Summer has arrived! Here's how to get the most out of your inlet fishing experience
No, the fishing report hasn’t gone away. Yes, the fish are biting.
In celebration of summer (June 21 marks the beginning of the summer solstice, the longest day of the year), we're sharing pertinent information and friendly advice about fishing at Sebastian Inlet.
First, thank you. We’re grateful to you for visiting this website, even if only to read the fishing report and check inlet conditions on our webcam. We’re competing against a vast digital landscape of home-grown videos, salacious news clips, and countless virtual communities. And attention spans aren’t what they used to be.
We also appreciate the effusive response to our social media posts – particularly our May 19 Facebook post highlighting the North jetty cleanup event led by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). This post reached more than 46,000 people and elicited dozens of positive comments. We hope you notice that we’ve redoubled our efforts to keep you informed about Sebastian Inlet District projects, activities and issues.
If you’re new to Sebastian Inlet, we offer the following advice to ensure a stress-free fishing adventure; if you’re a regular, call this a refresher course (and a tool to assist the newbies you see out there).
- Get a fishing license, even if you are fishing from land. A license is required to attempt to take fish. If you cast a line or catch and release, you need a fishing license. Of course, there are a few exceptions, here.
- Know which fish are in season. For example, snook season has been closed since May 31 and won’t reopen until September 1. Print out the Florida Recreation Saltwater Fishing Regulations or download the app.
- We’re not your mom, but please cover up! Use sunblock, wear a hat or buff, and cover up. The summer sun is brutal here.
- If you are new to the inlet, ask anglers about the lay of the land. Some folks surf fish from the beaches north and south of the jetties; others fish the jetties. Others prefer the partial shade offered by the catwalks beneath the inlet bridge. There’s also a T dock on the south side of the inlet, as well as the shoreline along the inlet channel. (Remember that a portion of the North shore is closed for refurbishment right now).
- Sebastian Inlet was built to aid boats in navigation through the inlet. If they hug the jetty, it’s nothing personal: The currents can be dangerous and rough. Please yield to boaters and don’t throw or cast objects at vessels.
- If you accidentally hook a bird, reel it in. Don’t cut the line. A bit freaked out about how to free the bird? Ask a park ranger or park volunteer for help. An experienced angler might also offer to help if you ask nicely.
- Don’t leave dead fish lying on the decks, please dispose of trash properly and put unused bait back in the water. You were raised better than that.
· See the rest of our fishing etiquette tips at the top of the page.
"Snookman" Wayne Landry's fishing report will return on June 27..