Need Info on Cocoa Beach, FL!!

[CrawFish]

I'm planning a trip down to see a old friend sometimes this year. When is the best time for surf fishing down that way? I've never fished in FL, so any tips would be very appreciative. I have pretty much all the gears, just need some local tips. Thanks in advance.

[Harr]

The info your looking for depends on whether your planning to fish the surf or the ICW (Inter-coastal waterway), otherwise known as the IRL (Indian River Lagoon). If your headed to Cocoa Beach, just head to one of the local bait shops (there are plenty) and get ahold of some sandfleas, finger mullet or shrimp. All work well in the surf. Use small hooks and small pieces of any of the aforementioned bait. If using sandfleas, put the whole sandflea on your hook. On the otherhand if your going to fish the ICW, go to a larger 2/0 or 3/0 hook, 20lb flourcarbon leader attached to a 30-50lb power-pro line or an equivalent line. Use live or fresh cut finger mullet in 1" by 3" pieces. If you should haul in a ladyfish, cut up the ladyfish and use it for bait. Ladyfish, in my opinion, are excellent or even better bait than mullet when cut up in the same 1 to 3" chuncks. I don't think anyone would argue. As far as for places to fish.....almost anywhere you can get access to the water. Around the all causeways are good. I have a brother that lives on Merritt Island and we just fish off his pier on the Indian River. Word of caution: if you fish the Indian River or Banana River, and have a nice chunck of bait on your hook, don't go too far away from your pole. Trust me. Unless its a VERY cloudy day, the best time to fish during the hot summer months is either very early in the AM or in the evening 5PM or so. Expect to catch Redfish, Trout, Snook, Ladyfish, possible small Tarpon, catfish, Jack Crevaile and Black Drum or Sheepshead around the bridges.. I've been fishing in that area for going on twenty years and have never been disapointed. If you get a chance try Sebastian Inlet as well. Mosquito Lagoon has good numbers of fish as well, but in my opinion, nothing beats the IRL. Read some of the threads on SI before going there though. Hope this helps. Harr

[Otter]

Hey man, I grew up about 40 miles west of there. Never did fish it alot, but I can tell you that it's one of the only beaches they let you bring booze on. :D

Also make sure you go to Coconuts on the beach on a weekend. Ask anybody, they'll tell you where it's at. Got a lot of fond memories of Saturday's at Coconuts...have a good time bro.