Merritt Island, Brevard County, FL
Clear
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71°F
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Feels 71°
Naples Premier Offshore Fishing Charter
Bite slowing — high pressure building. Slow down, go finesse, fish deeper structure.
80-150lb mono leader with crimps
Tarpon require heavy, abrasion-resistant leaders; their mouths are tough and bony
Classic rootbeer-colored DOA shrimp imitation
Flats standard — works everywhere for redfish, permit, seatrout
Gold spoon with fiber weed guard
Essential flats tool — triggers redfish and permit around grass
10lb braid + 20lb fluorocarbon leader
Perfect flats combo — lightweight, sensitive, and powerful
Local Fishing Resource
World's most biodiverse estuary meets NASA's backyard
Open the Brevard County Cheat Sheet
Pomatomus saltatrix
Aggressive pelagic fish known for spectacular blitzes. Strong fighter with excellent runs.
Local Notes: One of the best bluefish runs on the East Coast passes through NASA Causeway in fall. Poppers, metal spoons, or cut bait — they blitz in large schools.
Centropomus undecimalis
Prized sport fish found around mangroves and inlets. Sensitive to cold temperatures.
Local Notes: Stage in the shadow lines at NASA Causeway on outgoing tides. Live pilchards or pinfish free-lined on 30 lb fluorocarbon.
Paralichthys albigutta
Flatfish common in coastal bays and flats. Excellent eating and popular sport fish.
Local Notes: Flat on the sandy and muddy bottom throughout NASA Causeway. Slow-drift live shrimp or finger mullet near bottom.
Lutjanus griseus
Versatile species found from mangroves to offshore reefs. Excellent eating.
Local Notes: Stack under NASA Causeway at night. Drop live shrimp or small pilchards on light tackle to the pilings.
Archosargus probatocephalus
Bottom feeder with strong teeth. Found around structures and pilings.
Local Notes: Every piling at NASA Causeway holds sheepshead. Work fiddler crabs or shrimp on a 1/4-oz jig right on the barnacles.
Pogonias cromis
Large drum species found in estuaries. Can reach impressive sizes.
Local Notes: Hold at the base of the pilings at NASA Causeway. Large pieces of shrimp or blue crab on bottom.
Rachycentron canadum
Large pelagic fish often found near buoys and wrecks. Excellent table quality.
Local Notes: Follow their spring migration through NASA Causeway. Sight-cast live pinfish or eel to fish following rays and sharks.
Sciaenops ocellatus
Popular game fish with distinctive black spot near tail. Found in shallow coastal waters.
Local Notes: Patrol the current seams at NASA Causeway, especially on falling tides. Gold spoons and live shrimp.
Scomberomorus maculatus
Fast-swimming pelagic fish with gold spots. Common in spring and fall.
Local Notes: Rip through NASA Causeway during bait migrations. Silver spoons at a fast clip.
Cynoscion nebulosus
Popular inshore species with distinctive spots. Found over grass flats and sandy bottoms.
Local Notes: Work the flats adjacent to NASA Causeway with live baits or DOA Shrimp, especially at first light.
Megalops atlanticus
Large powerful fish known for spectacular jumps. Migrates along Florida coast.
Local Notes: Roll under the bridge at NASA Causeway during migrations. Live crabs and large mullet free-lined in the current.
