Sebastian Inlet is one of Florida's most famous land-based fisheries — a high-energy Atlantic inlet with jetties on both sides connecting the Indian River Lagoon to the ocean. Its north jetty is arguably the best-known snook platform in the state.
Everything here revolves around current and bait movement through the inlet. Mullet runs, glass minnows, and shrimp flushes turn the jetties on; slack water turns them off.
Best tides
- Outgoing tide flushing lagoon bait to the ocean is the classic snook and redfish window, especially at night and dawn.
- The first push of incoming brings clean ocean water and mackerel, jacks, and bluefish onto the jetty tips.
- During the fall mullet run, almost any moving tide can go off — follow the bait, not the clock.
Best time of day
- Night and first light on an outgoing tide are the storied snook windows — the park is open 24 hours for fishing.
- Daybreak on the tips is best for mackerel, blues, and jacks chasing bait in low light.
- During the fall mullet run, stay flexible — bait showers can trigger daytime blitzes at any hour.
Wind strategy
- Northeast swell and wind make the north jetty tip rough and dangerous — fish inside the inlet or the catwalks instead.
- West wind flattens the ocean side and is prime for working the tips.
- Wind against a strong outgoing makes standing waves in the throat; fish the seams and eddies close to the rocks.
Common species
- Snook year-round with strong spring and fall pushes (tight regulations — check current FWC rules and seasons)
- Redfish and black drum in the inlet and along the catwalks
- Spanish mackerel, bluefish, and jacks on the tips
- Flounder on the sand edges inside the inlet
- Oversize tarpon and sharks during the mullet run
Recommended lures & bait
- Live croakers, pigfish, or big mullet for inlet snook
- Flair hawk jigs swung on the outgoing at night — the local standard
- Spoons, Gotchas, and small jigs for mackerel and blues
- Live or fresh-dead shrimp on the bottom for drum and reds
Safety & access notes
- Inside Sebastian Inlet State Park (entry fee, open 24 hours for fishing) — the north and south jetties and catwalks are the main platforms; check park notices for jetty closures after storms.
- Waves wash the north jetty deck in big swell — take posted warnings seriously and never turn your back on the ocean.
- It gets crowded during runs; give jig-swingers room and follow the informal rotation on the tip.
Live tides, wind, and bite windows for this spot are free in the CastWindow map during the Florida beta. Conditions and access change — spotted something outdated? Tell us.