discover the space coast fishing
fishing
JASON HOOK
Whether venturing out on a river excursion
or an offshore charter adventure, the
diverse waters of the Space Coast offer
plenty of opportunity to reel in the perfect
catch.
Dropping a line off Cape Canaveral’s Jetty
Park pier, the Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier
or the Sebastian Inlet pier, or from the
dozens of countywide bridge accesses,
the banks of the Banana, Indian or St.
Johns rivers can be enjoyed year-round
in Brevard.
Tarpon, redfish, catfish, jacks, mangrove
snappers, black drum, Spanish mackerel
— even sharks — are just a few of the
popular species found in both the oceans
and rivers along Brevard’s coastline.
Redfish, or reds, one of the most sought
after in the area, can be found in shallow
water over grassy flats in the area lagoons
and caught on a spinning rod with light
tackle. Fresh shrimp, mullet or artificial
lures are the perfect way to score one of
these delicious eating fish.
One of the most feisty fighters, yet
extremely yummy species, is saltwater
snook. September through December is
the season set aside for catching these
delicacies.
Surf fishing can be a great way to hone
your casting skills, and anglers in Brevard
can reel in everything from sharks, rays,
catfish, whiting, mackerel, bluefish, jacks
and pompano along the 72 miles of sandy
beach shorelines.
Southern flounder that can grow to 20
pounds draw anglers to Sebastian Inlet,
where many fish from boats or the rocky
shores near the catwalk. The flat fish’s
abundance and great eating qualities
endear it to fishermen. Lead head jigs
and spinner baits are excellent rigs for
landing these delicious species.
Offshore deep-sea fishing is also popular
along the Space Coast, and day trips
aboard party fishing boats or private
yacht charters are available from Port
Canaveral inlet. Fighting a marlin or
sailfish, or snagging a few mahi is always
a memorable fishing day.
Licenses and permits for recreational
freshwater and saltwater fishing are
available at GoOutdoorFlorida.com. Visit
www.myfwc.com or call 1-888-FISHFLORIDA
888.347.4356 for more
information.
54 : DISCOVER THE SPACECOAST 2022
/GoOutdoorFlorida.com
/www.myfwc.com
