Nestled Between Vero Beach and Melbourne Lies a Florida Paradise, Renowned as One of the World’s Premier Fishing Destinations

The city of Fellsmere is a hidden Florida gem, located in Indian River County just west of the cute town of Sebastian. Indian River County, known for its laid-back vibe and beautiful natural areas like Blue Cypress Lake and St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, has been host to Major League Fishing competitions, making it an ideal destination to visit in the Sunshine State. Fellsmere is nestled slightly inland from the coast, 20 miles from Vero Beach and 23 miles from Melbourne. 

If you enjoy freshwater fishing, you will love Fellsmere’s off-the-beaten-path fishing nooks as well as the many established fishing areas it has to offer. One of the more popular fishing destinations in this area is Fellsmere Reservoir, known for its plentiful bass, where one can enjoy the peace of the marshland while pulling in dozens of catches (some bass even weighing over 8 pounds!). Florida is already considered the fishing capital of the world, so it’s not a stretch to expect lots of activity here the minute you drop your lure. You can get to Fellsmere Reservoir by following Fellsmere Grade Road, which is located 10 miles west of I-95.

Florida may have a lot of spectacular fishing spots, such as Destin, but since the Indian River area is not a major tourist hot spot, there is more opportunity to enjoy a quiet day than if one were competing with other fishermen in more popular spots such as Miami or Key West. No matter where you drop anchor, please make sure to observe all rules and regulations enforced by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission to ensure safety and preservation of Florida’s natural resources.

While it might not be one of the most coveted tourist destinations in the state, Fellsmere offers a plethora of outdoor adventures for solo travelers or the whole family. Visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and even birdwatching among its 57 square miles of natural beauty. If fishing isn’t the primary motivator for visiting, head over to Blue Cypress Lake to see ospreys in their nesting site, a favorite of nature photographers.

Local historical milestones will also surprise you. Just a 30-minute drive from Fellsmere is America’s first National Wildlife Refuge (Pelican Island) and the birthplace of equal suffrage for women in Florida, making the city an excellent educational road trip stop. Visit the first public school and library in the South or the McLarty Museum to learn more about the Treasure Coast’s rich history before doing a little shopping and grabbing some food around Fellsmere.

If outdoor experiences and historical expeditions aren’t your thing, you can enjoy local favorites like bluegrass music and frog legs. Known as the “Frog Leg Capital of the World,” Fellsmere hosts a yearly Frog Leg Festival in January, which is an absolute must. Enjoy delicious frog legs, gator tails, and fun rides at this all-ages event. There are vendor booths where you can score some cool souvenirs, as well as family entertainment with a lineup of local bands for folks to enjoy during the time of year when Florida has its most pleasant weather.