i am going on a cruise to escape the lousy northeast weather. i will be stopping at port canaveral on tuesday feb 24 for several hours. i was wondering if anyone can give me some advice on the fw or sw fishing nearby (where to go and what lures are working). i will try my luck near the port for sw but not sure what is in season now. all advice is appreciated. if anyone is free and wants to fish, it would be great. i have my own gear and never fished orlando before, all help and advice is appreciated. 

Jetty park is right there near the port, if you wanna try your luck in some saltwater. There are quite a few different species in the inlet usually, reds, snook, trout, sheepshead, sharks and sometimes even tarpon or cobia. Cut mullet, live finger mullet or shrimp are usually good places to start.

i was hoping to use lures mostly. i'm bringing jerk baits, spoons, poppers, and a few hooks if i can grab some shrimp off the boat. is there a bait/tackle shop nearby? looking at google earth i see a nice area across the highway by the channel on the west side. is that preferable to the pier since there would be less pressure? i will be using light bass gear but can handle most fish up to 20 lbs. (medium rod and shimano sustain 2500). 

There are a couple of bait shops in the area, fisherman's world is on the port side and there is one on the river side also. We never fished artificials much, but I bet the guys at the shops could help you find some good spots to wade in the river or canals to fish. Seems like a red and white Mirrolure or a DOA shrimp in a natural color are pretty standard lures for the Indian river area. Its also fun to cruise the docks when all the charter boats get back for the day and see what they caught.

i was hoping to use lures mostly. i'm bringing jerk baits, spoons, poppers, and a few hooks if i can grab some shrimp off the boat. is there a bait/tackle shop nearby? looking at google earth i see a nice area across the highway by the channel on the west side. is that preferable to the pier since there would be less pressure? i will be using light bass gear but can handle most fish up to 20 lbs. (medium rod and shimano sustain 2500). 

 

Bring gold and silver spoons. The reds, specks, and other species will tear them up. I had luck last time I was near there jerking them up and letting the fall if you can find any grass.