Brevard County is one of the best places in the world to catch redfish. From the crystal-clear flats of Mosquito Lagoon to the mangrove-lined shorelines of the Indian River, the Space Coast offers diverse redfishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. Here are our top five spots — with insider tips to help you find and catch trophy reds.
#1: Mosquito Lagoon — Sight-Fishing Paradise
Mosquito Lagoon has earned the title "Redfish Capital of the World," and for good reason. This shallow, crystal-clear body of water north of the Kennedy Space Center is home to some of the most incredible sight-fishing for redfish anywhere on the planet.
The lagoon's firm sand and grass bottom, combined with water clarity that often exceeds 5 feet of visibility, allows anglers to spot tailing and cruising redfish from considerable distances. On calm mornings, you can see schools of 20-50+ redfish pushing across the flats, their bronze backs gleaming in the sunlight.
The key to success here is stealth. Wade or use a push pole — trolling motors spook fish in this shallow water. Gold spoons, DOA shrimp in natural colors, and small soft plastics on 1/8 oz weedless jig heads are the go-to presentations. Cast well ahead of moving fish and let the bait sit until they approach.
Best Time: Fall (September–November) and Spring (March–May)
💡 Insider Tip: Fish the western shoreline on east wind days — the wind pushes bait against the mangroves and redfish stack up there. Look for mullet spraying — reds are usually underneath.
#2: Indian River Lagoon — Spoil Islands & Channel Edges
The Indian River Lagoon through Brevard County offers perhaps the most consistent redfish action of any location on the Space Coast. While it lacks the sight-fishing clarity of Mosquito Lagoon, it makes up for it with sheer numbers and year-round productivity.
Focus on the spoil islands — those man-made islands created from dredged material that dot the Intracoastal Waterway. Redfish use the deeper water around spoil islands as staging areas and feed on the shallow flats surrounding them. The transition zones where grass meets sand are especially productive.
In winter, schools of redfish concentrate in deeper channels and around dock pilings. In summer, they spread out across the flats and shorelines. Live shrimp under a popping cork is the most reliable year-round technique, but soft plastics and gold spoons catch plenty of fish too.
Best Time: Year-round, with peak action October–March
💡 Insider Tip: The stretch between the Melbourne Causeway and the Eau Gallie Causeway is redfish central. Fish the west shoreline spoil islands on falling tide when reds move off the flats into deeper water.
#3: Banana River — Kayak Anglers' Secret
The Banana River is sandwiched between Merritt Island and the barrier island, creating a relatively narrow and protected waterway that's perfect for kayak fishing. Redfish here tend to be less pressured than in the more popular Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon, and the calm waters make it accessible even on windier days.
The flats south of the SR-528 causeway are particularly productive, with grass beds that hold redfish year-round. The area around the Thousand Islands (a cluster of small mangrove islands) is a redfish magnet — the complex structure provides ambush points and the tidal flow concentrates baitfish.
Kayak anglers have a significant advantage here because many of the best spots are in water too shallow for powerboats. A pedal-drive kayak allows hands-free positioning while casting to fish along the mangrove shorelines.
Best Time: Fall and Spring, early morning
💡 Insider Tip: Launch from Ramp Road Park and paddle south along the western shoreline. The mangrove points and creek mouths between there and Pineda Causeway hold redfish on every tide.
#4: Sebastian Inlet — Big Reds in the Current
Sebastian Inlet isn't typically the first place people think of for redfish, but it absolutely should be — especially if you're targeting larger, bull redfish in the 30-40 inch range. The inlet's strong tidal current and access to both the lagoon and ocean create a unique environment where oversized reds congregate.
During the mullet run (September through November), bull redfish position themselves in the inlet current to intercept schools of mullet being swept out on the falling tide. These are powerful fish in powerful current, so bring your heavy gear — 20-30 lb class tackle is appropriate. Live mullet, cut mullet, and large soft plastics all produce.
On the lagoon side of the inlet, slot-sized redfish (18-27 inches) are caught year-round along the mangrove shorelines and oyster bars. This is more traditional shallow-water redfishing with lighter tackle.
Best Time: September–November for bull reds; year-round for slot fish
💡 Insider Tip: Fish the south side of the inlet on a strong outgoing tide with live mullet on a fish-finder rig. The big reds stage in the eddy behind the south jetty rocks. Bring heavy fluorocarbon leader — 40 lb minimum.
#5: Haulover Canal — The Hidden Gem
Haulover Canal connects the Indian River Lagoon to Mosquito Lagoon, and this narrow waterway is an absolute redfish magnet that many visiting anglers overlook. The canal's consistent current and structure-rich shorelines create ideal ambush points for redfish.
The canal is especially productive during tidal movement. Redfish position themselves behind bridge pilings, along the seawall, and in the eddies created by the current. Cast upstream with jigs or live bait and let the current carry your presentation to the fish.
The area where the canal opens into Mosquito Lagoon on the east side is prime territory. The shallow flats here hold schools of redfish that move between the lagoon and the canal with the tides. It's also one of the more accessible spots for wade fishing — you can park at the Haulover Canal bridge and wade the surrounding flats.
Best Time: Fall through Spring, during tidal changes
💡 Insider Tip: Fish the bridge shadow line during midday — redfish hold in the shade and ambush bait that gets swept through by the current. A DOA shrimp in root beer color is deadly here.
Essential Redfish Tackle
No matter which spot you choose, a few tackle essentials will serve you well across all of them:
- Rod & Reel: 7' medium or medium-light spinning rod, 2500-3000 size reel, 10-15 lb braid with 20 lb fluorocarbon leader.
- Gold Spoon: A 1/4 oz weedless gold spoon is the most versatile redfish lure ever made. It works everywhere, all year.
- Soft Plastics: Z-Man TRD MinnowZ, DOA CAL paddle tails, and Gulp shrimp in natural colors on 1/8–1/4 oz jig heads.
- Live Bait: Live shrimp is the universal redfish bait. Use them under a popping cork, free-lined, or on a jig head.
- Don't Forget: Polarized sunglasses (essential for sight-fishing), sunscreen, and a good pair of wading boots for lagoon fishing.
🎯 Top Gear Picks for Redfish
Whether you're a seasoned flats veteran or picking up a rod for the first time, Brevard County's redfish waters have something for you. Respect the resource — practice catch-and-release on oversized fish, handle them gently, and always check current FWC regulations. Tight lines! 🎣