Whether you are taking the whole family out for a day on the water, or perhaps looking for some one-on-one bonding time, fishing in Merritt Island is one of the best kept local secrets, sure to offer some family fun this summer.
Merritt Island, located on the eastern Floridian coast near Port Canaveral, offers some unique spots and fun activities, few of which are better for a family outing this summer than fishing in Merritt Island.
Photo from local angler, @redfishing321
Merritt Island is home to many unique fishing spots that can be great for family fun. Space Coast Outdoors, a website dedicated to fishing in the Port Canaveral area, states that together the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and the Canaveral National Seashore are some of the greatest places to find redfish, seatrout, snook, and tarpon in the state of Florida. The website also states that in the Merritt Island area, you will find canals, impoundments, mangrove shorelines, salt marshes, creeks, and even more wonderful fishing ecosystems. The variety of fishing locations, as well as the types of fish available, make fishing in Merritt Island a must for any family looking to catch a bite!
Another great reason why fishing in Merritt Island is great for family fun is the multitude of water-related events and fishing tournaments that take place each year. Recently, the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge held its “Hook Kids On Fishing” event, where kids ages 6 to 16, along with their parents, are welcome to learn from professional guides and knowledgeable anglers. Through the program, kids learn about casting, fishing safety, knot tying, and even the tackle box.
Another Hook Kids On Fishing program, aimed for teens from 12-17 years of age is the Advanced Teen Anglers Camp, or ATAC. The camp takes place over the course of two days and helps to fine tune the skills of any intermediate or beginner angler while serving as a building block on what it means to be a conservationist. The camp usually takes place during the summer months. For more information on this camp, or to sign up, visit the Anglers for Conservation website.
Photo from local angler, @redfishing321
From pristine fishing spots to educational opportunities, there are lots of reasons why fishing in Merritt Island is a great way to enjoy some family fishing fun this summer. Merritt Island is home to vast amounts of seaside restaurants, fishing locations, beautiful waterways, and marinas such as our own! Harbortown Marina is happy to offer a heated pool, marina store, full service restaurant, dog run area, and many more new and updated amenities.
With all of the amenities listed above, and the lowest priced ethanol-free fuel in the Merritt Island/ Port Canaveral area, next time you decide to bring the family fishing in Merritt Island, make sure you stop by and see us at Harbortown Marina.
