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Stick Marsh & Farm 13 ReservoirsLocated near the headwaters of the St. Johns River, the reservoirs are world renowned for their trophy bass. Since they opened in 1991, more 10-pound bass have been caught in these two impoundments than in any other lake in the world. Over 6500 acres of stump-tilled shallows hold what may be the largest average weight largemouth bass population available to anglers fishing in public waters. An east-west levee splits the waters with the Stick Marsh to the north and Farm 13 on the south. A small canal connects the two lakes. Bass fishing her is limited to catch and release only. Hydrilla prairies in the nutrient-rich waters of the impound areas support not only a world-class fishery; they are also home to a gamut of ducks in later fall and winter.Directions: From I-95 in Palm Bay, take Exit 173 (Malabar Rd.) and go 0.25 miles east to Babcock St. (CR 507). Turn right and go south on Babcock for approximately 11 miles. Turn right onto Fellsmere Grade Rd. just after crossing the C-54 Canal. From the intersection of I-95 and CR 512 (Exit 156), head west for three milers to CR 507 (Babcock St.). Turn right (north) and, after five miles, turn left (west) onto Fellsmere Grade Rd., just south of the C-54 Canal. Go all the way to the end of the dirt road (about six miles).
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Blue Cypress Water Management AreaAnother great place for fishing and exceptional wildlife viewing, this WMA is a rectangular impounded marsh area designed to filter agricultural run-off before being released into the pristine headwaters of the St. Johns River. The southern end of the management area is off limits to airboats and boats with motors greater than 10 HP. The area supports several wading bird rookeries and the eastern portion contains foraging and nesting habitat for the endangered Snail Kite. The marshes are used extensively in fall and winter by migrating waterflow and shorebirds. Primitive camping is allowed at designated sights.Directions: Public access can be reached from the CR 512 and SR 60 exits off I-95. From I-95, take Exit 156 (CR 512) and go west. Go through the town of Fellsmere and continue south on CR 512. The recreation area is 2 miles north of SR 60. You can also take the SR 60 (Vero Beach) exit from I-95. Go west on SR 60 for 7.5 miles. Turn right onto CR 512, then go north 2 miles.
386-329-4404 |
Mullet Creek & Honest John's CanalsMullet Creek and Honest John’s Canals offer an opportunity to experience a true old-Florida fish camp, one of the last ones remaining, complete with an 1890’s Florida pioneer home. A visit to Honest John’s really is like traveling back in time. The mile-long drive into the camp winds through old citrus groves and into a beautiful tropical hammock where the fish camp settles into the shore of Mullet Creek. Peacocks, guineahens, ducks, chickens and dogs are likely to greet you upon your arrival. Honest John’s Canals are the product of dredging of historic salt marsh areas for mosquito control in the 1940’s and ‘50sw, resulting in a myriad of winding canals and dozens of mangrove-lined islands that have become a haven for wildlife. The canals provide shelter for manatees, dolphins and a wide variety of coastal birds.
Directions: Go south from Melbourne Beach on A1A for about 10 miles. Turn right in the driveway one half-mile south of the yellow caution light in Floridana Beach. Look for a sign for the camp. Canoe and kayak rentals available. Launch fee is $5. 321-727-2923 |
Sebastian Inlet State ParkFlorida’s #1 State Park, Sebastian Inlet offers access to the Indian River Lagoon as well as the Atlantic Ocean. The park includes three miles of ocean beach, unspoiled dunes, coastal hammocks, world-claass fishing and plenty of wildlife. Watch for manatees and green and loggerhead sea turtles feeding on sea grass in the lagoon’s shallow waters and dolphins frolicking as they pursue baitfish. Paddle north to experience mangrove shorelines and small islands. Pelican Island is approximately three miles to the south.Directions: From the U.S. 192/A1A intersection in Melbourne Beach, go south on A1A for 17.5 miles. From the CR 512 Exit on I-95 (Exit 156) go east 2.5 miles and turn right on CR 510, which goes through Wabasso and crosses the Indian River. Go to Hwy. A1A and then go north. You will pass the entrance to Pelican Island NWR on the left before you go to Sebastian Inlet. Entrance fee.
Caution: The areas around Sebastian Inlet, as well as nearby inland waters in the Indian River Lagoon, are tidal with sections that are exposed to wind and currents that can sometimes be rapid and dangerous. |
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