Is There Saltwater Fishing in Orlando?

While Orlando itself is landlocked, it serves as a strategic gateway to some of Florida’s most productive saltwater fishing destinations. Within an hour’s drive, anglers can access inshore and nearshore fisheries for a wide variety of saltwater fish.Travel to just about all the saltwater fishing areas are accessible by 4 lane highways for the majority of the trip.

Mosquito Lagoon

Located east of Orlando near Titusville and Edgewater, Mosquito Lagoon is part of the Indian River Lagoon system. Known for its shallow flats and clear water, it’s a premier destination for sight fishing redfish, speckled trout, and black drum. Its shallow protected waters mean no sea sickness and big waves. The northern end of Mosquito Lagoon is a maze of islands, bays, abd channels offering protected fishing even in high winds. Fly anglers and light tackle enthusiasts flock here for year-round action and trophy-class fish.

New Smyrna Beach

Just over an hour from Orlando, New Smyrna Beach offers access to Ponce Inlet, the Atlantic Ocean, and the surrounding backwaters. Anglers can target tarpon, snook, and redfish, seatrout, and much more in the estuaries, or venture nearshore for kingfish, cobia,and sharks. The numerous offshore reefs and wrecks offer great bottom fishing for snapper, grouper and many other species.The area is popular for both guided charters and DIY anglers launching from public ramps.

Cocoa Beach

About 60 miles southeast of Orlando, Cocoa Beach provides direct access to the Atlantic Ocean. The nearby Indian River Lagoon, Banana River Lagoon and Thousand Islands area are rich with mangrove-lined creeks and flats, perfect for targeting redfish, snook, and juvenile tarpon. Offshore trips from Port Canaveral offer opportunities for mahi-mahi, snapper, and sailfish.

Travel to fishing locations

To reach most of the saltwater fishing areas near Orlando, a car will be the best option. While getting a rideshare such as Uber or Lyft is easy to do in Orlando, getting one for the return trip may not be as simple. The cost of the round trip can often exceed the cost of a rental car. There are few guides who offer pickup at Orlando locations as state law requires a chauffer license and additional insurance to transport customers. For guides that do offer such service be sure they are properly licensed and insured in case of an unforseen accident

Charter Options

Many saltwater guides cater to Orlando visitors. Trips range from half-day inshore excursions to full-day offshore adventures. Boats are typically equipped with high-end gear and electronics, and guides tailor trips to skill level and seasonal species.Look for dedicated saltwater guides with a boat matching the style of fishing you want to do. Don't have your trip limited by a boat that is too large for shallow inshore fishing or too small for open water offshore fishing.

Seasonal Considerations

Saltwater fishing near Orlando is productive year-round. Inshore, redfish, drum, and trout are around all year while tarpon and snook are summertime species. Offshore, seas are calmer in the summer but may require longer runs offshore to find the most productive areas.

Conclusion

Although Orlando doesn’t offer saltwater fishing within city limits, it’s surrounded by world-class fisheries. From the flats of Mosquito Lagoon to the surf of Cocoa Beach and the estuaries of New Smyrna, anglers have no shortage of options just a short drive away.

Book a fishing charter

Anglers visiting Orlando can book a guided Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Charter with Central Florida Sight Fishing Charters. Capt. Chris Myers has over 20 years experience and offers trips year round.