Fishing in Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches

Tight Lines in the Tree City: A Resident’s Guide to Fishing

One of the best things about living in Palm Coast and Flagler County is that you’re never more than a few minutes away from "the big one." Whether you’re looking for the thrill of the Atlantic surf, the calm brackish waters of the Intracoastal, or a quiet freshwater hideaway out west, we have it all.

🌊 Saltwater Soul: The Atlantic & The Intracoastal

If you love the salt air, you have two very different worlds to choose from:

• Surf Fishing the "Cinnamon Sands": With 19 miles of coastline, you can find a quiet spot almost anywhere to reel in whiting, pompano, and bluefish.

  • ALICE Insider Tip: If you’re a Florida resident, you can actually get a free shoreline-only license! It’s the perfect way to spend a Saturday morning without spending a dime.

• The Intracoastal Waterway (ICW): This is where you’ll find our famous redfish, snook, and sea trout.

  • Best Access: Head to Bing’s Landing or Herschel King Park. Both offer great docks and ramps. If you have a kayak, this is your playground—you can get into the shallow oyster bars where the big motorboats can't go.

🌿 Freshwater Peace: Heading West

Sometimes you just want the quiet of the cypress trees. For that "Old Florida" feel, head out toward Bunnell:

• Haw Creek Preserve & Lake Disston: These are the spots for largemouth bass and catfish. It’s quiet, shaded, and feels worlds away from the hustle of the city.

• Bull Creek: Another fantastic spot in Bunnell for a peaceful afternoon with a line in the water.

🏞️ Fishing the State Parks

We are lucky to have three Florida State Parks right here, and all of them are angler-friendly:

• Washington Oaks Gardens: You get the best of both worlds here. Fish the surf on the beach side or drop a line from the seawall on the Matanzas River.

• Bulow Plantation Ruins: Perfect for small boats (under 16ft) or kayaks.

• Gamble Rogers: A great spot for the whole family with easy access to both the beach and the river.

📋 What You Need to Know (The "Legal" Bit)

We want to keep our waters healthy, so make sure you’re "legal" before you cast:

1. The License: If you’re between 16 and 65, you generally need a Florida fishing license.

2. The Exceptions: If you’re over 65, under 16, or fishing on a licensed local charter, you’re usually good to go!

3. The Bait: Around here, live shrimp and mullet are like gold. Most local fish can’t resist them.

   Where to Buy a Fishing License in Flagler County:

   Short-term, non-resident fishing licenses can be purchased at the Flagler County Tax Collector's Office. There are three locations: 

   • Bunnell Main Office - 1769 East Moody Boulevard, Bldg 2, Suite 102 in Bunnell, Florida, 32110
   • Palm Coast Office - 213 St. Joe Plaza, Palm Coast, Florida, 32164
   • Flagler Beach Office - 2525 Moody Blvd, Flagler Beach, Florida, 32136

   Hours for each Tax Collector's Office are Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

   Other places to get a short-term license include:

   • Walmart - 174 Cypress Pt Parkway, Palm Coast, Florida, 32137
   • Hammock Bait and Tackle - 5861 Oceanshore Boulevard, Palm Coast, Florida, 32137
   • or annual licenses, you can purchase online at the Florida Fish and Wildlife website.

    

👨‍👩‍👧 Family-Friendly Fishing

Want to take the kids out? Wadsworth Park and Washington Oaks offer great shaded areas and sturdy piers that are perfect for little ones who are just learning the ropes.