Excerpt from CATCH FISH NOW! on Florida's East Coast


Cocoa Beach Area Inland Water
Banana River Indian River

 


Indian River Spring Trout Areas - As described previously, the 18 mile stretch of Indian River from the NASA Causeway (Hwy. 405) north to Scottsmoor is particularly good in the Springtime. Waders can fish the string of spoil (clinker) islands along the ICW to where it swings east to the Haulover Canal. Other good areas: mouth of Banana Creek on the east shore south of Titusville and Black Point area on the east shore north of the railroad bridge. 
Manatee Sanctuary - It is located between Hwy. 528 and Hwy. 405 on the northern end of the Banana River. It is big (15 sq. miles) and entirely a no-motor area. The best public access is just off Hwy. 401 north, which is the last exit before Port Canaveral. Go over the drawbridge toward the Air Force Station. Boat launch spots will be on your left. Good areas: giant bay just north of the boat launch area; flat due west of the giant bay on the opposite shore; old iron bombing target in the northwest section of the sanctuary; and, around the NASA Causeway bridge (Hwy. 405). 
Banana River / Port Canaveral Locks
Monster Black Drum - The really big guys to 50 pounds can be found in two areas. One is the 13,800 acre Manatee Sanctuary we just fished. The other is along the east shore of Merritt Island all the way south to Satellite Beach. In both areas, look for these guys to start showing up on the flats in November, with some staying through March. December is always a particularly good month. 
Indian River / Banana River Docks - More than likely, all docks in both rivers hold fish at one time or another. Having said that, however, look for very nice trout, reds, black drum, sheepshead, and an occasional snook along the following stretches: west bank of the Indian River from Hwy. 528 to Hwy. 520, and the west bank of the Banana River between the same two highways. 
1000 Islands and Horti Point Area - Actually, there are only about 300 islands. The area is just west of Cocoa Beach and north of Hwy. 520 in the Banana River. Surprisingly, there are water depths to 20 feet around some of the islands. Reasonable expectations: snook, reds (to world-record size), specs, tarpon, and jack crevalle. Here's a not-so-secret but very convenient boat ramp: go south on Hwy. AIA through Cocoa Beach toward Patrick AFB. Pass city hall and turn right on Fourth St. Next, turn left on Sunrise and right on Ramp Rd. You’re there. 
Patrick Air Force Base - Located on Hwy. AIA south of Cocoa Beach on the east shore of the Banana River. It is not usually a controlled access base, so lots of great wading areas adjacent to the runways are available. If you have the proper identification, you can also take advantage of a super recreation services facility on the water. They have boats to rent, bait and tackle available, and a fishing pier into the Banana River. Another good area: fish around the power line pylons south of the base. Use live croakers on a cork early in the morning. Very large trout are possible. 
Cocoa Beach / Satellite Beach Residential Canals - At various times of the year, besides the resident trout, snook, and sheepshead, don’t be surprised to hook a tarpon. If there are any around, a live mullet will usually get their attention. 

 


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