Going Fishing In The Central Florida Rivers

I have lived in Central Florida since I was a child of three years old. In the rivers I have mostly fished. The rivers are mainly the Indian River and Banana River. Talk about fun it is amazing how much fun you can have on the River. Laughing spending time with family and friends. I guess you could say fishing was a way of life with my family.

My father fished all his life and so did his and his father before him. He fished for food for his family or to make a living. His father owned a small fish market. He would caught the fish to be sold. Off course he fished just for the fun he had and love of the outdoors too.

Baiting of the Hook

I' ve known how to bait a hook since the age of 7. Before that my Dad did that for me. I thought live bait was just icky! When I got hot in the sunshine wading in the water catching snails and fiddler crabs was refreshing while waiting for those fish to bite..

What bait it takes to catch a redfish,trout, or snook?

You can use live bait such as minnows,cut bait,shrimp and small crabs.The live bait can easily be caught before you start fishing with a cast-net. If you have not learned how to use one you can buy bait at a local bait shop.

Artificial bait such as a spoon or a lure can be used also.I caught my first Red with a gold spoon. I will never forget that day. Fishing off a boat in shallow water right off shore. I could see the fish swimming in the water. This is one thing about the Red Fish fishing in the shallow water you can actually see their back and tail. The Red fish has a mostly reddish color and black spots on it's tale.It is one of the most popular game fish.

Snook is often caught with a jig,lure or spoon. I caught a snook with a jig. It put up quite a fight. They are known to be tricky and big fighters. The snook is said to be the hardest fighting game fish.The snook can cut your line by going under a tree trunk or wrecked boat. It is a challenging fish. A lot of fun to catch!

Spotted Sea Trout can be caught with a jig or fresh bait. Fishing for trout is good on the Banana River. This river is a lagoon between Cocoa Beach and Merritt Island.

On Land or in a Boat

When I first fished with my family it was onshore . Standing or sitting on the riverbank on an old paint bucket. Then came to be learning to drive a boat when I was around 19 years old. It is awesome to go out in deep water and visit the many Islands in the Rivers. The playful manatees and dolphins are seen jumping and swimming. A driver must be very careful and follow all sign directions,

Always be safe and prepared for anything on the boat. A few supplies would include a first aid kit,fire extinguisher and safety flares. I also recommend bringing along some canned food and bottled drinking water.A Florida fishing license is required which can be purchased anywhere fishing supplies and bait are sold. Be sure to get one.

Here's a great fried fish recipe

Battering and Frying Fish

1 cup flour

1 cup cornmeal

3/4 cup milk

1 tsbsp. each salt and pepper

3 dashes Cajun seasoning (for spicy fish)

Soak the fish in bowl of milk 1 hour then drain the fish out dip the fish in the mixed together flour,cornmeal and seasonings. Fry in oil til golden brown and put on paper towel lined plate,Enjoy!