Mosquito Lagoon
Lying within the confines of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and Canaveral National Seashore, in plain view of the launch pads of the Kennedy Space Center, the Mosquito Lagoon has been less affected by development than any other body of water on Florida's east coast. The shallow grass flats that ring a deeper basin provide outstanding habitat for redfish and seatrout. Black drum are often found, and flounder put in an appearance now and again. Tarpon and jack crevalle show up during the summer months.
We typically sight fish by poling the flats. When conditions don't allow that we blind cast lures, or stake out and fish with bait. My approach is always dictated by two factors- what my fishermen want, and the weather and water conditions. While fishing has gotten tougher over the years because of the increase in fishing pressure, this is still one of the best places to fish in Florida.
The Indian River Lagoon
The Indian River Lagoon system stretches 156 linear miles, from Ponce Inlet to St. Lucie Inlet. It includes the Mosquito Lagoon and the Banana River Lagoon. Its average depth is only three feet. You might guess that there are lots of flats and shorelines to fish in that distance. You'd be right!
The most biologically diverse estuary in North America, the lagoon in the vicinity of the Kennedy Space Center hosts one of the state's best redfish fisheries, as well as seatrout and black drum. Snook, tarpon, crevalle, and other species are found in season. We fish it the same way we fish in the Mosquito Lagoon, with sight fishing being our primary technique.
The Banana River Lagoon, No Motor Zone
No boats with motors are allowed into this piece of water, which lies north of SR 528. This is a prime example of sweat equity leading to better fishing. The fish behave differently here than in other parts of the lagoon. And that's a good thing!
This is the best place around to get a trophy redfish or black drum on fly, and the trout fishing can be outstanding, too. Sight fishing is still the primary technique here, practiced from a canoe, a kayak, or while wading. A day here can be long and physical. Pray for a north wind!
Near Coastal Atlantic Ocean
I take Spotted Tail out onto the Atlantic through both Port Canaveral and Ponce Inlet. Some days it's just a nice boat ride. Other days the fishing is epic, world class. The single best day of fishing I ever had was off New Smyrna Beach, fishing for tarpon. By noon we had jumped at least 30 and were exhausted from battling big fish.
Fish species we target out here in addition to tarpon include jack crevalle, snook, redfish, Spanish and king mackerel, cobia, tripletail, blacktip sharks, and others.
Since the safety of my vessel and passengers is always my primary concern I only make this trip when the weather permits.
For detailed information about fishing these areas see my book,
Fishing Florida's Space Coast.
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