Melbourne Beach · Brevard County · Space Coast · Florida
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 available in the CastWindow map. Conditions and access change — spotted something outdated? Tell us.