UTERBlacktip shark fishing in Indian River Lagoon
In Indian River Lagoon, blacktip shark peak March–April and October–November and are around year-round, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. March: Migrating north up the beach.
On the mullet run.
Blacktip shark in Indian River Lagoon, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryAround
- MarchPeakMigrating north up the beach.
- AprilPeak
- MayLeaving
- JuneAround
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberPeakOn the mullet run.
- NovemberPeak
- DecemberAround
Where to fish blacktip shark near Melbourne, Cocoa, Titusville
Mosquito Lagoon, the Banana River and the northern Indian River Lagoon — shallow, clear, grass-and-sand flats famous for sight-fishing tailing redfish and giant trout — plus Port Canaveral and Ponce Inlet, the beaches, and the nearshore reefs.
Fish Scouter charts 113 grass flat, 85 artificial reef, 11 beach / surf, 3 pass / inlet spots in the The Space Coast Lagoons map area — the kinds blacktip shark hold on.
What to use for blacktip shark
- Finger mulletLip-hooked on a 2/0 to 4/0 circle hook and free-lined, or on a fish-finder rig in the surf. Cut mullet on the bottom for redfish and drum.
- Menhaden (pogies)Nose-hooked on a circle hook and free-lined or slow-trolled; cut in chunks for the bottom.
- Blue runners (hardtails)Nose-hooked and slow-trolled on a wire stinger rig for kings; bridled for sailfish and cobia.
- Cut ladyfishA whole ladyfish or a head on a 9/0 circle hook and wire for sharks; chunks on the bottom for redfish and drum. The best shark bait in Florida.
- Bonito (cut)Whole on cable for tiger and bull sharks; fillets and chunks on the bottom for grouper and snapper; strips trolled for wahoo.
- Leader80–150 lb mono
- Hook8/0–16/0
- Braid65–150 lb
Feeds in 68–90°F water, best at 74–86°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch blacktip shark in Indian River Lagoon?
Peak season is March–April and October–November. Blacktip shark are here year-round. March: Migrating north up the beach.
Where do blacktip shark hold in Indian River Lagoon?
Look on beach / surf, pass / inlet, grass flat, artificial reef — around Melbourne, Cocoa, Titusville, Port Canaveral, New Smyrna Beach.
What is the best bait for blacktip shark in Indian River Lagoon?
Live bait: finger mullet, menhaden (pogies), blue runners (hardtails), cut ladyfish. Finger mullet: Lip-hooked on a 2/0 to 4/0 circle hook and free-lined, or on a fish-finder rig in the surf. Cut mullet on the bottom for redfish and drum. Tackle: leader 80–150 lb mono, hook 8/0–16/0, braid 65–150 lb.
What are the rules for blacktip shark in Indian River Lagoon?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and change — read the current rule at https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/ before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://myfwc.com/license/recreational/.
Fish it with the tide in your pocket
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All about blacktip shark · The Space Coast Lagoons, the whole year