

Inshore Fishing Highlights: Snook, Tarpon, and More in the Tomoka River

2024-06-26

We have made it to the heat of summer. We have gone through some funky conditions the second half of June but things have chilled out for now. We went from minimal rain for several weeks to a bunch of rain over a short period of time with a system we had off the East coast. Inshore up in Ormond there’s been quite a bit of snook action back in the Tomoka River with a bunch of jacks mixed in there too. There has also been a bunch of tarpon further back in the Tomoka West of the US-1 bridge. I have been getting reports from a couple different people doing really well throwing artificial back there. We have even been getting keeper mangroves on small divers when targeting snook. There’s lots of fresh water back there from all the rain so keep that in mind if you’re using live bait.

The shrimp have started running so you can expect a good variety in the intracoastal from Ormond down to Port Orange in the ICW. Seatrout, snook, redfish, flounder, and mangroves have been around docks and oyster bars. The shrimp just started running but hopefully by the time this report comes out they should be running even better. I really like using the local shrimp for bait but their shell can be softer than the usual West Coast shrimp that you typically find in the bait shops most of the year so I always bring extra.

The inlet went downhill after all the rain and rough seas making the water really dirty so I’m hoping that clears up soon. There’s a lot of fish around but it definitely makes fishing tougher. There’s a bunch of tarpon of all sizes and I’ve been getting them to eat pigfish and croakers. Redfish have been hit or miss. I’ve had days with one or two and then others with a handful. Most of these fish have been 30-40” with an occasional slot fish. We have been catching some nice flounder around the inlet too, so I’ve been trying to bring some mud minnows when I’m out there. The mangrove snapper should start getting thick any time now and we will catch some nice fish for inshore up to a couple lbs.

I get a lot of people looking to target sharks this time of year and there’s no shortage of them. Spinners, black tips, bonnet heads, hammers, black nose, tigers, and a few others can all be caught off the beach and some even inside the inlet and up in the river.

We have some awesome fishing coming up the next couple months so give me a shout if you’re interested in setting up a trip!

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Offshore Fall Fishing between Daytona Beach & New Smyrna Beach

2024-05-14

As summer fades, the waters near Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach come alive with the offshore fall fishing season. This time offers chances to catch diverse and prized fish.

The fall fishing excitement starts with the yearly migration of baitfish like menhaden, mullet, and sardines. These smaller fish travel in big schools, drawing larger predator fish. Skilled anglers watch for these bait schools, which signal bigger game fish are nearby.

The Bait Migration

The offshore fall fishing action is fueled by the yearly migration of baitfish, such as menhaden, mullet, and sardines. These small fish travel in massive schools, attracting larger predators. Experienced anglers keep an eye on the movements of these bait schools, as they often indicate the presence of bigger game fish.

Tracking the bait migration is crucial for successful offshore fall fishing. Anglers use fish-finding technology like sonar and radar to locate baitfish schools. Once found, they position the boat strategically and use the right lures or bait to attract the larger predators following the bait.

Kingfish Reign

One popular target during the offshore fall is the kingfish, also known as king mackerel. These powerful fish are prized for their impressive size and fighting ability, making them an exciting catch. Trolling with live bait or specialized lures is the preferred method for catching these kings of the sea.

Kingfish are known for their big appetites and willingness to strike various baits and lures. Live bait like menhaden or mullet is often irresistible, but anglers also use lures designed to mimic baitfish movements. Trolling at different depths and speeds is key to locating and attracting these powerful fish.

Hooking a kingfish leads to a fierce battle. These fish are famous for blistering runs and acrobatic leaps, testing an angler's skill and equipment. Landing a trophy kingfish is a true accomplishment and memorable experience.

Dolphin Delight

Another prized offshore fall catch is the dolphin, also called mahi-mahi. These colorful fish are fun to catch and delicious to eat. Their firm, flavorful flesh makes them a favorite among seafood lovers. Anglers often target dolphin by trolling with lures or live bait around weed lines and floating debris.

Dolphin are known for their striking colors and tendency to gather around floating objects like weed lines and debris. This behavior makes them a prime target for anglers trolling with lures or live bait in open waters. Their aggressive nature and willingness to strike various offerings make them an exciting catch for all skill levels.

In addition to their fighting spirit, dolphin are prized for their culinary value. Their firm, flavorful flesh is a favorite among seafood enthusiasts and often featured on top restaurant menus. Anglers who land a dolphin during the offshore fall season can look forward to a delicious meal and the thrill of the catch.

Wahoo Wonders

For an adrenaline-fueled battle, the wahoo is a must-catch during the offshore fall. These sleek, torpedo-shaped fish are known for their blistering speed and incredible power. Trolling with high-speed lures or live bait is the key to enticing these lightning-fast predators.

Wahoo are often called the "drag-burners" of the offshore world due to their incredible speeds, making them a true test of an angler's skill and equipment. Trolling with high-speed lures or live bait is the preferred method, as their speed and agility make them challenging targets.

When a wahoo strikes, anglers must be prepared for a blistering run and fierce battle. These fish are famous for powerful runs and long, fast dashes across the water's surface. Landing a wahoo is a true accomplishment and testament to an angler's skill and determination.

Pole Dancer Fishin' Charters, a top-rated local charter service, offers an experienced captain and top-notch equipment to ensure an unforgettable offshore fall fishing experience. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a newcomer, the waters off Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach promise thrilling action and the chance to reel in some of the ocean's most prized catches. Contact us here or give us a call at 386-451-4992 to book your fishing charter.

Nearshore Fall Fishing Between Daytona Beach & New Smyrna Beach

2024-04-30

Pole Dancer Fishin' Charters gives you all the details you need for successful fall nearshore fishing between Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach. This information includes the types of fish you can catch, such as King Mackerel and Cobia, the top spots for fishing, methods, and baits that work best. It also discusses how changes in weather can impact fishing, offers safety tips for fishing in nearshore waters, and provides tasty recipes for cooking your catch.

Variety is the Spice of Life: April Fishing Report from Daytona Beach, Florida

2024-04-25

The weather has been beautiful! The water temps are heating up and the fishing has been red hot! All kinds of variety going on in the river. Snook bite has been awesome in the back waters fishing mangrove shorelines and docks. Free lined live shrimp has been working well. Pinfish are good to use around the bridges especially near the tide changes. About an hour into the tide change they start chewing. Both beginning of incoming and outgoing have been productive. I like outgoing better myself. Redfish and flounder have been hanging around the oyster bars so mud minnows are a great choice for both. The inlet has really picked up over the last couple weeks! We’re catching upper slot and over slot redfish using select shrimp and live pinfish. Most of the reds have been in the 30-40” range.

It seems like the big bluefish we’ve been seeing over the past month or longer are moving out of the inlet with the water warning up. We’ve been catching quite a few 30-35” fish targeting the big reds. There’s been some big snook around the jetties but the bite has been different from one day to the next. Now that the water is up to the mid 70s the tarpon have showed up around the inlet. I haven’t checked at all yet but they’re probably on the beach too. I’ll probably be checking before this report goes out because I’m itching to try! I have noticed a bunch of bait off the beach and some days I’ve found huge schools of spanish mackerel going crazy on them. You can also start expecting bonito off the beach too around these bait pods. It seems like quite a few people have been fishing the nearshore spots off the beach and loading up on good size sand trout and weakfish. I haven’t tried myself but I’ve seen several catches of 20-40 fish with quite a few up to a couple pounds or bigger.

There’s so many different types of awesome fishing going on right now and we’re getting into the busy season so if you’re planning on doing a charter don’t wait last minute!

Tight lines!