Mosquito Lagoon is know world wide for redfish, but you can catch many species of fish. There are world class trout in the pristine estuary. It would not surprise me if the world record is not caught in the lagoon. There are huge black drum, flounder, tarpon, tripletail, snook, crevalle jacks, ladyfish, sail cats and even grouper. The Mosquito Lagoon is one huge fish nursery.
The redfish are all over the flats and the big reds (aka Slobberknockers) are found in large schools. It is not unusual to see schools of over 300 redfish in the 20-30 pound class and even larger. I have also seen schools of slot size redfish number over 1000 fish. Many times you will see them in the distance slamming bait. Top water plugs and the Rip Tide Flats Chub work great. Let’s move on to the other species of fish.
Sea Trout are abundant in the Mosquito Lagoon and Indian River Lagoon. Early in the morning you will find them in shallow flats. There is nothing more exciting than seeing a big “gator” trout bust a top water plug. I love popping plugs the best. Something about that chugging action really sets off a big trout. Many times I believe a large trout mistakes that popping sound for a small trout feeding. Several times I have landed a six to eight pound only to find a smaller trout in the gullet. The amazing thing about finding that small fish in the throat is the fish is still feeding. As the light becomes brighter you need to move to grass beds in three to five feet of water. We switch to tossing a Rip Tide 3 inch Mullet on a 1/8 ounce jig head. It is not unusual to catch 50-100 trout in a day. Sometimes it is every cast. Some are small and some are big, but it sure is a lot of action.
Black drum are crazy fish. It amazes me to see a picky they can be at times. When they are chewing it can be a real good fight. There are several places to catch black drum in the lagoon, but the most popular winter time spot is the “no motor” zone. The “no motor” zone is a kayakers heaven. There are huge black drum found in that area. It seems the more stink on your bait the better your chances. Cut bait and crabs work great.
Flounder is another fish found in the lagoon. Spring is usually best for the flat fish. There are some great areas for flounder. The love to lie in the sand holes and wait for bait to come strolling along. I have caught flounder on a variety of baits. A Rip Tide 3 inch Mullet works great. A popping cork with a shrimp attached also works well. We have caught them on jerk baits, gold spoons and occasionally on a top water plug. A flounder always makes a great sandwich.
Tarpon show up in good numbers during the summer. They can be found around bridges, along channel edges and sometimes on the flats. One of my favorite tarpon memories came last summer. I was running a double charter with my good friend Captain Travis Tanner. We were sitting on a redfish hole and had caught several early in the morning. About the time the sun rose above the tree line I looked over and I see a huge tarpon leaping out of the water. I wish I could have photographed the fish. That big tarpon looked like he was right in the middle of the sun. Travis jumped down and cranked the motor, but before he could put the boat in gear the tarpon had spooled 200 yards of line. He ate a piece of cut ladyfish. The best bait for tarpon is a free-lined mullet or crab. They will eat a top water plug or jig on occasion.
We don’t get a ton of snook in the Mosquito lagoon due the lack of current. They can be found in Haulover canal, around pilings, flowing culverts and on the flats once in a while. The largest snook I have caught n the Titusville area was 11 pounds. Most of the snook caught are smaller fish. We don’t really target them in the lagoon. One of the better places is the north lagoon where there is tidal flow. Also docks will hold snook. Usually we have to travel south of Titusville to find snook.
Crevalle Jacks are one fun fish to catch. When you find a school of jacks busting bait prepare yourself for some drag screamin’ action. Get out the top water plug and hang on when one slams the bait. These fish are fierce fighters and will put a hurting on your tackle. When I am scouting I look for school of jacks. I will never pass up the opportunity to catch them.
Ladyfish is another fun fish to catch. They have been given the name “Poor man’s tarpon” because of their acrobatic jumps. These fish will take some drag when they reach three pounds or more. They can be found everywhere on the flats. Usually you will find them around the trout holes. Many times they will join other fish when feeding.
Believe it or not, there are grouper in Haulover canal and several spots along the channel. I have seen many anglers land grouper in Haulover. There are deep holes and rocks in the canal which will hold grouper. I have seen some anglers trolling the channel edges with diving plugs. Other angler will just soak a live pinfish. I personally don’t target the fish, but many do.
There are many species to be found in the Mosquito Lagoon and Indian River Lagoon. Some days you may catch five or six species. It really depends on what you are trying to accomplish. This giant nursery is a beautiful area. Come out and see it first hand, you will not be disappointed. Tight Lines and Good Fishing!
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