By Terry Gibson

Thousands visit the Cape Canaveral area to see America’s space-exploration legacy at the Kennedy Space Center.

But few people realize that some of Florida’s most interesting and productive shallow waters surround that area, which are a fly- and light-tackle angler’s paradise.

Anglers should put the flats of the Indian River/Mosquito Lagoon on their must-explore list. Located no more than an hour from the Orlando International Airport, it is one of the most biologically diverse estuary systems in North America.

Connected by the Haulover Canal near Titusville, these two spectacular shallow-water bodies are right on your way out to the Kennedy Space Center. They are legendary for giant redfish, huge black drum and lunker speckled trout. They also produce snook and tarpon.

In the winter, a lot of folks take advantage of a morning’s great duck hunting in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge then head back out in the afternoon chasing reds and trout. Give Capt. Tom Van Horn a call. He’s a walking encyclopedia of the area.

You’re for sure going to see manatees, dolphins and rafts of majestic waterfowl and wading birds.

places to remember

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