Merrit Island National
Wildlife Refuge and Canaveral National Seashore map and information
These are the rules for the Merrit Island
Refuge and Canaveral National Seashore:
Sport Fishing Regulations
(including crabbing, clamming, oystering, and
shrimping)
Special Conditions
Fishing is permitted in accordance with State
regulations in the open waters of the Indian River, Banana River, Mosquito
Lagoon and Mosquito Control impoundments and interior lakes except for the
Kennedy Space Center security areas, subject to the following special
conditions:
· Daytime sport fishing is permitted in all
areas of the refuge outside the Kennedy Space Center Security Area.
· Night sport fishing is permitted from boats in
the open waters of the Indian River, Banana River and mosquito Lagoon with a
Refuge Night Fishing Permit The self-issuing permit must be filled out and
carried by each person fishing on the refuge between sunset and sunrise. Bank
fishing is not permitted at night
·Nighttime launching of boats is permitted only
at Beacon 42 Fish Camp and Bairs Cove.
· Air thrust boats, hovercraft, and personal
watercraft are prohibited. No boats may be launched from Black Point Wildlife
Drive
· Public access off SR 3 (Kennedy Parkway) is
limited to designated and/or posted access routes and launch arm
· Fishing in close proximity to manatees is
prohibited. Fishing lines must be attended at all times. Discarding of tangled
line onto refuge land or waters is prohibited.
· Boat speeds are restricted to idle speed in
Bairs Cove and KARS Marina and Slow to Minimum Wake in Haulover Canal. Other
refuge waters are also frequented by manatees. Please use caution and watch
for manatees in your path.
·Manatee Refuge - The portion of the Banana
River delineated (on the reverse side of this permit) is closed to all
motorized boats. This includes any boat having an attached motor (or
non-attached and capable of use) including all outboard, inboard and electric
trolling motors Non-motorized boats such as canoes, rowboats and sailboats are
not harmful to manatees and may enter the no motor zone.
· Commercial fishermen and sports fishermen
using commercial fishing gear are required to obtain an annual special Use
Permit. The permit is available at the refuge headquarters subject to an
annual fee.
· Camping, overnight parking, firearms and open
fires are not permitted on the refuge. Pets must remain on a leash or in your
vehicle at all times.
· Additional information may be obtained by
contacting Refuge headquarters on SR 402, four miles east of Titusville
between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; telephone (321)
861~0667.
IP
Fishing Links
Jethro's Fishing Page
