![]() Playalinda Beach was heavily damaged by Hurricane Nicole and remained closed as of Nov. Oyster bars are everywhere, and the tidal flow varies significantly throughout the lagoon. Local knowledge, or at least a nautical chart and depth-finder, as well as a keen eye, are highly recommended for motorboats. Most areas of the Indian River and Mosquito Lagoons are shallow flats with deeper channels snaking between islands, requiring boaters to be on constant alert for oyster bars, coral outcrops and shoals. There are also boat ramps in Oak Hill and Edgewater on the mainland. There is a boat ramp near the entrance to the park that provides access for bigger boats, as well as kayaks and canoes. Locals know the back country and camp for free on islands north of the park boundary. To camp on these islands, you must obtain a backcountry permit online from. Truth be told, the no-seeums here are worse than the mosquitos, and the mosquitos are abundant. It was named Mosquito Lagoon for good reason. There are 14 primitive tent sites on select islands in Mosquito Lagoon, accessible only by boat. Related Article: Surf fishing: Family fun for your beach day If you are in doubt, contact the Ranger Station for more information about permitted areas. Leased beds are marked, and you should (must) avoid those areas. I find that paddling out from either Eldora or Turtle Mound will provide the best access to backcountry channels and oyster bars, where you will enjoy the company of tailing redfish.Ĭlam beds and oyster bars abound in the lagoon, and clamming is permitted in some areas. Many have beach carts loaded with umbrellas, coolers, bait and tackle.Īside from surf fishing, there are several prime fishing areas in the lagoon that are accessible from the Eldora Road, including a fishing pier that juts out about a hundred yards over the lagoon.įly-fishers are often seen wading in this area, although I personally have not had much luck here. Surf anglers come well prepared to spend the day. When you see terns pecking along the surf line, they are pecking into those burrows. Their burrows can be identified by bubbles as the waves roll in and out. Sand fleas are actually mole crabs that burrow into the sand under the trailing surf. You can also buy sand fleas and live shrimp at the only bait shop in Bethune Beach, a mile or so before the park entrance. Surf fishing is almost a religion on the beaches of Canaveral National Seashore.Īnglers are out on the beaches at 6 a.m., when the park opens, casting their long rods into the surf or using their rakes to sift through the sand for the “sand fleas” they use as bait. Surf fishing at Canaveral National Seashore. Alcohol is permitted, but bottles are prohibited. ![]() In any case, this lot is often full and should be avoided on weekends.Ĭhemical toilets, recycling bins and trash containers are available at every beach parking lot. Sunbathers trek a few hundred yards south of the lot, putting a little distance between themselves and other beach-goers. 5, provides access to a clothing-optional beach. Nude beach.īe aware that the last parking lot, No. Handicap access to the deck on the boardwalk. These three beaches have shifting near-shore sandbars that trap fish on outgoing tides, giving anglers a leg up when casting into the currents between the sandbars. Surf anglers at Canaveral National Seashore gravitate to lots 2 to 4 early, but they also leave early. Roadside parking is strictly prohibited outside designated areas, which are clearly marked.ĭuring the week, you rarely have a problem finding parking, but on weekends, plan to arrive early. ![]() The north entrance offers access to five beach parking lots with limited parking along the six-mile beach road below the park entrance. ![]() I have been visiting this park since the mid-1970s, returning often to swim and sun, fish in the surf, fly fishing around the oyster bars in the Mosquito Lagoon, kayaking around islands in the backcountry, and hiking through coastal hammocks. This is Canaveral National Seashore, the longest unspoiled beach in Florida, 24 miles of pristine coastal sanctuary for people and wildlife. There’s not a soul in sight, but even if there were, there’s plenty of space. You should verify the status of your destination before departure. Terns scamper along the tide line to a symphony of rolling surf, pecking at bubbles in the sand that likely will yield a dinner of mole crabs, tasty little crustaceans known more commonly in these parts as “sand fleas.”Įditors’ Note: Florida’s Atlantic Coast was hammered by Hurricane Nicole and recovery is still underway in some areas depicted in this article. Crossing the dunes, the unspoiled beach at Canaveral National Seashore has a special feeling about it.
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