3 Hour Morning Fishing Trip in Mosquito Lagoon
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Expert guide targets ten inshore species including redfish and snookThreehour morning departure accommodates up to three guests maximumMosquito Lagoon charter focuses on black drum and speckled trout
Want to beat the heat and catch some of Florida's best inshore fish? Our 3-hour morning fishing trip in Mosquito Lagoon starts early when the fish are most active and the water is still cool. This shallow water paradise is home to some of the most sought-after species on the East Coast, and our experienced guides know exactly where to find them. With crystal-clear water and grass flats that stretch for miles, Mosquito Lagoon offers sight fishing opportunities that'll get your heart pumping. We keep our trips small with just 3 anglers max, so you'll get plenty of hands-on attention and prime fishing time. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, this morning adventure will show you why Mosquito Lagoon is considered one of Florida's top-rated fishing destinations.
We launch before sunrise to take advantage of the best bite times when predator fish are hunting in the shallows. Mosquito Lagoon is a massive estuary system with endless grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines that create perfect habitat for our target species. The water here is incredibly clear - often 4 to 6 feet of visibility - which means you'll actually see fish before you cast to them. Our guides use shallow draft skiffs that can run in less than a foot of water, getting us into spots where bigger boats can't go. The morning hours are magic here, with mullet flipping everywhere and baitfish schools dimpling the surface. You'll work productive flats where redfish cruise in skinny water, drift over grass beds loaded with trout, and target structure where sheepshead and black drum hang out. The scenery is pretty special too - this is part of the Canaveral National Seashore, so you'll see dolphins, manatees, and tons of bird life while you fish.
We fish primarily with artificial lures and live bait depending on conditions and what's biting best. Sight fishing is huge here - we'll pole the boat quietly through shallow areas while you watch for fish cruising or tailing. When we spot them, it's all about accurate casting and proper presentation. We use medium-light spinning tackle with 10-15 pound braid for most situations, giving you great sensitivity to feel subtle bites while having enough backbone to pull fish out of structure. Live shrimp under popping corks work great for trout and redfish, while soft plastics like paddle tails and shrimp imitations are deadly when worked slowly over grass beds. For sheepshead around structure, we'll rig up with small hooks and pieces of shrimp or fiddler crabs. When black drum are feeding on oyster bars, fresh cut bait is hard to beat. Our guides will teach you how to read the water, identify feeding signs, and adjust your technique based on what the fish want that day. All tackle, bait, and instruction are included - you just need to bring yourself and maybe some snacks for the boat.
Bluefish are one of the most aggressive predators in Mosquito Lagoon and absolutely destroy topwater lures when they're feeding. These silver bullets typically run 2-5 pounds here and travel in schools, so when you find one, you'll usually find more. They're most active during moving water and low light conditions, making our early morning trips perfect timing. Bluefish hit hard and fight dirty, making long runs and trying to cut your line with their razor-sharp teeth. What makes them so exciting to catch is their explosive strikes - they'll blast a topwater plug right out of the water. Fall and winter months bring the best bluefish action as they migrate south along the coast.
Black drum are the heavyweights of the flats, with fish ranging from 15-40 pounds common in these waters. These bottom feeders love oyster bars and hard structure where they root around for crabs and shellfish. You'll hear them before you see them - their pharyngeal teeth make a distinctive crunching sound as they crush oysters. Black drum are incredible fighters that use their broad sides and powerful tails to make strong runs toward structure. They're year-round residents but fish best during cooler months when they're more active in shallow water. Landing a big black drum on light tackle is a true test of angling skill and endurance.
