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

It looks like the long cold winter may be coming to an end here in
central Florida. The water temperature on the flats of Mosquito
Lagoon broke the 70 degree mark yesterday and the manatee are
beginning to return. Fishing for the past few weeks has been
outstanding. We have been seeing hundreds of tailing redfish on
each trip. Black drum have been plentiful as well. The baitfish
schools will soon return and with them will come the trout, ladyfish
and jack crevalle. April should be an excellent month if recent trips
are any indication of what is to come.

With the fishing tailing aggressively, this is an excellent time for fly
anglers to hook into a redfish. Tailing fish are usually feeding on
small crabs that are easily imitated with flies. The number one
challenge for my fly fishing clients this month was getting the fly to
the fish before they became aware of our presence. Once this
happens they usually will not eat. The ability to hit your target with
one or two false casts will significantly increase your chance of
getting a bite.

Earlier this month, I was joined by Bill, an angler visiting from
Canada. We found an area holding some large trout and scattered
redfish. Bill used a five inch DOA CAL in silver mullet to land
several trout. As I poled down the shoreline, he had consistent
shots at single redfish. By mid morning, the winds were pushing
twenty knots. With most of the boats hugging the shoreline, we left
the crowds and headed out to open water. Bill was rewarded with
a 38 inch redfish.
















Last Saturday brought some beautiful weather. While conditions
were near perfect, it seemed like everyone who owned a boat was
on the water by 8am. Lewis, my client for the day, had shots at
hundreds of tailing redfish as the sun was rising. While he never
quite got his bait to the reds, he did manage to hook into a nice
black drum.

















This week brought some of the best fishing of the year to
Mosquito Lagoon. Redfish were tailing throughout the day on
every trip. Wind can be a challenge on some days but as long as
the sun is out, the fish have been easy to find. Tuesday, I spent a
windy day fishing some of the less populated areas with Capt.
Drew. The reds didn't mind the wind and were happy to eat the
three inch DOA CAL in Arkansas Glow as well as a black crab fly.
















































The next two days, clients had encounters with various sized
schools of redfish throughout the morning. Unfortunately, their
casts did not quite hit their mark and they did not hook up.
Yesterday, John landed several redfish on his first trip to Mosquito
Lagoon. The fish were tailing when we arrived and were still doing
so when we left at the end of the day. An excellent day on the
water.
















There is no better time for sight fishing than when the fish are
tailing. If you can see their tails coming up, you know for certain
they are eating. The DOA crab, shrimp, and three inch CAL are
your best bet when casting to these fish. Getting the lure in front
of them quickly is the key. Often times, missing your mark by only
a foot can mean the difference between getting a bite and the fish
never seeing your lure. Stealth is also important when targeting
these shallow water fish. Trolling motor blades hitting the bottom
or breaking the surface as well as any noise on the deck of the
boat will alert them to your approach.
Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Report - March 27, 2010
Central Florida Sight Fishing Charters
Orlando Flats Fishing Guide
Mosquito Lagoon and Indian River
Florida Fishing Guides Association
FFF Certified Fly Casting Instructor
mosquito lagoon redfish
mosquito lagoon black drum
fly fishing for redfish