Frequently Asked Questions
Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Guide Captain Chris Myers - Fishing Near Orlando

What type of fish will we catch?
The primary species I target are redfish, spotted seatrout, snook, and
tarpon. Other species you may catch include jack crevalle, ladyfish,
flounder, mangrove snapper, black drum, and tripletail. You may request to
target a specific species or we can pursue whatever is biting the best.

Do you use live bait or artificial?
For most species, we will use a variety of artificial baits including jigs, plugs,
and soft plastics. When targeting tarpon or large redfish, natural or live baits
may be necessary to provide the best opportunity for catching a fish. Live
baits, if required, are provided by the captain.

What do I need to bring?
You will need some polarized sunglasses, hat, rain gear, and non marking
footwear. Additionally, you may bring any food or beverage you think you will
need. I provide all tackle, baits, and licenses. If you have a favorite rod or
reel you would like to use bring it along.

How many fish will we catch?
Several factors influence the number of fish that are caught each trip
including the weather, angler skill, and willingness of the fish to eat. The
species of fish that are targeted also is important. One cannot expect to
catch twenty tarpon in a day but it is not unrealistic to catch a combination of
twenty trout and redfish. Of course, some days yield greater catches than
others and nobody can give a certain number on how many fish will be
caught. However, the most consistent factor influencing the number of fish
caught is the angler's skill level. Sight fishing for redfish and trout in shallow
water is not something one can expect to master in a day. This type of
fishing requires the ability to see the fish and then be able to place an
accurate cast into the strike zone. Assuming the fish are willing to feed, the
more accurate you can cast, the more fish you will catch.

What about children?
Exposing kids to fishing is a great way to keep them focused on something
positive. Kids are often happy to catch fish of any size or species. Taking a
child to purse tailing redfish in shallow water is setting them up for failure
unless they have an above average level of casting and fishing skill. When
fishing with children, we will target species which are easy for them to catch
and provide steady action. Fishing for slot sized seatrout, ladyfish, or jacks,
will provide plenty of rod bending action to keep younger anglers interested.

Can we keep our catch?
My policy is catch and release only for all redfish, trout, and snook. The only
exception to this rule will be is if, in the opinion of the captain, the fish is in
such condition that it will not survive after release. These are great gamefish
which are still recovering from years of overfishing by the commercial and
recreational fishermen. There are still many anglers who feel it is not a
successful day if they do not take home their "limit" of fish. In a short amount
of time, entire schools of slot sized redfish have been wiped out by those
who would rather enjoy the fish on their dinner plate than to catch it another
day when it has grown even bigger. The fish are much more valuable to me
and my clients if they are released in good condition.

Instructional Charters

What topics do you teach?
For beginning anglers, I start with the basics. Instruction will include:

  • Tackle selection and care
  • Lure selection and presentation
  • Knot tying     
  • Catching and using live baits
  • Where to locate fish
  • Fighting big fish on light tackle

For advanced anglers, I teach only the subjects you choose.  For example,
how to catch more redfish, how find and land tarpon, fly fishing for trophy
trout, etc.

I am a beginning angler. How many lessons will I need?
For those who have limited or no fishing experience, I recommend starting
with 2-3 at home lessons. In the comfort of your own home or local park, we
can discuss tackle and lure selection, casting, knot tying, cast nets and
maintenance. Once you have learned these basic skills, a 1/2 or full day trip
on the water will cover things such as boat handling and positioning, how to
read the water, when and where to target specific species, and fish fighting
tactics.     

What if I don't own a boat?
I began fishing long before I owned a boat. I can show you when, where, and
how to catch fish without a boat. You can catch redfish, trout, snook, tarpon,
and more all from the shore or knee deep water.

I have fished most of my life, I just don't seem to catch much. What
can you do for me?
At Florida Fishing Lessons, you don't spend your hard earned money
listening to someone talk about things you already know. After a brief
evaluation of your casting and lure selection you will learn how to locate and
develop spots that will produce fish year after year.

What type of fishing will I learn?
I specialize in inshore and near shore fishing commonly called "flats" fishing.
Many of the techniques and tactics I teach, however, can be applied to any
type of fishing both fresh and salt water.


Do I need a license?
While you are fishing with Captain Chris, he will provide all the required
fishing licenses. Once on your own, you are required to have a saltwater
license if fishing from a boat.

Can I use my own Tackle?
For general fishing instruction, I suggest you use your own tackle so you
can become familiar with the performance and maintenance of the
equipment you will be using. If you do not have tackle and wish to purchase
some, I will assist you in selecting the best equipment for your needs and
budget. You may bring your own tackle along on charters if you choose. If
you do not have tackle, I provide a selection of Shimano Stradic reels along
with high quality Shimano and Falcon rods spooled with fresh braided line

Where will we meet?
I use various ramps depending on the type of fishing we are doing and
where the customer is located. Ramps I use may be in
Mosquito Lagoon,
New Smyrna Beach, Titusville, Cocoa Beach, and Sebastian. After
discussing your trip with you, I will decide on the best ramp to use for the
day's charter. Most of the fishing is near Orlando and can be reached in
less than one hour.
Mosquito Lagoon redfish charters
Fishing Near Orlando Florida with Capt. Chris Myers
Your Orlando Fishing Guide
321-229-2848
Tailing Redfish in
Mosquito Lagoon