Kayaking on Brevard County Rivers
Space coast waterways are ideally suited to the kayak Explorer and fisherman. With hundreds of miles of shoreline on the Indian River lagoon and Banana river waterways and hundreds of smaller and often unnamed tributaries this rich marine estuary is the largest geographical feature of the entire space coast. With an average depth of about 4′ and launches all over the place both at named parks and waterfront facilities, and also innumerable roadside locations where you can slide your kayak directly into the water, the space coast features bountiful kayak exploration opportunities.
The Ecosystem of Our Lagoon
This lagoon estuary is a saline, brackish, sub-tropical, and mostly non-tidal water body that is a outstanding nurturing ground for hundreds of species of saltwater fish, other wildlife, and vegetation. In fact, it is often referred by marine scientists as one of the most ecologically diverse ecosystems in the world. Spending a couple of hours on a paddle this is typically realized as we often count different species we see on land, air, and the water, quickly going into the triple digits in no time at all. Vast numbers of shorebirds and raptors and paddle ducks and fish-eating divers, rays, skates, crabs, oysters, clams, innumerable fish species, reptiles including marine sea turtles, terrapins, alligators, the list is very impressive, And that’s just the things we do see!
Megafauna such as bottlenose dolphin and West Indian manatee are plentiful and are often both seen on short excursions from just about anywhere on the space coast. Mangrove backwaters, channel cuts and spoil islands also offer outstanding fishing for many of the States most sought-after species for sport including sea trout, redfish, snook, and tarpon. Many other species are also targeted for sport and food including flounder, mullet, sheepshead, pompano, black drum, whiting, and assorted jacks and mackerels.
Choosing the Right Kayak
At A1A outdoor center, we have a variety of kayak styles suited for the touring paddler, and for the the discriminating kayak angler. We offer a variety of different models to choose from to suit your paddling style and preference, and our fishing kayaks are fully equipped with everything you need for a day on the water. Delivery of kayak are also an option when booked in advance, we can bring kayaks to you locally. This is usually around Cocoa Beach, Cape Canaveral, Merritt Island, and surrounding communities.
Our retail store in Cape Canaveral also features a very well-appointed bait and tackle department specializing in inshore saltwater fishing and surf fishing. You will not find a better selection on the space coast for these fishing pursuits.
To learn more and to secure a booking, either guided or do-it-yourself, give us a call at the shop and one of our staff will be more than happy to help you. If you don’t need a kayak, maybe you have your own, you can still stop in and pick up an area waterways map from us, they are complimentary, and we can guide you to the kayak launches we might recommend for wherever it is you want to go to go. We’re happy to help in any way we can. Happy paddling!
