If you have never been to Brevard County, you are in for a treat. The Space Coast is a home to large, flowing rivers, lakes, tributaries, waterways, and lagoons, making it a fisherman’s dream. Though the Atlantic and its beaches get a great deal of attention in the way of water sports and recreation, the rivers and waterways of Brevard County offer lots of fun and excitement to residents and guests of the region.

Fishing in Brevard ranges from Melbourne Beach south to Titusville, where veteran fishermen and novices can be assured of catching any number of the unique fish species in the area. From offshore big game saltwater fishing in the Atlantic to the intracoastal brackish water fishing along the lagoon and the Banana River to the freshwater fishing of the lakes and rivers, Brevard County is one of the best places in the world to experience the thrill of reeling in a big one!

The Atlantic

Whether you enjoy surf fishing from shore, the excitement of deep sea fishing, or the relaxation of fishing from the pier, the beautiful Atlantic Ocean offers a plethora of fishing opportunities. From the pier or the shore, you will find Whiting, Pompano, Atlantic Croaker, Margate, Black Drum (the smaller ones make better eats!), Sheepshead, Bluefish (especially popular with surf fishermen), Spanish Mackerel, Redfish, and Snook (in the summer and fall). Choose you spot from the local favorites like the Canaveral National Seashore and Playalinda Beach or one of the areas numerous piers.

If an ocean fishing trip is your dream, then the Space Coast is the perfect place for a deep-sea fishing adventure. Deep sea fishing is a great place to catch Blackfin Tuna, Amberjack, Mahi Mahi, Cobia, Barracuda, and King Mackerel, while you kick back, relax, and enjoy a day on the ocean.

The River System

The river system in Brevard County is filled with a vast collection of water terrain and a diverse assortment of fish species sure to please any fisherman. You will find some of the world’s best fishing as you make your catch from among large schools of Drum fish, Sheepshead, Flounder, Tarpon, Jacks, Mullets, Snappers, Grunts, Mackerels, and Pompanos. You’ll be hard-pressed to choose between Mosquito Lagoon, the Indian River, the Banana River, the Stick Marsh, Lake Washington, or many other fabulous locations.

• Mosquito Lagoon – Featuring several hundred thousand acres of salt water fishing amid grass flats, oyster bars, and mangroves, fisherman will find a massive arena for many species. The lagoon is famous for its Redfish (up to 40 inches!), but you will also find Tarpon and Snook in the fast-flowing regions.
• Indian River Lagoon – This Indian River system is the largest in Brevard, running 100 miles over four counties. Part of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (which runs from Virginia to Florida), the Indian River maintains a minimum depth of 12 feet and spans six miles at its widest point. Amid seagrass flats, mangrove forests, oyster flats, and salt marshes, you will find Seatrout, Redfish, Snook, Tarpon, Jack, Bluefish, and many more. The Indian River tributaries in Brevard include Turkey Creek, Cane Creek, and the Eau Gallie River.
• Banana River – Another lagoon labeled a river, the Banana River merges with the Indian River, though it is not part of the Intracoastal Waterway making it a more pristine, natural location for fisherman. Popular catches in the Banana River include Black Drum, Redfish, Seatrout, Lady Fish, Pompano, Snook, Tarpon, and Jacks.
• The Stick March - The Stick Marsh is, in fact, a 6,500-acre man-made lake famous for its Bass fishing. Of course, you will also find Shellfish, Crappie, and Bluegill in the Stick Marsh – one of the best fishing spots in Florida and probably the entire United States.
• Lake Washington -  At 4,362 acres, Lake Washington is Brevard County’s largest natural freshwater lake. Part of the St. John’s river system, here fisherman will find an abundance of many species of Bass, as well as Catfish, Crappie, and more.

Though these are just a few of the best-known spots, you will find others among the many lakes, ponds, and steams that enhance beautiful Brevard County.