INDIAN RIVER COUNTY // FISHING
OFF THE HOOK Indian River County fishermen can no longer keep this worldclass fishing destination a secret. In fact, ‘General Tire World Championship’ presented by Major League Fishing, has been held in Indian River County. Two driving factors made Indian River County a shoo-in: the fantastic opportunities for superb fishing both saltwater and freshwater – and the areas strictly regulated, immediate catch and release program. This conservation practice leads to productive lakes, rivers, and oceans. Indian River County boasts year-round angler adventures for just about every kind of fishing. Visitors can bait their hooks for shore/ocean fishing, fly-fishing, angling, and deep-sea fishing in and around Indian River County. The pristine shores of Vero Beach provide shallow reefs teeming with fish, ocean fishing, and deep-sea charters. Plan a trip to the Indian River, a prolific spot for game fishing and shore fishing, or head to the wilds of Fellsmere to fish via boat, kayak, or canoe on the four abundant lakes: Blue Cypress, Garcia, Kenansville, and Stick Marsh. We can’t possibly cover all of the various hidden places you’ll want to discover, so you just may want to make a fishing trip to Indian River County an annual event. Explore these local places for year-round angling:
52
BLUE CYPRESS LAKE
FARM 13/STICK MARSH
Hard to tell whether the glorious blue rising off Blue Cypress Lake comes from the blue hue of cypress tree or the other way around. Big bass beckon, and from beyond the forests are profuse osprey nests. The lake’s record is an 18-pound catch. Before you go, you may want to do your research on the legendary Joe Middletown, who passed away recently. He operated the Middletown Fish Camp, infamous among fishermen in the know. Middletown would have told you that bass, bluegill, and catfish are available all year, with fall being the best time for fishing in Florida. A local’s tip: try slow trolling using a kayak behind a pontoon boat to locate the teeming schools of fish.
This is one of the top trophy bass spots, located in northwest Indian River County. Water depths range from four to eight feet, offering anglers these sought-after sportfish: largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, black crappie, and several catfish species. Facilities include a double-lane concrete boat ramp, airboat launch site, restrooms, and paved parking lot. 9 S. Mulberry Street, Fellsmere
VISIT INDIANRIVERCO UN T Y.COM
