6 Hour Fishing Trip in Mosquito Lagoon
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour inshore fishing adventure with Captain Ryan BirgeTarget ten species including redfish, snook, and tarponSmall group charter accommodates up to three guests
When you're serious about fishing Florida's most productive shallow waters, Captain Ryan Birge and Coastal Water Charters have you covered. This six-hour fishing adventure puts you right in the heart of Mosquito Lagoon, where crystal-clear flats and grass beds hold some of the most sought-after inshore species on the East Coast. With room for up to three anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work your rods without bumping elbows. The lagoon's reputation speaks for itself - it consistently produces trophy fish that keep seasoned anglers coming back season after season.
Captain Ryan knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish from the moment you push off. Mosquito Lagoon offers a unique fishing environment where pristine water clarity lets you sight-fish cruising reds and spotted seatrout in knee-deep water. The lagoon system stretches for miles, giving you access to everything from shallow grass flats perfect for topwater action to deeper channels where jack crevalle patrol in schools. You'll spend your day moving between productive spots, adjusting techniques based on tides, weather, and what the fish are telling you. The captain provides all the local knowledge you need, from reading water color changes to timing your casts perfectly as fish move through their feeding patterns.
This lagoon fishing calls for finesse and versatility in your approach. You'll work with light spinning gear and circle hooks, perfect for the clear water conditions that make these fish extra spooky. Live shrimp under popping corks work magic for speckled trout and redfish, while cut bait gets the attention of black drum and sheepshead around structure. When the bite gets tough, switching to artificial lures like soft plastics and topwater plugs can trigger aggressive strikes. Captain Ryan will have you rigged up with the right gear for current conditions, whether that's bouncing jigs along the bottom for flounder or working the grass lines with weedless spoons. The shallow draft boat lets you access spots that bigger vessels can't reach, putting you on fish that rarely see pressure from other anglers.
Bluefish bring non-stop action when you find a feeding school in Mosquito Lagoon. These aggressive fighters typically run 2-8 pounds and hit lures with authority that'll wake you up fast. Spring and fall see the best bluefish action, when cooler water temps bring them into the shallows to chase bait. They're perfect for anglers who love fast fishing - once you locate a school, you can expect multiple hookups and steady action until they move on to their next feeding zone.
Black drum are the bulldozers of the lagoon, with fish ranging from 5-pound "puppy" drum up to 40-pound giants that'll test your drag system. These bottom-dwellers love structure and drop-offs, where they root around for crabs and shellfish. Winter months produce the biggest black drum, when mature fish move into the lagoon to spawn. The fight is all about power and endurance - they don't jump, but they'll pull steady and strong until your arms burn.
Sheepshead earn their nickname as the "convict fish" with distinctive black stripes, but they're better known for having the best table fare in the lagoon. These 2-8 pound fish have human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles and oysters around docks and pilings. They're notorious bait thieves with a light bite that requires patience and skill to detect. Target them around any hard structure during cooler months when they school up in good numbers.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Mosquito Lagoon fishing, with slot-size fish from 18-27 inches providing world-class sight fishing opportunities. These copper-colored fighters love shallow grass flats where you can watch them tail and cruise in skinny water. Fall brings the best redfish action when they school up in massive numbers before heading offshore to spawn. The visual aspect makes every cast exciting - watching a red turn on your bait in clear water never gets old.
Crevalle Jack bring raw power to the fight that's hard to match pound-for-pound. These silver bullets range from 5-20 pounds in the lagoon and fight like fish twice their size. They school up around bait pods and strike lures with incredible violence, often jumping multiple times during the battle. Summer months see the most consistent jack action, when they patrol deeper channels and ambush points looking for easy meals. Fair warning - they'll wear you out, but the adrenaline rush is worth every minute.
Mosquito Lagoon fishing with Captain Ryan delivers exactly what serious anglers want - consistent action, diverse species, and the chance at trophy fish in one of Florida's most pristine fisheries. Six hours gives you time to work different areas and techniques while the captain adapts to changing conditions throughout the day. Whether you're after your first redfish on topwater or looking to add lagoon species to your life list, this trip puts you in position for success. The lagoon's year-round fishing means there's never a bad time to book, though each season brings its own opportunities and target species. Contact Coastal Water Charters to secure your dates and get ready for some of the best inshore fishing Florida has to offer.
Your fishing adventure starts aboard an 18' Bossman boat that's perfect for getting into those shallow waters where the big fish hide. This nimble vessel handles Mosquito Lagoon's flats like a dream and comfortably holds up to 4 anglers, though 2-3 is the sweet spot for maximum fishing room. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during those hot Florida days on the water. Captain Ryan knows exactly where the redfish cruise the grass beds and where snook ambush baitfish along the mangrove shorelines. Whether you're sight-casting to tailing reds or working the deeper channels for trout and drum, this boat gets you right where the action is happening in one of Florida's most productive fishing spots.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the lagoon, commonly running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 50-plus. These bottom-huggers love shallow muddy flats and oyster beds where they crush crabs and shellfish with those powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear them "drumming" underwater. They're tough fighters that use their weight and that broad tail to wear you down. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make great table fare with mild, flaky meat. Bigger fish get tough and are better released. Here's the key: use fresh crab or cut bait on the bottom, and when you feel that telltale tapping, don't set the hook too quick - let them really take it before you lean into them.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that show up in Mosquito Lagoon during warmer months, typically running 3-15 pounds with that distinctive blue-green back. These guys are pure muscle and will hit just about anything that moves - they're famous for going on feeding frenzies even when they're already full. You'll find them cruising open water and along drop-offs, often following baitfish schools. What makes them fun is that explosive strike and the way they fight all the way to the boat. They're excellent eating when fresh, especially the smaller ones under 10 pounds. My tip: when you see birds working the surface, get there fast with a silver spoon or cut bait - bluefish create that classic "washing machine" action that drives the birds crazy.
Caranx HipposJack crevalle are the bullies of Mosquito Lagoon - pure muscle wrapped in brassy gold scales that'll test your tackle to the limit. These bruisers typically run 10-25 pounds and travel in aggressive schools that push baitfish to the surface. Look for diving birds - that's your sign jacks are feeding below. They prefer open water and channel edges where they can ambush prey. Summer through fall offers the best action when they're most active. Guests love the raw power and non-stop fight these fish deliver. They're not great table fare, but the sport is unmatched. Here's my go-to trick: when you find a school, cast a large silver spoon past them and reel fast - jacks can't resist the chase, and that first hit will nearly rip the rod from your hands.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of Mosquito Lagoon, easily spotted by that signature black spot near the tail and copper-colored sides. They average 18-30 inches and love cruising the shallow grass flats in just 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Year-round fishing is good, but fall and winter are prime when they school up in big numbers. What makes them special is that explosive topwater bite and the way they peel drag on long runs. Plus they're great eating with mild, sweet meat. The lagoon's gin-clear water lets you sight-fish them, which is pure magic. Pro tip: when you spot a school, cast well ahead of them with a gold spoon or topwater plug - these fish spook easily but once hooked, they'll give you a fight to remember.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of the lagoon with those distinctive black stripes and human-like teeth that can crack barnacles like potato chips. Most run 1-8 pounds, though 15-pounders show up around docks and bridge pilings where they feed. They're notorious bait thieves - those teeth let them nibble your hook clean without you knowing. Spring months are best when they're more active around structure. What guests love is the challenge and the reward - they're some of the best eating fish we catch with sweet, flaky white meat. The trick is getting close to structure without spooking them and using small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs. When you feel that subtle tap-tap-tap, set the hook hard immediately or they'll steal your bait every time.
Titusville