It’s fair to say that Cocoa Beach is a name that’s recognized by people all over the world. “The Quintessential Beach Town,” is located just an hour from Orlando, and was also the setting for the famous ‘60s TV show, “I Dream of Jeannie.” You might be wondering what a 2,000-year-old fictional genie and fishing in Cocoa Beach have in common. Our answer? They’re both truly magical!
And when it comes to fishing in Cocoa Beach, most of the magic can be found in the incredibly diverse fisheries on offer. The place is home to 72 miles of shorelines, beyond which the Atlantic Ocean lies in wait.
Turn west from the city, and you’ll be greeted by the beautiful mangrove-lined waters of the plentiful Banana River. Finally, there’s the Thousand Islands, a 338-acre collection of isles that’s constantly shifting and evolving.
This means that a whole variety of angling adventures await you in Cocoa Beach. Want to wade your way through the stunning scenery of the Indian River Lagoon system? You’ll be greeted by some of the most famous inshore fish around. Hunting for tasty table fare, or want to come face-to-gills with some notorious beasts of the sea? The Atlantic’s nearshore fishery is but a short boat ride away.
Finally, for all you big game enthusiasts out there, there’s the ominously-named “Other Side,” AKA the Gulf Stream. These waters can be accessed from nearby Port Canaveral. This is where you’ll get to battle some of the hardest fighters these waters have to offer.
With so many incredible options on offer, it can be hard to know where to begin. Don’t worry. Below, we’ve outlined our favorite target species, how you can fish these waters, and where your adventure should start. It’s time to make those dreams a reality!
Best Fish to Catch in Cocoa Beach
Anything from Redfish, Snook, and Tarpon, to Mahi Mahi, Sharks, and Billfish! The plethora of waterways that can be found in Cocoa Beach means one thing: plenty of fish! Read on to discover our top picks when it comes to the area’s inshore, nearshore, and offshore fishing grounds. We’re starting with famous shallow-water species that are beloved around the world, but especially so in Florida…
Redfish
Yep, it could only be the Redfish! As we mentioned, this species is incredibly popular throughout the Sunshine State. So what makes Cocoa Beach the perfect place for Redfish fishing?
Well, this city backs directly onto the magnificent Indian River Lagoon system, made up of the Banana, Indian, and Mosquito Rivers. These waters are known as the “Redfish Capital of the World,” thanks to the gigantic varieties of this species that are often hooked here!
The Banana River’s Reds regularly weigh in between 20–50 pounds, and are a popular sight fishing target. There’s nothing quite like spotting this fish’s tail, complete with its distinctive black dot, slicing through the surface as you cruise these waters.
From there, local anglers prefer to hook this species either by using light spinning tackle, or on the fly. The latter is a perfect option for more experienced fishermen who are looking for a rod-bending challenge.
Tarpon
“Bowing to the Silver King” is a firm Floridian tradition and one that Cocoa Beach provides plenty of opportunities for. It’s possible to hook smaller varieties of Tarpon along the Indian River Lagoon system. You may well encounter this fish on your Banana River adventure. Additionally, fishing in the shallow waters of Cocoa Beach means some seriously incredible angling.
Monster-sized Tarpon migrate just off the Space Coast during the summertime, passing through these shallow waters. This means that species tipping the scales at 80–150 pounds can often be found here.
Many local anglers opt to battle this feisty fish from a kayak or even the shore. Less experienced? Test your wits and skills against this species using conventional spinning gear and light tackle. More seasoned fishermen can choose to cast a line on the fly. This makes for an unforgettable Tarpon fight!
Sharks
Remember earlier, when we mentioned coming face-to-gills with notorious beasts of the deep? We were talking about Sharks, of course! If you want to experience the ultimate adrenaline rush, a Shark fishing adventure in Cocoa Beach will get your pulse racing.
The nearshore waters of Cocoa Beach are home to famous toothy fish such as Bull, Blacktip, Lemon, and Sand Sharks. And each species brings something unique to the table.
Bulls are known around the world for their brutish energy. Blacktips are incredibly powerful, and will really pull on your line. Lemons provide plenty of long straight runs that’ll test your skills to the limit. Meanwhile, Sandies look seriously ferocious, and will have you running in circles around the boat trying to catch a glimpse!
