When vermilion snapper are around Ponce Inlet
The sources don’t give a season for vermilion snapper fishing out of Ponce Inlet. The one local marker is the fleet: Hull’s Sea Lover lists them on its half-day nearshore trip, which suggests the fish are on the near shore reefs. For biology and range, see the vermilion snapper guide. The wider picture is in the vermilion snapper fishing in the Atlantic Southeast and the Atlantic Southeast fishing guide.
How far boats run from Ponce Inlet
Boats leaving Ponce Inlet run in two tiers. The near shore reefs sit at roughly 10 to 12.5 nm, and the long runs go out about 35 to 55 miles. Boats from New Smyrna Beach and Daytona use the same inlet.
| Tier | Grounds | Run |
|---|---|---|
| Nearshore reefs | Volusia Artificial Reef Sites 1 and 2 | 10.8 nm to about 12.5 nm |
| Long runs | Party Grounds, Rolldown | about 35 to 55 miles |
Nearshore reefs
Boats usually hit the near shore reefs first. Volusia Artificial Reef Site 1 is 10.8 nm from the inlet, in 60 to 80 ft. Site 2 is about 12.5 nm from the Bell Buoy at 067 degrees, in 75 ft.
Longer runs offshore
The Party Grounds are in 80 ft, about 35 miles offshore. The Rolldown is about 40 to 55 miles offshore.
Grounds and structure off Ponce Inlet
Each ground below is placed by its distance or by its position relative to another ground, so the easiest way to read the list is from the nearest structure outward.
| Ground | Distance | Depth | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volusia Reef Site 1 | 10.8 nm from the inlet | 60 to 80 ft | Argoil barge and culverts |
| Volusia Reef Site 2 | about 12.5 nm from the Bell Buoy at 067 degrees | 75 ft | Semarca and culverts |
| Party Grounds | about 35 miles | 80 ft | reference for nearby grounds |
| Mango Hole | on the way out to the Party Grounds | ||
| Cracker Ridge | a few miles west of the Party Grounds | near Volusia Site 2 | |
| East Ridge | alongside the Party Grounds | trolling ground | |
| Rolldown | about 40 to 55 miles | ||
| Ponce Inlet jetty | at the inlet | 1,000 ft, Lighthouse Point Park |
Chart layers are not for navigation.
Volusia Reef Site 1
The Argoil barge and culverts sit 10.8 nm from the inlet, in 60 to 80 ft.
Volusia Reef Site 2
The Semarca and culverts sit in 75 ft, about 12.5 nm from the Bell Buoy at 067 degrees.
Party Grounds
The Party Grounds are in 80 ft, about 35 miles offshore. Mango Hole, Cracker Ridge and East Ridge are all described relative to them.
Mango Hole
Mango Hole sits on the way out to the Party Grounds.
Cracker Ridge
Cracker Ridge is a few miles west of the Party Grounds, near Volusia Site 2.
East Ridge
East Ridge is named as a trolling ground alongside the Party Grounds.
Rolldown
The Rolldown is about 40 to 55 miles offshore.
Ponce Inlet jetty
A 1,000 ft jetty sits inside Lighthouse Point Park at the inlet. Boats pass it on the way out.
How vermilion snapper are fished from Ponce Inlet
The local method is bottom fishing on the reefs, with the fish held under the hull on the near shore structure listed above.
Bottom fishing the nearshore reefs
Bottom fishing on the reefs is the standard local approach. For general technique, see the reef fish fishing guides.
Who fishes for them (Hull’s Sea Lover)
Hull’s Sea Lover, docked in Ponce Inlet, lists vermilion snapper on its half-day nearshore trip.
FAQ: vermilion snapper out of Ponce Inlet
How far out is vermilion snapper fishing out of Ponce Inlet?
Boats run to the near shore reefs first. Site 1 is 10.8 nm out, and Site 2 is about 12.5 nm from the Bell Buoy.
How deep is Volusia Reef Site 2?
It sits in 75 ft, with the Semarca and culverts.
Where is the Party Grounds?
The Party Grounds are about 35 miles offshore, in 80 ft. Mango Hole sits on the way out.
Where is Cracker Ridge?
Cracker Ridge is a few miles west of the Party Grounds, near Volusia Site 2.
Is there a season for vermilion snapper here?
The sources don’t state one. Hull’s Sea Lover lists them on its half-day nearshore trip. Check the regulations page for any rules.
Who runs trips for them out of Ponce Inlet?
Hull’s Sea Lover, docked in Ponce Inlet, on its half-day nearshore trip.
