What You'll Find at Lighthouse Point Park

Lighthouse Point Park sits at the north jetty of Ponce Inlet, where the Halifax River meets the Atlantic. The park itself is a small, developed area with a working lighthouse, but the real draw for anglers is the jetty system and the inlet mouth. You can fish from the rocks along the north and south jetties, cast into the inlet channel, or work the nearshore waters just beyond the inlet opening.

The park charges a small entrance fee and has parking, restrooms, and a gift shop. It's a day-use-only facility, so plan to fish during daylight hours. The jetties are accessible but rocky and can be slippery when wet or during rough conditions—wear good shoes and watch your footing, especially on incoming tide when spray reaches the upper rocks.

Key Takeaways

  • Lighthouse Point Park gives you access to the north jetty at Ponce Inlet, where structure and current attract Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, pompano, and permit.
  • The best fishing happens during moving tide, especially the last two hours of incoming and first two hours of outgoing, when baitfish move through the inlet.
  • Jetty fishing here requires caution—rocks are slippery, waves can sweep the structure, and you need to watch the tide and swell forecast before you go.
  • Live mullet, pilchards, and small mackerel work well for larger species; small shrimp and sand fleas produce pompano and permit on the shallow flats inside the inlet.

Jetty Fishing for Mackerel and Jacks

The north jetty at Ponce Inlet is a classic structure fishery. Spanish mackerel and king mackerel patrol the rocks looking for baitfish pushed through by the current. Cast live mullet or pilchards along the jetty edge, especially where the rocks drop off into deeper water. During moving tide, the current concentrates bait and predators, so you'll see more strikes in the hour or two around tide change than during slack water.

Jacks—both crevalle and permit—hunt the same water. Permit are particularly common here and will take small live baitfish or shrimp if you keep your presentation quiet and your drag set light. The rocks give you structure to work, but they also snag line easily. Use a 20- to 30-pound leader and check it often for fraying.

Pompano and Permit on the Flats

Inside the inlet, the water shallows to 2 to 4 feet over sand and shell. This is prime pompano and permit habitat. Wade or fish from the rocks on the incoming tide, casting small shrimp or sand fleas toward the deeper channels. Pompano are aggressive and will hit quickly; permit are more selective and may follow your bait before deciding to eat it.

The flats are best fished during the last hour of rising tide and the first hour of falling tide, when water movement stirs up food and brings fish into the shallows. Early morning and late afternoon are more productive than midday, when the sun is high and fish move to deeper water.

Tides, Currents, and Safety

Ponce Inlet has a strong tidal range—the difference between high and low can be 4 to 5 feet. During maximum outgoing tide, the current through the inlet mouth runs hard and can sweep you off balance if you're standing on the jetty. Check the tide tables and swell forecast before you fish. If the swell is above 4 feet and the tide is running hard outgoing, the jetty becomes dangerous—waves break over the rocks and can knock you down.

The rocks themselves are covered in barnacles and algae, especially on the lower sections. Wear shoes with good grip and move slowly. Never turn your back to the ocean, and never fish alone on the jetty. If a wave catches you off guard, you have no way out except back the way you came.

Bait and Tackle Setup

Live bait is the most effective choice here. Mullet and pilchards are available at local tackle shops and work well for mackerel and jacks. For pompano and permit, live shrimp or fresh sand fleas are better. Bring a small cast net if you're comfortable using one—you can catch your own mullet in the shallow water inside the inlet.

A 7-foot medium-heavy spinning rod with 20-pound braid and a 20- to 30-pound fluorocarbon leader handles most situations. For permit and pompano, drop down to 15-pound braid and a 12-pound leader if the water is clear. Bring extra leaders and hooks—the rocks will cost you gear.

When to Fish and What to Expect

Spring and fall are the most consistent seasons. Spanish mackerel move through in large numbers during these transitions, and permit are active. Summer brings heat and slower fishing during midday, though early morning and dusk can still produce. Winter is hit-or-miss; cold fronts push fish offshore, but calm days between fronts can be excellent.

Weekdays are quieter than weekends. The park fills up on Saturday and Sunday, especially in spring. If you want solitude and less competition for space on the jetty, fish Tuesday through Thursday. The fish don't know the difference, but your experience will be better.

Nearby Options if Conditions Are Rough

If the inlet is too rough or the swell is too high, the Halifax River just inside the inlet offers calmer water and good fishing for redfish, spotted seatrout, and tarpon. The flats on either side of the inlet mouth hold permit and pompano in shallow water. You can also fish the beach just south of the inlet for pompano and whiting from the sand, though you'll need to wade or use a kayak to reach the better structure.

The Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse itself is worth a visit if you're not fishing—the climb to the top takes about five minutes and gives you a view of the inlet system and the nearshore waters. It helps you understand the current patterns and where bait moves through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish the jetty at night?

No. Lighthouse Point Park is day-use only and closes at sunset. The jetty is not lit, and fishing in the dark on slippery rocks is dangerous. Plan your fishing around daylight hours.

Do I need a Florida fishing license to fish here?

Yes. A saltwater fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase one online through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission or at most tackle shops. A three-day license is available if you're visiting.

What's the best time of day to fish?

Early morning (sunrise to 9 a.m.) and late afternoon (3 p.m. to sunset) are most productive. Midday fishing is slower, especially in summer. Combine time of day with moving tide for the best results.

Is the jetty crowded?

It can be, especially on weekends and during spring. Weekday mornings are quieter. The jetty is long enough that you can usually find a spot, but expect to share the rocks with other anglers during peak times.

What should I bring besides fishing gear?

Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. The sun reflects off the water and rocks, and there's no shade on the jetty. Wear polarized sunglasses to see fish in the shallows. Bring a small cooler for your catch and a headlamp if you plan to fish into dusk.