Palm Coast (Hammock Dunes) Bank Fishing Recommendations

[C5Longhorn]

I'm visiting my in-laws who live in Palm Coast in the Hammock Dunes subdivision.  There are tons of ponds in the immediate vicinity, but I haven't seen too many signs of bass and my outings so far have been pretty disappointing.

 

Does anyone have any recommendations on areas to check out for bank fishing?  I brought a spinning rod and have soft plastics, wire baits, and a few crank baits.

 

Thanks,

 

Rick

[bostonsox2904]

I'm willing to bet those ponds are pretty salty, being between the inlet and the beach. I would check out the beach and see what's out there. You can catch anything on flukes and other "bass" soft plastics. Just make sure to rinse your gear

[C5Longhorn]

Thanks Boston, really appreciate the input.

 

Your feedback would explain what I've been experiencing.  I'm about 2 blocks or from beach, so I wondered if the water was brackish. 

 

I do have some black flukes and can pick up some other baits.  I will give those a try.

 

Rick

[C5Longhorn]

Well, I'm convinced most of the ponds immediately around here don't have many bass.  I will have to fish for other species or go further inland.

[C5Longhorn]

Bumping this back to the top.  I'm headed back to Palm Coast and bringing a spinning rod.  

 

Looking for any suggestions on areas to try while visiting the in-laws.

 

Thanks,

 

Rick

[basscrusher]

I looked into this a couple years ago but the trip got scrapped.  

https://www.flaglercounty.gov/departments/parks-recreation

Find the link for parks brochure, and then find the names on page 2.  You'll have to google them individually,  but a few of them have parks with very large and nice fishing piers.  This is all inshore saltwater though, so be aware.  But saltwater game fish fight way better than bass anyway.   If I were there, I wouldn't even give the bass a 2nd thought.

[FalsePleasure]

Just wondering how the fishing went? For those ponds you mentioned did you need a salt water or fresh water license? Im heading down to palm coast today for about a week. I forget the name of the subdivision but its Pine something community between a couple of golf courses and in the W street name section. Im about a 10-15 min drive from the beach. What ponds did you fish? Did you do any fishing from the beach? Flaggler beach? North or south of the pier at flaggler? I was down several weeks ago and was a mile or 2 south of the pier and seen several birds diving into the ocean for fish, figured this would be a good spot? Thanks.

[heyitskirby]

On 8/13/2022 at 1:02 PM, FalsePleasure said:

Just wondering how the fishing went? For those ponds you mentioned did you need a salt water or fresh water license? Im heading down to palm coast today for about a week. I forget the name of the subdivision but its Pine something community between a couple of golf courses and in the W street name section. Im about a 10-15 min drive from the beach. What ponds did you fish? Did you do any fishing from the beach? Flaggler beach? North or south of the pier at flaggler? I was down several weeks ago and was a mile or 2 south of the pier and seen several birds diving into the ocean for fish, figured this would be a good spot? Thanks.

 

FYI - If you're fishing salt from the bank in Florida (piers count too), you are required to get a license, but it is free.  There is no equivalent (free) license for freshwater.

[C5Longhorn]

On 8/13/2022 at 12:02 PM, FalsePleasure said:

Just wondering how the fishing went? For those ponds you mentioned did you need a salt water or fresh water license? Im heading down to palm coast today for about a week. I forget the name of the subdivision but its Pine something community between a couple of golf courses and in the W street name section. Im about a 10-15 min drive from the beach. What ponds did you fish? Did you do any fishing from the beach? Flaggler beach? North or south of the pier at flaggler? I was down several weeks ago and was a mile or 2 south of the pier and seen several birds diving into the ocean for fish, figured this would be a good spot? Thanks.

 

 

Hi, I just saw this.  The ponds were terrible for freshwater and Bass.  I think they were pretty salty and all I ever saw was Gar.  I ended up fishing saltwater.  I did buy a license.  I never found any close by freshwater (doesn't mm want it doesn't exist).  Instead, I fished Matanzas inlet, Rattlesnake Island, and Flagler pier.  I had a blast and highly recommend it.  I only had one M spinning rod with a 2500 series reel but it worked fine.  I used either live bait or Berkeley Gulp.