Head a few miles from the coastline, and you’ll find them patrolling waters around 6–10 feet deep. This doesn’t mean that you’ll only encounter small fish, though – the Shark species lurking here reach impressive sizes.
Local anglers recommend heading out at dusk, or under the cover of darkness, for the best results. Not only will this lend a spooky atmosphere to your adventure, but it’s also when a whole host of Sharks come out to play!
Mahi Mahi
It isn’t just about inshore and nearshore fishing here – Cocoa Beach is the perfect playground for big game fishermen, too. And if we want to stick with the magic theme, there’s arguably no fish that casts a more enchanting spell than the mighty Mahi Mahi.
Not only does this species look magical, with its shimmery yellowy-green scales, it also puts up an epic fight at the end of a line. So why should you test your skills against this monster fish in these waters?
Well, Cocoa Beach is located around 15 minutes from Florida’s famous Port Canaveral. Depart from this location, and you’ll reach your Mahi hunting grounds anywhere from 25–40 miles offshore.
Mahi fishing in Cocoa Beach heats up at the same time as the weather. Casting your line in the summer months yields plentiful results!
Trolling is by far the most popular way of targeting this species. Local captains recommend keeping your eye out for groups of birds, which are drawn to the same tasty bait fish as Mahi Mahi. Then it’s just a case of waiting for your fish to bite – and it’s game on.
And More!
Cocoa Beach’s incredible fishing scene means that compiling a list of the top species to target is no mean feat. We’ve decided to round up some of the other fish you may encounter on your adventure here.
Inshore fishing gives you the option of exploring a variety of fishing grounds. There’s the Indian River Lagoon system, the Thousand Islands, and the shoreline waters of the beach itself.
The Banana River is home to that light tackle game fishing favorite, Spotted Seatrout, which grows to impressive sizes here. Snook, Jack Crevalle, Black Drum, Pompano, and Mangrove Snapper are also on offer.
The Thousand Islands are especially plentiful when it comes to Ladyfish, Snook, and Trout. You may spot some dolphins or manatees, too! Fishing in Cocoa Beach’s inshore waters offers up Pompano, Jack Crevalle, and even Flounder, too.
Head slightly further out into the Atlantic, and you’ll come across Snappers, Groupers, and King Mackerel. Kingfish are especially popular here, as they grow to impressive sizes.
Finally, for big game fishermen who want a real adventure to brag about, the “Other Side” lies in wait. Also known as the Gulf Stream, these waters act as a migratory highway for some serious heavyweights. We’re talking about Yellowfin Tuna and Marlin varieties!
How to Go Fishing in Cocoa Beach
Charter Fishing
Cocoa Beach’s charter fishing opportunities are as diverse as the waters on offer here. Whether you’ve never cast a line before or are simply looking to get the most out of your trip, fishing alongside an experienced captain is the best way to explore this mighty fishery.
Fishing charters in Cocoa Beach will cater to your needs. Not only will you be provided with top-quality fishing gear, but you’ll also be treated to some local tips and tricks, too. Why waste time searching for the perfect fishing spot when you can rely on a native Cocoa Beach know-how instead?
Head to one of the many ports or docks in this area, and you’ll find charters catered to every kind of fishing trip. There are shallow flats boats perfect for poling the waters of the Indian River and navigating the Thousand Islands, as well as high-powered offshore vessels that’ll take you all the way to the Gulf Stream.
Captains here are used to running trips for anglers of all skill levels, too. So, novice or seasoned sea dog, you’ll find something that suits you perfectly!
On Foot Fishing
Where to begin with Cocoa Beach’s on foot fishing opportunities? Firstly, there’s the magnificent Cocoa Beach Pier, as well as a plethora of smaller piers dotted along the coast. So, kick off with the Cocoa Beach fishing pier experience!
Fishing parks are plentiful, too, and provide access to anything from the Indian River to the shoreline of the Atlantic. And finally, there’s always the option to grab a chair, set up shop on the beach, and cast your line in the surf.