Sheepshead are the thieves of Mosquito Lagoon, famous for stealing bait with their human-like teeth and light bite. These black and white striped fish hang around any kind of structure - docks, pilings, oyster bars, and rock piles. They typically run 1-4 pounds but occasionally we'll hook into a doormat over 6 pounds. Sheepshead require finesse fishing with small hooks and fresh bait, and you need to set the hook at the slightest tap. They're excellent table fare and provide great action during winter months when they school up in deeper water near structures. The challenge of consistently hooking sheepshead keeps even experienced anglers on their toes.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Mosquito Lagoon fishing and the species most anglers dream about catching here. These copper-colored fighters cruise the grass flats in schools, often with their backs out of water as they feed in inches-deep water. Reds here typically range from 18-27 inches with occasional oversized fish over 30 inches. They're ambush predators that inhale baits aggressively, then make powerful runs toward deep water or structure. Sight fishing for tailing redfish in skinny water is as good as it gets in the fishing world. These fish are available year-round but fall brings the best action when they school up for their spawning runs. The combination of their fighting ability, beauty, and challenging presentation makes redfish the most sought-after species in the lagoon.
Crevalle jack, or just "jacks" as we call
Your 3-hour morning adventure starts aboard our reliable 18' Bossman motorboat, perfectly sized for serious anglers heading into Mosquito Lagoon's productive waters. This compact fishing machine handles up to 4 people, though we recommend 2-3 anglers for the most comfortable fishing experience with plenty of elbow room to work the flats and channels. The boat comes equipped with an icebox to keep your drinks cold and store your catch fresh throughout the morning. Whether you're targeting redfish in the shallows, working the grass beds for speckled trout, or casting for snook around structure, this nimble 18-footer gets you into the spots where bigger boats can't go. The shallow draft design is ideal for navigating Mosquito Lagoon's skinny water, letting you reach those prime fishing areas where the big fish hide. Perfect for families or small groups who want to experience some of Florida's best inshore fishing without the crowds.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the lagoon, commonly running 5-30 pounds with some monsters pushing 50+ pounds. These bottom-feeders love oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths where they crush crabs and shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring spawning season is prime time when they school up in shallow water. The smaller fish under 15 pounds make great eating with mild, flaky meat, but the big bulls are better released. They're famous for that deep, steady pull that'll test your drag. Here's the key: fresh crab bait fished right on the bottom works best. Keep your line tight - they're notorious for picking up bait and spitting it out before you feel the bite.
Pomatomus SaltatrixThese aggressive feeders are some of the most exciting fish to target in Mosquito Lagoon. Bluefish typically run 3-15 pounds and are known for their razor-sharp teeth and fierce strikes. You'll find them in deeper channels and around structure, especially during their feeding frenzies when they push baitfish to the surface. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps are right. What makes them special is their hard fight and excellent table fare when prepared fresh. The smaller ones under 10 pounds have the best flavor. Pro tip: use a wire leader and keep your fingers clear when unhooking - those teeth can do serious damage even after they're boated.
Caranx HipposJack Crevalle are the muscle cars of the lagoon - built for speed and power. These brassy fighters average 3-8 pounds but can hit 20+ pounds, and they'll test every knot you tie. Look for them busting bait around deeper flats, channel edges, and anywhere birds are diving. They school up and feed aggressively, especially during warmer months. Jacks are pure adrenaline - once hooked, they make blistering runs that'll smoke your drag. While they're not great table fare, the fight more than makes up for it. Watch for diving birds to find feeding schools, then cast silver spoons or topwater plugs past the action and reel fast. They love the chase and rarely refuse a moving target.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of shallow water fishing in Mosquito Lagoon. These copper-colored beauties typically run 18-30 inches and are famous for that distinctive black spot near the tail. You'll find them tailing in 1-3 feet of water around grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines. They're year-round residents but really turn on during cooler months. What makes reds special is their willingness to eat topwater lures and their bulldogging fight in shallow water. Plus they're excellent table fare. The secret is staying quiet and making long casts to feeding fish - they spook easily in skinny water. Watch for their tails and backs pushing water when they're feeding.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the pickpockets of the lagoon with their human-like teeth and sneaky bait-stealing ways. Most run 1-5 pounds around docks, pilings, and oyster bars where they pick off barnacles and crabs. Those black stripes earned them the nickname "convict fish." Winter through spring is peak season when they're most active. Anglers love the challenge - they're notorious for nibbling bait clean off hooks. The payoff is some of the best eating fish around with sweet, white meat. The trick is using small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, getting tight to structure, and setting the hook hard the moment you feel weight. They'll test your patience but reward your persistence.
Titusville