Capt. Chris Myers. I specialize in sight fishing the flats for redfish,
This is an archived Mosquito Lagoon flats fishing report from
drum, and trout in central Florida. I offer half and full day fishing
trips for one or two anglers with light tackle and fly. Fishing is near
This is an archived Mosquito Lagoon flats fishing report from
Orlando, Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, and New Smyrna Beach.
If you would like to book a charter or need more information, you
can contact me at 321-229-2848.

We are almost halfway through what has been an unusual
summer in Mosquito Lagoon. While the redfishing has remained
consistently good, there are still no tarpon, and very few jacks,
ladyfish, and other summer visitors. The only explanation seems
to be the lack of glass minnow and pilchard schools. Why they are
not here is anyone's guess. The trout fishing has dropped off a bit
as well. Some of the spots that had been producing dozens of fish
for great catch and release light tackle action have stopped
producing. Many of the spots have been hit hard by the daily
cooler filling boats and the commercial anglers and they are nearly
wiped out. You can still get into some decent action if you put in
the time to look for them but you often have to move several times
to find them.

On a positive note, the redfish action has been very good. The
water is quite cloudy in most places making them tougher to see.
You can get much closer to them in these conditions, however,
and having dozens of shots within 20-30 feet of the boat is the
norm. Having the proper eyewear is essential for seeing these
fish. Copper, vermilion, or amber lenses will make a huge
difference. Try it with gray and you may miss most of the fish. The
bite has been consistent even through this last full moon. The
DOA Baitbuster, followed by the 3 and 5 inch CAL tails, have been
our best lures. If you get to the right spot at the right time, you may
even encounter a redfish "blitz". Seeing big schools of redfish
acting like jack crevalle crashing mullet is not something you see
every day in Mosquito Lagoon. If you do see it happening, drag a
Baitbuster across the surface for some awesome surface bites.

This month started off with California angler Frank on board. Most
of the morning was heavy clouds and even some rain and it was
tough spotting the fish. We stuck it out and the clouds parted and
Frank landed several nice fish on the five inch silver mullet
colored CAL.

















Robert and Walter had an excellent day with shots at tons of
redfish and catching some quality fish.


































The following day's trip did not work out quite as well. We
encountered hundreds of redfish throughout the morning.
Unfortunately, not one cast ever landed in front of a fish. While
many of the shots were under 30 feet, it sound much easier than it
is. Like most other things, they are easy if you practice them. My
client did not hook up but he had fun trying and learned some new
techniques.

Brain and Mark landed six redfish the next day before we had to
race back to the ramp to avoid an early thunderstorm.


































That Friday was the last space shuttle launch. With some horrible
weather in the morning, we did not think the launch would go up.
Seth spent the morning fly fishing but spotting them was nearly
impossible. He did get one nice red but you will not see it here as I
had forgotten to put the memory card in my camera. The clouds
began to part and we set up to watch the launch.  

















The past week produced some great weather and plenty of shots
at 10-15 pound redfish. The black redfish worm fly caught fish as
did the DOA Baitbuster, the 3 inch CAL and the 5 inch CAL.



































































While the slick calm summer days are great for spotting fish
activity, the fish are ultra sensitive to unnatural noises. Squeaky
shoes, loud steps, and the plop of a lure or bait will get the
attention of the fish but not in a good way. The calmer it is, the
more stealth you need to use.

This time of year, the redfish will eat a wide variety of baits. If you
cast a several fish and do not get a bite, switch styles until you
find what works.
























































































Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Report -July 17, 2011
Central Florida Sight Fishing Charters
Orlando Flats Fishing Guide
Mosquito Lagoon and Indian River
Florida Fishing Guides Association
FFF Certified Fly Casting Instructor