| The northernmost part of the Indian River Lagoon | | | | and bite almost any time of the day. |
| offers some of the best fishing opportunities for | | | | The shallow mud bottom flats closest to Shiloh Marsh |
| large "bull" redfish, trophy "gator" trout, giant black | | | | Road, are tailor made for anglers using canoes, |
| drum, tarpon, and various other species in the state | | | | kayaks, and small shallow draft boats. These craft |
| of Florida. | | | | are ideal for the stealthy approaches that are |
| Some of the best Indian River Lagoon fishing, can be | | | | necessary for successful sight fishing in waters that |
| found in the shallow headwaters within the | | | | are often no more than 6" deep. |
| boundaries of the Merritt Island National Wildlife | | | | Most standard flats boats are unable to access the |
| Refuge. Along the 12 mile stretch of unimproved | | | | better fishing areas that are in the northeast sector |
| Shiloh Road that parallels the river; the rich waters | | | | of the Indian River Lagoon, where the bank |
| are a breeding grounds for all types of fish, and | | | | fishermen, and shallow water craft have the |
| abound with baitfish, shrimp, crabs, and other | | | | advantage. |
| crustaceans that attract and hold lunker redfish and | | | | The Shiloh Marsh Road is closed to motor vehicles |
| gator seatrout. | | | | annually from November 1st, through February 15th, |
| This particular area of the northern Indian River | | | | to reduce the disturbance to waterfowl that winter |
| Lagoon system, is particularly suitable for bank | | | | in this area. Although bicycle and foot traffic is |
| fishermen. The anglers that venture into the area, | | | | allowed for bird watching, or fishing during the |
| when the road is open for traffic, get to enjoy the | | | | closure; it's a long haul to tote your fishing gear in and |
| peace and solitude of the area, as they go about | | | | out of the area, and most people don't bother |
| trying to catch their fish of a lifetime. | | | | venturing into the area during the closure. |
| Sow "gator" seatrout of over 10 pounds, and bull | | | | Indian River Lagoon fishing is a year round activity, in |
| redfish in the 30 pound plus category, are available | | | | fact some of the best fishing occurs during the |
| for anyone having the luck and skill to catch them. | | | | winter, when the shallows are crystal clear, and the |
| They are hard to catch, but they are definitely not | | | | fish are easy to spot. |
| rare in the area. | | | | Since this section of the lagoon is in the Merritt Island |
| Bank and wade fishermen do best in the spring with | | | | National Wildlife Refuge, a sports fishing permit is |
| topwater lures, jerk baits, and live pigfish, or finger | | | | required by anyone fishing the area by land or by |
| mullet. The best times for a trophy gator trout are | | | | water. The permit is free, and is available at either |
| always early in the morning, and late in the evening, | | | | entrance of the refuge, or you can download the.pdf |
| just before sunset. | | | | file at the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website |
| Bull redfish can be caught almost any time of the | | | | online. |
| year with half a blue crab, cut ladyfish, extra large | | | | You must read it, sign it, and keep it on your person |
| shrimp, or live baits such as pigfish, finger mullet, or a | | | | at all times when fishing the refuge areas. As of this |
| "sailors choice" for bait. | | | | date, there is a $125.00 fine for violating the permit |
| Large gold spoons, jerkbaits, and for the fly | | | | requirement, so do yourself a favor and take the |
| fishermen, crab imitations, also work well. The nice | | | | time to grab one, after all it is free. |
| thing about redfish is that they very accommodating | | | | |