Sebastian Inlet Fishing Report (Apr 6, 2026) — Dirty Water, Heavy Weed & Rough Surf Ahead
Happy April from Sebastian Inlet — although the weather still feels a lot more like March. Strong winds, rough surf, dirty water, and heavy sargassum have kept conditions tough, and this report is another short one because the inlet simply hasn’t been very fishable.
Unfortunately, this week doesn’t look much better. Forecasts are calling for windy and rainy conditions, with surf building to an impressive 8–10 feet by Thursday through Saturday. If you’re planning to fish, protected areas west of the bridge may be your best bet.
North Jetty
The North Jetty has been silty, dirty, and full of weed all week, and the weekend only made it worse. ESE to SSE winds pushed in a heavy amount of sargassum, making fishing difficult almost everywhere.
The main fish reported here were a few black drum and sheepshead at the tip and around the pilings on the outgoing tide. The best baits were live fiddler crabs, shrimp, and sand fleas.
A couple of decent whiting were also caught on the beach side of the jetty.
Snook action has been very slow, mostly because of the dirty water and the amount of seaweed. Most of the snook being caught have been reported at night on jigs during the outgoing tide.
The outgoing bite at the tip has also fallen off quite a bit. Where there had been more consistent bluefish and jack action recently, now only a few blues and jacks are being caught on spoons and jigs.
Along the rock wall between the bait shop and the bridge, conditions have been basically unfishable due to waves, strong winds in your face, and seaweed.
South Jetty
The South Jetty has been even worse overall and has been close to unfishable. Big waves have been pounding the jetty, and the amount of seaweed has been extreme.
If you can find a pocket of cleaner water closer to the bridge on the incoming tide, there is still a chance at a few:
- Small snook
- Redfish
- Black drum
- Sheepshead
Live baits, sand fleas, and shrimp are your best options.
The outgoing tide at the tip has been rough, wet, and loaded with weed.
T-Dock Area
The T-Dock area has actually been the bright spot this week. Water back here has stayed cleaner for the most part, with SSE winds pushing much of the dirty water and seaweed toward the north side.
Quite a few anglers were fishing the area, especially on the dock itself.
The main species being caught were:
- Sheepshead
- Small snapper of various types
- Puffers
Most of those fish were caught on shrimp and fiddler crabs, and either tide has worked.
Anglers throwing small spoons and jigs toward the channel are still picking up:
- Small bluefish
- Jack crevalle
- A few Spanish mackerel
Snook fishing has been hit or miss. One day they’re around, then they disappear for a few days. Most of the better reports have come on the incoming tide using live mojarra, and that bait is just starting to show up again.
Water temperatures are hovering around 73 degrees, and the first full moon in April is often a key turning point for more snook activity.
Surf – North & South
Surf conditions have been blown out for the most part.
The south side has been overwhelmed with seaweed, while the north side has been rough and shallow, especially near the jetty and sandbar. Overall, surf fishing has been very poor.
Outlook
Fishing conditions this week are expected to stay rough, with:
- Winds 20–25 mph, possibly higher
- Waves building to 9–10 feet by Thursday
- Rain and continued dirty water
If you still want to get out and fish, your best bet may be to look for more protected water west of the bridge.
Stay safe out there everyone.
– Snookman Wayne
Plan your trip: Tide Report & Moon Phase
Back to the archive: Sebastian Inlet Fishing Report Hub
Bait tip: Need bait before you hit the rocks? Swing by Saltwater Cowboy Bait & Tackle for live shrimp, seasonal baitfish, and frozen options.