Fishing in Banana River Florida is a popular and rewarding experience for anglers of all skill levels. This coastal lagoon, located on the east coast of Florida, offers a diverse array of fish species and unique fishing opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, this guide will provide you with the information you need to plan your next fishing adventure in the Banana River.
Best Fishing Spots in the Banana River
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Cocoa Beach’s Thousand Islands: This area is known for its shallow waters and abundant fish species, making it an ideal spot for both beginners and experienced anglers. The Thousand Islands offer a maze of small islands and channels that provide excellent habitat for a variety of fish.
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North Banana: The no motor zone (NMZ) in the northern part of the Banana River is a prime spot for shallow water redfish. This area is accessible by canoe or kayak, allowing anglers to explore the flats and creeks in search of these prized game fish.
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Kelly Park East: Located on the western shoreline of the Banana River Lagoon, this spot is great for wade fishing with kids. The sandy beach and shallow flats provide easy access and a family-friendly environment.
Types of Fish You Can Catch in the Banana River
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Redfish: Known for their light, delicate flavor, redfish are a popular catch in the Banana River. These fish prefer shallow waters and can be targeted using live bait or fly fishing techniques.
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Spotted Sea Trout: These fish migrate to freshwater during spawning season and can be caught using a variety of lures, including jerk baits, topwater plugs, and plastic shrimp.
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Black Drum: Also known as croakers, black drum are bottom-feeding fish that can be caught using live bait. They are known for their powerful jaws and teeth, making them a challenging but rewarding target.
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Tarpon: These iconic fish are seasonal catches in the Banana River, with the best opportunities to target them during the summer months.
Fishing Charters and Guides
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Lagooner Fishing Charters: This charter service offers guided inshore fishing trips for anglers of all skill levels, catering to small families and youth groups.
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RocketCity Charters: Based in Cocoa Beach, this highly-rated charter service provides fishing trips in the Banana River and surrounding waters.
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Southern Mayhem Fishing Charters: Another top-rated charter option in the Banana River area, offering a variety of fishing experiences.
Tips and Regulations
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Seasonal Fishing: October is considered the best time for fishing in the Banana River, as various fish species become more active during this period.
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Live Bait: Using live bait is an effective technique for catching redfish and other species in the Banana River.
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Regulations: Be sure to familiarize yourself with local regulations regarding protected game fish and any restrictions on fishing gear or techniques.
Additional Resources
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Lagooner Local Blog: This blog offers articles about the history and ecology of the Banana River Lagoon, providing valuable insights for anglers.
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Guidesly: This website provides detailed information on fishing in the Banana River, including species, techniques, and regulations.
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FishingBooker: This platform offers a list of top-rated fishing charters in the Banana River area, along with reviews and pricing information.
Fishing in the Banana River Florida is a unique and rewarding experience that offers something for anglers of all skill levels. Whether you’re targeting redfish, spotted sea trout, or any of the other diverse species found in this coastal lagoon, the Banana River is sure to provide an unforgettable fishing adventure.
References
Lagooner. (n.d.). Banana River Fishing | Lagooner Fishing | Charters and Trips. Retrieved from https://lagooner.com/inshore-locations/banana-river/
Guidesly. (n.d.). Banana River, Florida – Guidesly. Retrieved from https://guidesly.com/fishing/waterbodies/Banana-River-Florida
FishingBooker. (n.d.). The 10 Best BANANA RIVER FISHING CHARTERS | FishingBooker. Retrieved from https://fishingbooker.com/destinations/region/us/banana-river
SpaceFish. (2024, May 20). Wade Fishing in the Banana River – SpaceFish. Retrieved from https://spacefish.com/byte/wade-fishing-in-the-banana-river/
Flats Fishing Trips. (n.d.). Cocoa Beach Fishing Guide – Banana River. Retrieved from https://www.flatsfishingtrips.com/banana_river