On foot fishing is so popular here that you’ll even find some local captains offering trips for beginners, but the most popular way is to do it yourself. Head to one of the fishing piers in Cocoa Beach or parks, and you’ll find shops renting out gear and selling bait and lures. Already decked out with all the equipment you need? Claim your spot and get ready to target a whole host of species.
Surf fishing for Sharks is especially popular here, but you’ll also be able to hook Pompano, Jack Crevalle, Redfish, Snook, and plenty more, depending on where you choose to fish.
Kayak Fishing
Looking for the perfect middle ground between fishing on foot and casting off on a charter boat? Why not give kayak fishing a go? It’s a great way to get back to basics and really indulge in Cocoa Beach’s incredible wildlife.
The Banana River is a go-to spot for kayakers. There are few things more magical than winding your way down these shallow waters, surrounded by mangrove forests. It doesn’t hurt that Cocoa Beach provides access to the river’s “no motor zone,” so you’ll get an added dose of tranquility!
Kayak fishing may look simple, but it can be pretty tricky for beginners, as you need to navigate your boat and cast a line at the same time. Luckily, it’s so popular here that local captains offer kayak fishing trips for anglers of all skill levels, usually departing from one of the parks located near the Banana River.
More experienced anglers can also choose to rent a kayak from these locations, or depart from one of the many kayak launches. Kayak fishing is gaining popularity along the shoreline waters of Cocoa Beach, too, especially if you’re looking to reel in a Kingfish or two!
Cocoa Beach Fishing Spots
Places to fish in Cocoa Beach are numerous. With so many species to catch and so many ways to fish in Cocoa Beach, choosing where to start can be overwhelming. Luckily, Cocoa Beach is small, with only 5 square miles of the city’s inner limits being on dry land.
However, your Cocoa Beach fishing spots will differ slightly depending on whether you’re exploring inshore, nearshore, or offshore waters, casting off on a charter boat, or making the journey on foot. Below, we’ve outlined a few of our favorite departure points.
- Port Canaveral: For offshore anglers, this is the place to go! This bustling port is a hub for cruise ships, commercial vessels, and, you’ve guessed it – fishing charters. With direct access to the Atlantic, it’s the place to start your big game angling adventure.
- Cocoa Beach Pier: Stretching a whopping 800 feet out over the Atlantic, this historic pier provides plenty of rod-bending action. Depending on the season, you’ll be able to hook into anything from Redfish, to Pompano, to Tarpon, to Snapper species, and even the hard-fighting Wahoo!
- Ramp Road Park: Boasting access to the incredible Thousand Islands, head to this park if you’re looking to escape into nature, hook Ladyfish and huge Trout, and maybe spot some incredible wildlife, too! It’s also the perfect location to launch your kayak from.
- Cove Park: You’ll find plenty of wildlife parks dotted around Cocoa Beach, but this small hidden gem provides great access to the fish-filled waters of the Banana River. Time to test your Redfish-chasing skills!
Cocoa Beach Fishing Regulations
By now, we’re hoping that you have a good idea of what your perfect Cocoa Beach adventure will look like: what you want to catch, how you want to catch it, and where you want to go! Before you set off, however, you need to make sure that you’ll be fishing legally and within local regulations.
If you’re departing on a licensed fishing charter, you’re in luck. You won’t need to purchase a Florida fishing license, as this will be covered for you. This goes for anglers who choose to cast off from the fishing piers and within the parks, too.
If you’re surf fishing and are between the ages of 16–64, however, you’ll need to purchase a fishing license. Read more on how to do this in our handy guide.
Some of Cocoa Beach’s species have specific bag, season, and size limits, so take a look at the FWC website to make sure you’re “in the know” when it comes to your chosen fish.
Fishing in Cocoa Beach: Dream Come True
Cocoa Beach’s fishing scene offers plenty to daydream about. There’s world-famous fish, a magical mix of fishing grounds, and some stunning scenery to enjoy, not to mention miles of white sandy beaches. It’s the ideal package for anglers and vacationers alike, and it’s safe to say that “The Quintessential Beach Town” is a nickname that this location has earned fair and square.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your rods and reels and get ready to conjure up your perfect Cocoa Beach fishing adventure. This is a place where the magic happens and dreams come true, after all!
Have you ever been fishing in Cocoa Beach? What did you catch? Any tips and tricks to share? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!!
