Fort Matanzas Fishing

Please put used and discarded fishing line in these containers. This one is located just north of the ferryboat dock.

Quick Facts

Amenities

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Information

Fishing is one of the best kept secrets of Fort Matanzas National Monument. With our close proximity to the Matanzas Inlet, we have an abundance of salt water fish species and a wide area to fish, both on the river side and ocean side. Recreational fishing provides a fun way to enjoy the outdoors with your family and maybe even catch your own dinner if you're lucky.

Getting Started

To get started, in most cases you will need a salt water fishing license. Licenses are available at most of our local bait and tackle shops, or you can get one online, along with more information at the following link: http://myfwc.com/license/. The typical equipment needed is a spinning rod/reel with 10-20 pound test line, small (1/0) hooks, and weights or sinker. Frozen shrimp or squid works well for bait, but the serious fishermen recommend using live bait (finger mullet or fiddler crabs). Bring a bucket or cooler, water, and sunscreen.
You may fish anywhere along our shoreline in the Park, on both the ocean and river side, with the exception of the posted area next to the ferryboat docks. You will find the easiest access during low tides. You can check the tides prior to your visit at the following link: https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/noaatideannual.html?id=8720686

Do's and Don'ts

Fishing is allowed from 9 am until 5:00 pm daily. Do follow the Florida Saltwater Fishing Regulations regarding size, seasons, and catch limits. You can get this information at the following link: http://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/. Practice conservation by using circle hooks and releasing any fish you don't plan to eat. For more information about catch and release fishing see http://myfwc.com/conservation/saltwater. Please do not dig for bait inside the Park boundaries. Alcohol and glass containers are prohibited. Do use courtesy alongside fellow anglers by not crowding them. If you pack it in, please pack it out. Do take all your trash at the end of the day and never leave behind discarded fishing line. It tangles up turtles, birds and other wildlife and goes on killing for years. We have special recycle tubes for discarding used fishing line. Help us preserve this beautiful shoreline by doing your part to keep it clean.

Types of Fish

The species of fish caught can vary by season and include most of the saltwater species found along most of Florida's Atlantic inlets. Mangrove snapper and grunts are here year round. Flounder are sandy bottom dwellers and love live shrimp. Red drum (redfish) and bluefish prefer live bait but are also caught on artificial lures. Sheepshead are found around the rocks and docks and are attracted to live crabs. Mullet are seasonal and usually caught with a cast net. What you catch can also depend on the days. Some days are hot, some are not.

Ask a local fisherman what's biting. They are usually happy to talk about it. But take the advice with "a grain of salt," as they say, since some fishermen have sometimes been known to stretch the truth.

Follow this link to learn more about fishing in the area.