What You'll Find at Cherie Down Park

Cherie Down Park is a small public access point on the Indian River Lagoon just south of Port Canaveral, offering shallow-water fishing in one of Florida's most productive estuary systems. The park sits on the western shore of the lagoon, where the water stays calm and protected from ocean swells. You can fish from the shoreline or launch a small boat into water that rarely exceeds 6 feet deep.

The lagoon here holds redfish, spotted seatrout, and tarpon during the warmer months, along with flounder and mullet year-round. The shallow flats and seagrass beds create ideal habitat for sight-casting to cruising fish, especially in early morning or late afternoon. Because the lagoon is enclosed and the park faces west, wind direction matters less than it does on the open Atlantic side of the barrier islands.

Key Takeaways

  • Cherie Down Park offers shoreline and small-boat access to the Indian River Lagoon, a shallow estuary where redfish and spotted seatrout are the primary targets.
  • The best fishing happens during incoming tide on the flats and seagrass beds, particularly in spring and fall when water temperatures favor active feeding.
  • The park has limited facilities—a small parking area and a boat ramp—so arrive early during weekends and bring your own water and supplies.
  • A Florida saltwater fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older, and you must follow redfish and seatrout bag limits that change seasonally.

When to Fish and What to Expect

Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are the most reliable seasons at Cherie Down. Water temperatures sit in the 70s to low 80s, and fish move into the shallows to feed. Redfish patrol the edges of seagrass beds, and spotted seatrout hunt in slightly deeper channels. Early morning—the first two hours after sunrise—produces the most consistent action because light levels favor sight-casting and fish have not yet retreated to deeper water.

Summer fishing is possible but requires patience. Fish move deeper and feed primarily at dawn and dusk. Winter (December through February) slows dramatically; most anglers target flounder in the deeper channels or wait for warm-water pushes that bring redfish back into the shallows for a few days at a time. Tide matters more than season here—incoming tide concentrates fish along the grass edges, while outgoing tide pushes them toward the deeper center of the lagoon.

Tackle and Technique for Lagoon Fishing

Light spinning tackle works best in these shallow, clear waters. A 6- to 7-foot medium-light rod paired with 15- to 20-pound braided line gives you sensitivity to feel bottom structure and the backbone to turn a large redfish away from the grass. Fluorocarbon leader (20 to 30 pounds) is nearly invisible in the clear water and resists the sharp shells and grass that cut through monofilament.

Live bait—mullet, pilchards, or pinfish—works reliably if you can keep it alive in the warm lagoon water. Artificial lures cast farther and let you cover more water; soft plastics rigged on 1/8- to 1/4-ounce jigheads imitate the small baitfish that redfish and seatrout hunt. Cast toward the edge of seagrass beds and work the lure slowly, pausing to let it drop into pockets where fish hide. Sight-casting—spotting a fish and placing your lure in front of it—is the most effective method when water clarity is good, which it usually is at Cherie Down.

Facilities and What to Bring

Cherie Down Park has a small parking area, a concrete boat ramp, and a short fishing pier. There are no restrooms, no shade structures, and no concessions. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water—the lagoon reflects intense sun, and you will be exposed for hours. A cooler with ice keeps your catch fresh and gives you a place to sit if the pier is crowded.

If you plan to fish from shore, wear wading shoes with good grip; the bottom is soft mud and seagrass, and you can sink quickly in some spots. If you launch a boat, note that the ramp is narrow and can get congested on weekends. The lagoon is shallow enough that a 16- to 18-foot center console or flats boat works well, but a kayak or canoe gives you access to the shallowest flats where the largest redfish often hunt.

Regulations and Licensing

Florida requires a saltwater fishing license for anyone 16 and older, whether you fish from shore or boat. You can purchase a 3-day, 7-day, or annual license through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) website or at most bait shops near Port Canaveral. The cost varies by license type and residency status.

Redfish have a slot limit: you may keep only fish between 18 and 27 inches, with a daily bag limit of one fish per person. Spotted seatrout have a 15-inch minimum and a daily bag limit of two fish. Tarpon are catch-and-release only in Florida waters. Check the FWC website before you fish because regulations change seasonally, and some species have temporary closures during spawning periods.

Getting There and Nearby Options

Cherie Down Park sits on State Road A1A south of Port Canaveral, roughly 15 minutes south of downtown Melbourne. From the Port Canaveral area, head south on A1A and look for the park entrance on your left (west side of the road). GPS coordinates are approximately 28.34°N, 80.59°W. Parking is free, and the park is open during daylight hours.

If Cherie Down is crowded or if you want to explore other parts of the lagoon, the Exploration Tower at Port Canaveral offers a different perspective on the system, and several other public boat ramps provide access to different sections of the Indian River Lagoon. The lagoon system extends north toward Cocoa Beach and south toward Melbourne, each section holding similar species but with slightly different structure and access points.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common mistake is fishing the middle of the day when the sun is high and fish retreat to deeper water or dense grass. Plan to fish early morning or late afternoon, or accept that midday fishing will be slower. A second mistake is using tackle that is too heavy; the clear water and light structure mean fish can see your line and feel resistance quickly. Drop down to lighter leader and smaller lures than you think you need.

Many anglers also underestimate the importance of tide. Fishing the slack period between incoming and outgoing tide produces far fewer strikes than fishing the moving water. Check a tide table before you go—the incoming tide is almost always more productive than outgoing. Finally, do not assume the park is empty just because it looks quiet; other anglers may be fishing the deeper channels or the far side of the pier, so be courteous about casting distance and line placement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Cherie Down Park?

No. The shoreline and pier offer solid fishing for redfish and seatrout, especially if you arrive early and fish the incoming tide. A boat lets you reach the deeper flats and cover more water, but it is not required.

What is the best bait to use in the lagoon?

Live mullet and pilchards work reliably for redfish and seatrout. If you do not want to keep live bait alive, soft plastic lures on light jigheads are nearly as effective and easier to manage. Artificial lures also let you cover more water by casting.

Can I catch tarpon at Cherie Down?

Tarpon do move through the Indian River Lagoon, especially in spring and early summer, but they are catch-and-release only in Florida. The lagoon is not known as a tarpon destination the way some other Florida systems are, so do not plan your trip around them.

What time of year has the fewest crowds?

Summer and winter see fewer anglers than spring and fall. If you want solitude, fish in July or August (accepting slower action) or December through February. Weekday mornings are quieter than weekends year-round.

Is the water safe to wade in?

Yes, but wear wading shoes with good grip and watch for soft spots in the mud. The water is clear enough to see most hazards, and the lagoon does not have the strong currents or large predators that make ocean wading risky. Stay alert for boat traffic near the ramp.