Weather and Water Conditions
Today on Mosquito Lagoon, we experienced calm and favorable weather conditions, with temperatures in the low 70s during the early morning, gradually warming up to the mid-70s by midday. Winds were light, around 5-8 mph from the northeast, which helped keep the water relatively calm and ideal for fishing. The skies were mostly clear, offering good visibility, while the water clarity remained high, perfect for sight fishing. The lagoon’s water temperature hovered around 68°F, encouraging active feeding among various inshore species.
Species Caught and Bait Used
Redfish: Redfish were highly active, particularly in shallow flats and along grassy shorelines. Live shrimp and cut mullet were effective, though those using soft plastic jerk baits in natural colors (like green and brown) saw great results as well.
Spotted Seatrout: Seatrout were biting steadily in the morning along sandy potholes. Using topwater lures like Zara Spooks just as the sun was rising proved successful for catching some quality-sized trout. Once the sun was higher, switching to soft plastics and jigs with shrimp yielded steady bites.
Black Drum: Black drum were found schooling in deeper channels. Fresh shrimp rigged on jig heads and presented with a slow, bouncing action on the bottom brought a solid catch rate for these drum.
Juvenile Tarpon: A few juvenile tarpon were active in the backwaters and creeks. Anglers found success with small, flashy live bait and light tackle for a thrilling fight.
Flounder: Some flounder were caught near docks and sandy drop-offs. Jigging live mullet or shrimp close to the bottom was effective for enticing these ambush predators.
Gear and Tackle
Rods and Reels: Medium-light spinning rods in the 7-foot range provided the sensitivity and action needed for both sight fishing and casting distance. Paired with 2500-3000 series reels, they handled the redfish and trout perfectly while still offering enough strength for the occasional tarpon.
Line and Leaders: 10-15 lb braided line with a 20 lb fluorocarbon leader worked well, offering stealth in the clear water and enough strength for species with abrasive mouths like redfish.
Tricks and Tips
Early Morning Topwater: For targeting seatrout, early morning topwater fishing was key. Walking-the-dog style lures created just enough disturbance to attract bites without spooking fish in the calm water.
Stealth Approach: With clear water and light winds, a stealthy approach was essential. Anglers kept noise to a minimum and used polarized sunglasses to spot fish before casting, significantly improving the success rate for sight fishing.
Slow and Natural Presentations: For black drum and flounder, a slow, natural presentation on the bottom was critical. Letting the bait sit for a few seconds before giving it a light twitch often encouraged hesitant fish to strike.
Casting Accuracy: When targeting specific potholes and grass lines, casting accuracy was crucial. Keeping casts tight to the edges of grass beds allowed for maximum visibility and placed bait right where fish were likely to be holding.
Fishing at Mosquito Lagoon
Today’s conditions were nearly perfect for an enjoyable and productive fishing experience on Mosquito Lagoon. The variety of species caught and the action-packed day are a testament to the richness of this area’s ecosystem, especially during the fall season. For those looking to make the most of Mosquito Lagoon’s unique fishery, now is the time to get out there! Book with Code Red Fishing Charters and let's go fishing!
Comments