Book Now

Banana River

Brevard County, Florida. Banana River ends in Cocoa Beach, Florida. 29.14 miles long (46.90 kilometers)

About The Banana River

About Banana River, FL

The Banana River is located in Brevard County, Florida. It is part of the Indian River Lagoon system and is between Port Canaveral and Merritt Island. It is the only part of the lagoon system that is not in the Intercoastal Waterway. Its location makes the river one of Brevard County's prime fishing destinations. Aside from this, the Banana River also offers the chance to interact with wildlife as it is a habitat for sea turtles, manatees, stingrays, and various bird species. 

Before the construction of Crawlerway in 1964, the Banana River was a continuous waterway that separated Merritt Island from Port Canaveral. After the Crawlerway was built, the Banana River was divided into north and south lagoons.  

Banana River Fishing Description

All About Fishing in Banana River, FL

The Banana River is considered one of the largest breeding grounds for redfish, sea trout, and black drum. Many anglers like to hunt for redfish because of its light flavor. This fish species prefers to stay in shallow waters, bays, oyster reefs, coves, and lagoons. Its distinctive black spot near its tail serves as a defensive tool against predators. Since this fish species is also considered as protected game fish, there are some regulations to keep in mind for anglers who are planning to hunt one. It is also important to take note that using prey as live bait is deemed as one of the most effective techniques in catching redfish. For fly fishing, a fly that runs weedless about 3 inches in length works well.

The sea trout migrates to freshwater during its spawning season. It feeds on shrimps, pawns, small crabs, and fish. When it stays in freshwater like the Banana River, it appears olive in color. Its color appears like silver when it is in saltwater. It is very popular among commercial fishers while freshwater anglers usually catch it through fly fishing. If you want to hunt for sea trout, it is best to use jerk baits, topwater plugs, plastic shrimp, spoons, and plastic tail grub jigs. 

The black drum is also known as croakers because of the drumming sounds that they create. This fish species has very powerful jaws and teeth which greatly help in crushing prey like shellfish and oysters. If you’re planning to hunt for a black drum, the best bait that you can use is live bait because this fish species is a bottom-feeder. A black drum over 15 pounds has less tasty meat so it’s not a good food source.  

Banana River Seasonal & Other Description

Fishing Seasonality

During October, fishing is at its heights in the Banana River. Since various fish species tend to be hungrier, they easily respond to your baits. 

If you’re a beginner who’s worried about your first time fishing in the Banana River, you can easily book a fishing guide from Brevard County. You will surely have fun and learn a lot from their experience and expertise. Another advantage of having a guide is knowing the complete rules and regulations when fishing in the Banana River.  

Temperature and Optimal Seasons

Fishing Seasonality

During October, fishing is at its heights in the Banana River. Since various fish species tend to be hungrier, they easily respond to your baits. 

If you’re a beginner who’s worried about your first time fishing in the Banana River, you can easily book a fishing guide from Brevard County. You will surely have fun and learn a lot from their experience and expertise. Another advantage of having a guide is knowing the complete rules and regulations when fishing in the Banana River.  

Banana River Fish Species

All About Fishing in Banana River, FL

The Banana River is considered one of the largest breeding grounds for redfish, sea trout, and black drum. Many anglers like to hunt for redfish because of its light flavor. This fish species prefers to stay in shallow waters, bays, oyster reefs, coves, and lagoons. Its distinctive black spot near its tail serves as a defensive tool against predators. Since this fish species is also considered as protected game fish, there are some regulations to keep in mind for anglers who are planning to hunt one. It is also important to take note that using prey as live bait is deemed as one of the most effective techniques in catching redfish. For fly fishing, a fly that runs weedless about 3 inches in length works well.

The sea trout migrates to freshwater during its spawning season. It feeds on shrimps, pawns, small crabs, and fish. When it stays in freshwater like the Banana River, it appears olive in color. Its color appears like silver when it is in saltwater. It is very popular among commercial fishers while freshwater anglers usually catch it through fly fishing. If you want to hunt for sea trout, it is best to use jerk baits, topwater plugs, plastic shrimp, spoons, and plastic tail grub jigs. 

The black drum is also known as croakers because of the drumming sounds that they create. This fish species has very powerful jaws and teeth which greatly help in crushing prey like shellfish and oysters. If you’re planning to hunt for a black drum, the best bait that you can use is live bait because this fish species is a bottom-feeder. A black drum over 15 pounds has less tasty meat so it’s not a good food source.