Mosquito Lagoon in New Smyrna Beach is one of the most renowned inshore fishing destinations in the United States, and is truly an angler’s paradise. Part of the Indian River Lagoon system, it boasts pristine waters, lush seagrass beds, and abundant fish species that attract fishing enthusiasts from all over. Keep reading to discover the top targeted species, techniques for catching them, and the best bait and gear.
Fishing in Mosquito Lagoon
Mosquito Lagoon is known as the "Redfish Capital of the World," but it’s also home to a variety of other game fish, including speckled trout, black drum, snook, and tarpon. The lagoon’s shallow flats, clear waters, and protected estuaries make it ideal for sight fishing and exploring its incredible biodiversity.
Fishing Methods in Mosquito Lagoon:
Sight Fishing: The lagoon's clear, shallow waters allow anglers to visually locate and target fish.
Poling and Drifting: Many guides use flats boats equipped with push poles to quietly maneuver through the water.
Kayak and Paddleboard Fishing: Popular for accessing hard-to-reach areas without disturbing the fish.
Now, let’s dive into the details of the top fish species you’ll encounter and how to target them effectively.
Redfish (Red Drum)
Identification
Coloration: Bronze or copper with a white belly.
Tail Spot: A distinctive black spot near the tail (sometimes more than one).
Size: Commonly 20-30 inches but can grow up to 50 inches and weigh over 40 pounds.
Facts About Redfish
Redfish are bottom feeders, primarily consuming shrimp, crabs, and small fish.
They are hardy and can tolerate a wide range of salinity levels.
Juvenile redfish often inhabit seagrass beds and shallow flats, while larger adults (bull reds) may be found in deeper channels.
Techniques for Catching Redfish
Best Bait:
Live shrimp, mullet, or pinfish are highly effective.
Cut bait like mullet chunks or crab also works well for larger reds.
Artificial Lures:
Gold spoons, soft plastics, and topwater plugs mimic their natural prey.
Gear: A medium-heavy spinning rod with a 3000-4000 series reel spooled with 15-20 lb braided line and a 20-30 lb fluorocarbon leader.
Casting Technique:
Cast ahead of cruising fish and retrieve slowly to mimic a struggling baitfish or crustacean.
For sight fishing, approach quietly and make long casts to avoid spooking the fish.
Speckled Trout (Spotted Seatrout)
Identification
Coloration: Silver body with dark spots along the back and tail.
Size: Commonly 14-24 inches, though trophy-sized “gator trout” can exceed 30 inches.
Fins: Yellowish tint on the pectoral and pelvic fins.
Facts About Speckled Trout
Speckled trout are ambush predators, often lurking near grass beds, drop-offs, and oyster bars.
They feed primarily on shrimp, small fish, and crabs.
They are most active during low-light conditions like dawn, dusk, and cloudy days.
Techniques for Catching Speckled Trout
Best Bait:
Live shrimp, finger mullet, or pilchards.
Scented soft plastics like Gulp! shrimp are highly effective.
Artificial Lures:
Topwater plugs (great for early mornings).
Jerkbaits and soft plastics on a jig head.
Gear: Use a medium-light spinning rod with 10-15 lb braided line and a 20 lb fluorocarbon leader.
Casting Technique:
Retrieve soft plastics with a jigging motion to mimic a fleeing shrimp.
Work topwater lures with a “walk-the-dog” motion to entice explosive strikes.
Black Drum
Identification
Coloration: Dark gray to black with vertical stripes (juveniles) that fade with age.
Size: Average 5-30 pounds but can grow up to 100 pounds.
Mouth: Downturned with barbels used for detecting prey.
Facts About Black Drum
Black drum are bottom feeders, favoring shrimp, crabs, and mollusks.
They produce a drumming sound to communicate, particularly during spawning.
Juveniles are more active in shallow flats, while larger adults prefer deeper channels and structure.
Techniques for Catching Black Drum
Best Bait:
Fresh shrimp, blue crab chunks, or clams.
Cut bait is also effective for larger drum.
Artificial Lures:
Soft plastics on jig heads, though live bait is more effective.
Gear: Medium-heavy rod with 20-30 lb braided line and a 30-40 lb fluorocarbon leader for larger fish.
Casting Technique:
Cast directly to structure like oyster bars or pilings, and let the bait rest on the bottom.
For deeper areas, allow the bait to drift naturally with the current.
Snook
Identification
Coloration: Silvery body with a dark lateral line running the length of the body.
Size: Commonly 20-30 inches, with some reaching over 40 inches and 20 pounds.
Mouth: Large, protruding lower jaw.
Facts About Snook
Snook are highly sensitive to temperature changes and thrive in warm waters.
They are ambush predators, preying on baitfish, shrimp, and crabs.
Snook are often found near mangroves, docks, and other structures.
Techniques for Catching Snook
Best Bait:
Live bait such as pilchards, pinfish, or shrimp.
Artificial lures like soft jerkbaits, swimbaits, and topwater plugs.
Gear: Use a medium-heavy spinning rod with 20-30 lb braided line and a 30 lb fluorocarbon leader.
Casting Technique:
Target areas with structure, such as mangroves or dock pilings.
Cast parallel to the structure and retrieve slowly to draw out hiding snook.
Tarpon
Identification
Coloration: Silver body with large, reflective scales.
Size: Often 30-80 pounds, though they can exceed 200 pounds.
Mouth: Upturned and bony, making hooksets challenging.
Facts About Tarpon
Known as the "silver king," tarpon are famous for their acrobatic leaps and powerful runs.
They feed on baitfish, crabs, and shrimp, often near the surface.
Tarpon inhabit deeper channels, passes, and mangrove-lined shores.
Techniques for Catching Tarpon
Best Bait:
Live mullet, crabs, or threadfin herring.
Dead bait like cut mullet can also be effective.
Artificial Lures:
Soft swimbaits, large jigs, and topwater plugs.
Gear: Heavy spinning or baitcasting rod with 40-60 lb braided line and a 60-80 lb fluorocarbon leader.
Casting Technique:
For sight fishing, cast ahead of rolling tarpon and allow the bait to drift naturally.
When using lures, retrieve slowly with occasional pauses to mimic injured prey.
Best Times to Fish
While Mosquito Lagoon is a year-round fishery, certain species are more active during specific seasons:
Spring and Summer: Redfish, trout, and tarpon thrive in warmer waters. Early mornings and late evenings are most productive.
Fall and Winter: Cooler temperatures bring larger schools of black drum and redfish to the flats.
Conservation and Ethical Fishing Practices
The delicate ecosystem of Mosquito Lagoon requires mindful stewardship. Always adhere to local regulations, including size and bag limits, and practice catch-and-release fishing whenever possible. Properly handle fish using wet hands or a fish-grip tool to minimize stress and injury.
Plan Your Fishing Trip in New Smyrna Beach
For an unforgettable fishing adventure, Mosquito Lagoon delivers some of the best inshore action in the country. To make the most of your trip, book a guided charter with Code Red Fishing Charters in New Smyrna Beach. The local knowledge and experience will ensure you have the best chance at landing your dream catch.
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