
Location: Mosquito Lagoon
Date: January 10, 2025
Water Temp: 63°F (shoreline), 64°F (deeper flats)
Air Temp: High 71°F, Low 54°F
Wind: 10-12 mph out of the northeast
Water Clarity: Clear to slightly tannin-stained, with some areas around oyster bars showing a bit more murkiness. Visibility: 3-4 feet
Weather: Partly cloudy, mild conditions, with a light breeze coming out of the northeast throughout the day
Fishing Pressure: Moderate, with a few boats in the area but nothing overwhelming. Boat traffic lighter due to the cooler weather.
Fish Species Caught:
Redfish:
Size Range: 18-26 inches
Weight Range: 2-6 lbs
Bite Activity: Good early in the morning and again in the late afternoon
Technique: Sight fishing with soft plastics or live bait near grassy flats, channels, and sandbars.
Seatrout:
Size Range: 12-20 inches
Weight Range: 1-3 lbs
Bite Activity: Steady throughout the day, with peak activity around sunrise and sunset.
Technique: Slow retrieve with soft plastics or topwater lures over seagrass beds and deeper edges of flats.
Rods: 7' medium-light to medium spinning rods for a good balance of sensitivity and power, perfect for sight fishing in the shallows.
Reels: 2500-3000 size spinning reels with 10-15 lb braided line, paired with 15-20 lb fluorocarbon leaders for abrasion resistance.
Baits:
Live bait: Shrimp (live or cut), mullet, and pinfish for redfish and trout.
Artificial: DOA shrimp, Z-Man soft plastics (3" paddle tails), and Rapala Skitterwalks for topwater action on trout.
Jigs: 1/8 oz to 1/4 oz jig heads with soft plastics (chartreuse or white paddle tails) for trout and flounder.
Casting Methods:
For reds: Targeting tailing fish with precise, short casts.
For trout: Working topwaters (early AM) and soft plastics on a slow, steady retrieve over grass beds.
Water Conditions:
The water temperature has dropped, which has affected the fish's activity levels, but they’re still active, particularly in the shallower areas where the sun has warmed the water a bit more. The cooler temperatures have also caused fish to be a bit more selective, so presenting the right bait at the right depth is key.
Water clarity remains clear to slightly stained in certain parts, but generally excellent for sight fishing. The wind has been light but steady, which has kept the surface calm and improved visibility, especially in the morning hours.
Fishing Pressure:
Fishing pressure has been moderate, with a few boats scattered along the flats and channels, but not overly crowded. Weekday pressure has been light, with most anglers focusing on the early morning or late afternoon bite windows.
Overall Bite:
Redfish are holding in areas with a mix of sand and grass flats, particularly around oyster bars and shallow sandbars. Sight casting to tailing reds with a soft plastic or live shrimp has been effective. Seatrout have been biting well throughout the day, particularly in the early mornings and late evenings, with topwater lures being the go-to bait
Tips for the Day:
Early and Late: The best bite has been during the early morning and late afternoon when fish are more active and the water is calm.
Watch the Weather: The cooler temperatures can make fish more lethargic, so slow down your retrieve and make sure to fish the deeper pockets and drop-offs where fish tend to concentrate in the cooler months.
Sight Fishing: For redfish, if you can find tailing or mudding fish in the shallows, they are more likely to bite. Be stealthy with your approach.

Fishing Experience
Overall, Mosquito Lagoon continues to offer excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for redfish and trout. While the cooler temperatures have slowed down some of the action, patience and a well-presented bait will lead to solid catches. The clarity and conditions are perfect for those who enjoy sight fishing, and with moderate fishing pressure, there are plenty of opportunities for anglers to have a productive and enjoyable day on the water. Book with Code Red Fishing Charters and let’s plan your next fishing trip.
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