Private Fishing Trip: Mosquito Lagoon & Indian River
Private Trip
Backcountry Fishing
Private 4-hour backcountry fishing adventure for two guestsTarget redfish and seatrout using multiple fishing techniquesAll equipment provided with flexible morning departure times
Looking for some quality time on the water without the crowds? This 4-hour private fishing trip with Capt. Karty puts you right in the heart of Florida's most productive inshore waters. We're talking Mosquito Lagoon and the Indian River—two legendary spots that have been delivering consistent action for decades. Whether you're an experienced angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip adapts to your skill level and whatever Mother Nature throws our way. At $450 for two people, you get a full morning of fishing from 6 AM to 12 PM, with flexible start times that work around your schedule. Best part? Everything's provided except your enthusiasm and a cooler full of snacks.
This isn't your typical charter boat experience—we're heading into the backcountry where the real magic happens. Mosquito Lagoon and the Indian River offer some of the most diverse fishing opportunities on Florida's east coast, from shallow grass flats to deeper channels where the big ones like to hang out. The trip runs during prime morning hours when fish are most active, and the cooler temperatures make for comfortable conditions. You'll be fishing from a shallow-draft boat that can access skinny water spots most bigger vessels can't reach. The beauty of going private means we can adjust our game plan on the fly—if the redfish are tailing in the shallows, we'll chase them there. If the seatrout are stacked up on structure, that's where we'll focus our efforts. Capt. Karty reads these waters like a favorite book, and his local knowledge puts you on fish consistently.
We've got you covered with a full arsenal of fishing techniques depending on conditions and what's biting. Light tackle is the name of the game here—it's way more fun fighting a redfish on appropriate gear than overpowering it with heavy stuff. Fly fishing enthusiasts will love working the grass flats for tailing reds, especially during moving tides when they're actively feeding. For those who prefer conventional tackle, we'll be throwing everything from soft plastics on jig heads to topwater poppers that create explosive surface strikes. Spinning gear works great for covering water and finding active schools, while jigging techniques help us stay connected to bottom structure where seatrout like to hold. All rods, reels, bait, and tackle are included—Capt. Karty keeps his gear in top condition and matched to local conditions. Just bring polarized sunglasses (trust me, you'll need them), sunscreen, and whatever drinks and snacks keep you happy on the water.
Sea trout are the bread and butter of these waters, and for good reason. These spotted beauties typically run 14-20 inches, with bigger gator trout pushing 25+ inches lurking in deeper holes and around structure. They're most active during cooler months from October through March, but you can find them year-round if you know where to look. What makes seatrout so appealing is their willingness to eat just about anything—live shrimp, soft plastics, topwater plugs, or a well-presented fly. They fight with surprising strength for their size, making multiple runs and head-shaking jumps that'll get your adrenaline pumping. The best part? They're excellent table fare when you decide to keep a few within regulations.
Redfish are the crown jewel of inshore fishing, and Mosquito Lagoon is famous for producing some of Florida's best red drum action. These copper-colored fighters typically range from 18-27 inches in these waters, with the occasional oversized bull red showing up to test your drag system. Spring and fall offer the most consistent action, but reds are here year-round and always hungry. What gets anglers hooked on redfish is their aggressive feeding behavior—watching a red crush a topwater bait in two feet of water is pure fishing magic. They're incredibly strong fighters that use their broad tails to make powerful runs, often heading straight for the nearest oyster bar or mangrove roots. Reds are also perfectly built for these shallow, grassy environments, using their downturned mouths to root out crabs and shrimp from the bottom.
This top-rated fishing experience books up quickly, especially during peak seasons when the bite is hot. The flexible cancellation policy (free with three days' notice) takes the stress out of planning, so you don't have to worry about weather or last-minute changes. Morning trips offer the best combination of fish activity and comfortable conditions, plus you'll still have your afternoon free for other activities. Whether you're a local angler looking to learn new waters or a visitor wanting to experience world-class inshore fishing, this private trip delivers the goods. Capt. Karty's reputation for putting clients on fish speaks for itself—this is the kind of guide service that creates fishing memories you'll be talking about for years. Don't wait until the last minute to secure your dates, especially if you're planning around holidays or tournament schedules when everyone wants to get on the water.
Hop aboard this restored 19-foot Day5 flats boat and get ready to fish the legendary shallows of Mosquito Lagoon and Indian River. Captain Karty's ride features a reliable 115HP Yamaha that'll get you to the fish fast, plus a wireless trolling motor for those sneaky approaches when redfish are tailing in skinny water. The boat's shallow draft design lets you access backcountry spots where bigger boats can't go, giving you first crack at untouched fishing grounds. Stay cool with the onboard icebox for your drinks and snacks, while the GPS and fish finder help locate structure and baitfish. Whether you're sight-casting to cruising seatrout or working the grass flats for reds, this boat handles it all. Recently restored in 2020, she's dialed in for serious fishing with space for two anglers to move around comfortably. Perfect for light tackle, fly fishing, or spinning gear adventures in some of Florida's most productive shallow water fisheries.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our flats fishing here in Mosquito Lagoon. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-30 inches and really know how to fight, peeling drag and making long runs in the shallows. Look for that distinctive black spot near the tail - it's their signature. They love super shallow water, sometimes with their backs showing, cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines in 1-4 feet. Fall and spring are peak times when they school up and feed aggressively. What guests love most is sight-fishing for them - watching a 25-pound red crush a topwater plug in two feet of water gets the heart pumping every time. They're also excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. Here's the key: when you spot one tailing or cruising, lead them by about 3 feet and let your bait sink to the bottom before starting a slow retrieve.
Salmo TruttaSpotted seatrout, or "specks" as we call them here, are one of the most reliable fish in these waters. They typically run 14-24 inches and about 1-5 pounds, with that beautiful silver body covered in black spots. You'll find them cruising grass flats in 2-6 feet of water, especially around structure like oyster bars and drop-offs. They feed heavily on shrimp and small baitfish, making them aggressive strikers. Early morning and evening are prime time, but they bite well all day in cooler months. What makes them special is their willingness to hit topwater lures and flies - that surface strike is something else. The meat is white, flaky, and delicious if you don't overcook it. Pro tip: when you see them tailing in shallow water, cast past them and work your bait back slowly - they spook easily but can't resist a well-placed shrimp imitation.
Oak Hill, FL