 

Let me know if you have any questions.

 

Rick

6 hours ago, heyitskirby said:

 

FYI - If you're fishing salt from the bank in Florida (piers count too), you are required to get a license, but it is free.  There is no equivalent (free) license for freshwater.

 

 

How is a FL saltwater license free?  I bought one to fish the inlet.  I know you didn't need one at the piers but thought did anywhere else 

[heyitskirby]

15 hours ago, C5Longhorn said:

How is a FL saltwater license free?  I bought one to fish the inlet.  I know you didn't need one at the piers but thought did anywhere else 

 

I apologize - it is only free for Florida residents, but it is "Valid for saltwater fishing from the shoreline or a structure affixed to shore.  Not valid when fishing from a vessel, or a shoreline reached by vessel.  Not valid if taking or attempting to take by swimming or diving."

[C5Longhorn]

14 minutes ago, heyitskirby said:

 

I apologize - it is only free for Florida residents, but it is "Valid for saltwater fishing from the shoreline or a structure affixed to shore.  Not valid when fishing from a vessel, or a shoreline reached by vessel.  Not valid if taking or attempting to take by swimming or diving."

 

No worries, I was just concerned I spent $50 for a year long license for nothing.  IMHO, it is well worth it.  Inshore and Surf is a blast.

 

Rick

[N Florida Mike]

I grew up saltwater fishing that area. Matanzas used to be some of the BEST  fishing anywhere. In the late 80s ( I think ) , they re-did the bridge or something and the inlet was changed. It hasn’t been as good since. Coincidentally, I went over the inlet down to bings landing today working. First time at Bing’s since I went there fishing with my dad 50+ years ago… 

[heyitskirby]

15 hours ago, N Florida Mike said:

I grew up saltwater fishing that area. Matanzas used to be some of the BEST  fishing anywhere. In the late 80s ( I think ) , they re-did the bridge or something and the inlet was changed. It hasn’t been as good since. Coincidentally, I went over the inlet down to bings landing today working. First time at Bing’s since I went there fishing with my dad 50+ years ago… 

 

Whenever I'm in St. Augustine I fish the Matanzas near Crescent Beach.  My buddy grew up in the area and knows how to get his boat into some spots I would never put mine.  I've caught keeper reds in creeks less than 20' wide.  Still great fishing as far as I am concerned, but I have no comparison.

[FalsePleasure]

On 8/15/2022 at 5:18 PM, C5Longhorn said:

 

 

Hi, I just saw this.  The ponds were terrible for freshwater and Bass.  I think they were pretty salty and all I ever saw was Gar.  I ended up fishing saltwater.  I did buy a license.  I never found any close by freshwater (doesn't mm want it doesn't exist).  Instead, I fished Matanzas inlet, Rattlesnake Island, and Flagler pier.  I had a blast and highly recommend it.  I only had one M spinning rod with a 2500 series reel but it worked fine.  I used either live bait or Berkeley Gulp.

 

Let me know if you have any questions.

 

Rick

 

 

How is a FL saltwater license free?  I bought one to fish the inlet.  I know you didn't need one at the piers but thought did anywhere else 

My trip down got canceled. The transmission started acting up so I turned around and headed back home just before I got to Georgia. I probably could have made it, id done drove half way, I just didnt want to be stuck on the side of the road 4 or 5 hrs from home. I'll be heading down some time within the next 2 weeks. Whenever I get my ride back from the transmission shop. Dont buy a Nissan. 2018 and the transmission is already gone. Psst.

On 8/16/2022 at 8:59 AM, C5Longhorn said:

 

No worries, I was just concerned I spent $50 for a year long license for nothing.  IMHO, it is well worth it.  Inshore and Surf is a blast.

 

Rick

50 for a year? I was thinking its like $30 for 7 days fresh and $30 for 7 days salt with beach shark permit free for non residents. Didnt think non residents could get a year license. I may be wrong.