Harbor Point Park, Merritt Island Fishing

Harbor Point Park is a quiet Brevard County neighborhood park that gives walk-up access to the Banana River lagoon through a wooded path, a boardwalk and a riverside dock. It is not a famous fishing destination, so go for the calm water and the chance at a few lagoon fish.

• Small county park on the Banana River side of Merritt Island
• Boardwalk, overlook, waterfront deck with a bench and a dock
• Seatrout, redfish, black drum and jacks in a shallow, brackish lagoon
• No facilities: bring water, bait and tackle

The park is at 1863 Harbor Point Drive in Merritt Island, on the Banana River shore, and Brevard County Parks and Recreation runs it.

• Getting there: a residential street ends at the park entrance
• Walk: a wooded pathway leads to the waterfront deck, the boardwalk and the dock
• Dock: stairs on the deck descend toward the water
• Parking: the county page gives none; expect a few spaces at most and respect the neighbors
• Fees and hours: none are listed here, so check the signs at the entrance

The Banana River is a shallow, brackish lagoon, so the catch follows the seasons and swings with rain and salinity.

• Spring (Mar-May): seatrout and ladyfish as the water warms, with redfish along grass edges
• Summer (Jun-Aug): jacks, ladyfish and some snook near the dock in low light
• Fall (Sep-Nov): redfish and mullet-chasing fish as bait moves through; black drum on bottom baits
• Winter (Dec-Feb): seatrout, sheepshead and black drum on mild, calm days

Keep it light and simple from a small dock or deck.

• Seatrout: live shrimp under a popping cork, or a small soft plastic on a 1/8 oz jig head
• Redfish and black drum: a chunk of cut mullet or a live shrimp on a small bottom rig
• Snook and jacks: a small swimbait or a live pinfish near the dock at dawn and dusk
• Sheepshead: fiddler crabs or shrimp dropped straight down by any pilings
• Line: 8 to 12 lb spinning line with a 20 lb fluorocarbon leader

The Indian River Lagoon system barely moves with the tide here, so wind and water clarity matter more than the clock.

• A light wind moving water past the dock helps most
• Early morning and the last hour of light are the best windows
• Heavy rain freshens and clouds the water for a day or two
• Strong east or west wind can muddy the shoreline
• Winter cold snaps push fish to deeper water; warm afternoons bring them back

This is a small neighborhood park, and the dock is not a heavy-duty fishing platform.

• Check the dock boards and stairs before you put weight on them
• Keep clear of boat traffic and wakes close to the dock
• Leave at the first thunder in summer storms
• Shuffle your feet if you wade or step near the water; stingrays are common in the lagoon
• The path is wooded, so use bug spray and expect uneven footing

The county lists no facilities at this park.

• No restrooms or picnic areas
• No bait shop or food on site; buy bait and supplies before you arrive
• A bench on the waterfront deck, plus the boardwalk, overlook and dock
• Bring drinking water, sun protection and a trash bag to carry out your own litter

• Visit early on weekdays, when the street is quiet and the dock is free
• Bring live shrimp from a Merritt Island tackle shop on the way
• Bring a small net or a lip grip; the dock is close to the water
• Fish the grass lines either side of the dock, not just the dock itself
• Be quiet and courteous: this is a residential street
• Check the posted signs at the entrance for any rules the county has put up

Brevard County Parks and Recreation manages Harbor Point Park. The county's page lists the boardwalk, overlook and dock but does not say fishing is allowed, so read the posted signs before you fish and follow any rules there.

• A Florida saltwater fishing license is required unless you are exempt
• Snook and redfish in the Indian River Lagoon region have special rules; check FWC
• Never leave bait, line or hooks behind
• Check current FWC rules for size, bag and season limits before keeping anything