Seasonal Fishing Patterns in Central Florida

Although we are lucky enough to have great fishing year round here in Central Florida, I have
listed below some of the seasonal trends you can expect when fishing the Mosquito Lagoon and
Indian River Lagoon. I am often asked, "what is the best time to fish the Mosquito Lagoon." The
best time to fish here is whenever you can. The inshore and nearshore waters near Orlando and
along the Space Coast offer something for everyone at any time of the year.

Winter
Our winter weather patterns in winter normally bring a cold front every 5-6 days. The day of the
front usually brings rain followed by a day of breezy conditions. The days between the fonts,
however, are normally calmer and clear and can send the fish into a feeding frenzy. Winter time
brings some of the best sight fishing conditions of the year in Mosquito Lagoon. Redfish and
trout will seek out the clean shallow flats to take advantage of the rapidly rising water
temperatures. These shallow grass flats can see temperature fluctuations of 15-20 degrees on
a warm winter day. Trophy sized seatrout can be found sunning themselves in shallow sand
holes while the redfish will be tailing for crabs and shrimp. Redfish school more in the winter
months. On calm winter days, schools of over sized redfish are a possibility. Winter can bring
some great days of fly fishing and sight casting. Additionally, schools of black drum may be
encountered on the same flats as the redfish and trout.

Spring
As the waters begin to warm, the mullet will return to the Lagoons. The big redfish become more
consistent and the trout fishing will also be steady. Ladyfish and jack crevalle can arrive
following the mullet schools as they migrate north through the area. Big trout will be a common
catch. The weather is pleasant and the fishing can be outstanding.

Summer
Summer time means tarpon time. The hotter the better. The beginning of summer will mean the
return of the small tarpon. July and August can bring big poons to both the Mosquito Lagoon and
Indian River. Fish over 100 pounds are common and can be caught on fly, lures, and live baits.
Schools of over sized redfish can be found nearly every morning as the tail and fin on the flats.
An early start will ensure you the best chance of catching one of the trophy reds. The deeper
edges of flats can provide non stop action with trout, ladyfish, and jacks. The summer heat
seems to bother the anglers more than the fish, The fishing can remain as hot as the weather
provided the afternoon storms don't roll in. Calm seas allow access to some additional
opportunities along the beaches. Huge jack crevalle, kingfish, tarpon, and sharks top the list.

Fall
Autumn brings about a flurry of feeding activity in central Florida. The annual mullet migration
begins and the fish are fattening up in anticipation of cold weather. Redfish action remains
excellent and tarpon can be caught until the first cold front arrives, Snook can be found both on
the flats of the Indian River and in canals and around docks. Along the beaches, tarpon, snook,
redfish, flounder, trout, bluefish, mackerel, and sharks are just some of the predators stalking the
schools of mullet as the move south.

A big winter seatrout from
Mosquito Lagoon

Black drum roam the flats as
well

Central Florida Fishing Charters
Light Tackle and Fly Fishing Guide
Flats, Backcountry, Inshore
Captain Chris Myers
321-229-2848

The bull reds of summer

A fall snook from the Lagoon

Captain Chris Myers offers inshore saltwater fishing charters in the Mosquito Lagoon and Indian River. This is the best fishing near
Orlando, Daytona Beach, Cocoa Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Kissimmee, and Titusville. My flats fishing charters are for one or two
anglers and provide all licenses, baits, and tackle.