Black sea bass fishing out of Ponce Inlet: season and the run
Black sea bass fishing out of Ponce Inlet is near shore reef fishing. Volusia Artificial Reef Site 5, about 5.4 nm at 070° from the Bell Buoy in about 65 ft, usually holds sea bass. Every heading and distance on this page runs from the Bell Buoy unless the text says otherwise. For the wider coast, see the black sea bass fishing in the Atlantic Southeast and the Atlantic Southeast offshore fishing guide.
FishAnywhere’s Ponce Inlet calendar marks September. Hull’s reef trips include sea bass year-round.
Launch and inlet detail are in the Ponce Inlet port guide, and biology and behavior are in the black sea bass species guide. The spots below are listed from nearest the inlet to farthest.
Where boats run: the reefs and grounds
Distances and bearings are from the Bell Buoy where the source gives them; Site 1 is measured from the inlet. Blank cells mean no figure is given.
| Spot | Distance | Bearing | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volusia Site 5 | about 5.4 nm (Bell Buoy) | 070° | about 65 ft |
| Volusia Site 1 (Argoil barge and culverts) | 10.8 nm (inlet) | 60 to 80 ft | |
| Volusia Site 2 (Semarca and culverts) | about 12.5 nm (Bell Buoy) | 067° | 75 ft |
| Party Grounds | about 35 miles offshore | 80 ft | |
| Rolldown | about 40 to 55 miles offshore |
Mark Site 5 and Site 2 against Chart Contours before the run. Chart layers are not for navigation.
Volusia Site 5
Site 5 sits about 5.4 nm from the Bell Buoy at 070°, with an average depth of about 65 ft. The Volusia artificial reef listings place it east of Ponce Inlet at that depth. It is the closest listed reef and usually holds sea bass.
Volusia Site 1
Argoil barge and culverts, 10.8 nm from the inlet, in 60 to 80 ft.
Volusia Site 2
Semarca and culverts, in 75 ft, about 12.5 nm from the Bell Buoy at 067°.
Farther grounds
- Mango Hole: On the way out to the Party Grounds, per FishingBooker.
- Party Grounds: 80 ft, about 35 miles offshore, per FishingBooker’s Ponce Inlet overview.
- East Ridge: Named as a trolling ground alongside the Party Grounds.
- Cracker Ridge: A few miles west of the Party Grounds, near Volusia Site 2.
- Rolldown: About 40 to 55 miles offshore.
The Lighthouse Point Park jetty
A 1,000 ft jetty sits inside Lighthouse Point Park at the inlet.
How it’s fished here
Boats bottom fish the near shore reefs. On Site 5, the shallowest listed reef, that means working the bottom in about 65 ft. Sites 1 and 2 run 60 to 80 ft and 75 ft.
More on reef bottom fishing is in the regional reef fish guides.
Who fishes for them out of this port
Two local charters list black sea bass.
Hull’s Sea Lover
Hull’s Sea Lover is docked in Ponce Inlet. Hull’s Sea Lover reef trips include sea bass year-round.
Rare Breed Charters
Rare Breed Charters runs a 31 ft Cape Horn that takes up to 6 passengers. Its trip page names Captain Daniel.
FAQ about black sea bass fishing out of Ponce Inlet
When are black sea bass around Ponce Inlet?
September is the month on FishAnywhere’s calendar. Hull’s runs reef trips that include sea bass year-round.
What is the closest reef for black sea bass fishing out of Ponce Inlet?
Volusia Site 5. It sits about 5.4 nm from the Bell Buoy at 070°, in about 65 ft, and usually holds sea bass.
How deep do you fish for sea bass here?
About 65 ft on Site 5. Site 1 runs 60 to 80 ft, and Site 2 is 75 ft.
How far is the Party Grounds?
About 35 miles offshore, in 80 ft, per FishingBooker. Mango Hole is on the way out.
Do local charters target black sea bass?
Yes. Hull’s Sea Lover runs reef trips that include sea bass year-round. Rare Breed Charters also lists them, on a 31 ft Cape Horn that takes up to 6 passengers.
Is there a jetty at Ponce Inlet?
Yes. A 1,000 ft jetty sits inside Lighthouse Point Park at the inlet.
