Trout & Black Drum Fishing in Mosquito Lagoon
Captain Tony knows every grass flat, oyster bar, and drop-off in Mosquito Lagoon like the back of his hand. This 6-hour charter targets some of Florida's most sought-after inshore species in waters that consistently produce trophy catches. You'll fish the pristine flats around New Smyrna Beach and work the productive edges of Mosquito Lagoon, where sea trout school up thick and black drum cruise the shallow waters. With space for just two anglers, this top-rated trip gives you personalized attention and puts you on fish that'll make your day memorable.
What to Expect on the Water
Your morning starts early when Captain Tony picks you up at the dock, boat loaded with everything you need for a successful day. The shallow draft skiff is perfect for navigating the skinny water where these fish love to hang out. You'll spend your time sight fishing the grass beds, working the mangrove shorelines, and targeting structure that holds baitfish. The lagoon system offers incredible variety - one minute you're casting to tailing redfish in two feet of water, the next you're working deeper channels where black drum patrol. Captain Tony reads the conditions and adjusts throughout the day, moving between spots based on tides, wind, and what the fish are telling him. This isn't a cookie-cutter trip - it's adaptive fishing at its finest.
Tackle & Techniques
All your gear is provided, from spinning rods matched to the conditions down to the tackle box full of proven baits. Captain Tony runs a mix of live bait and artificials depending on what's working best. Live shrimp fished under popping corks is deadly on sea trout, while cut bait on the bottom draws in those hefty black drum. For the redfish and snook, you might throw soft plastics along the mangroves or work topwater plugs over the grass flats when conditions are right. The boat is rigged with a Minn Kota trolling motor for silent approaches and has all the safety gear required by the Coast Guard. You'll learn techniques that work specifically in this system - how to read the water, where fish position based on tides, and which baits trigger strikes when others fail.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Sea trout are the bread and butter of Mosquito Lagoon, and for good reason. These spotted beauties run anywhere from keeper size up to trophy gator trout pushing 6-7 pounds. They school up over grass beds and around structure, feeding heavily on shrimp and small baitfish. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, though winter can produce some of the biggest fish of the year. What makes trout fishing here special is the sheer numbers - on a good day, you might boat 20-30 fish while working toward that personal best.
Black drum fishing in the lagoon is world-class, with fish ranging from puppy drum in the shallows to bull reds that'll test your drag system. These copper-colored fighters are notorious for their powerful runs and stubborn fights. They feed heavily on crabs and shrimp along oyster bars and grass edges, making them perfect targets for sight fishing. Fall and winter months typically produce the largest specimens, though you'll find good numbers year-round. Nothing beats watching a big drum cruise through clear water before making your cast.
Redfish are the crown jewel of inshore fishing, and Mosquito Lagoon produces some beauties. These bronze-backed fighters love shallow water and aren't shy about showing themselves. You'll often see them tailing in the grass or cruising the mangrove edges looking for an easy meal. Reds in the 20-28 inch slot are common, with oversized bulls mixed in to keep things interesting. They're aggressive feeders and put up fights that'll leave your arms sore - in the best way possible.
Snook add an element of excitement to every trip with their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps. These ambush predators lurk around structure, waiting to slam whatever looks like food. The lagoon's mangrove shorelines and dock pilings hold good numbers, especially during warmer months. Landing a slot snook requires skill and a little luck - they're notorious for throwing hooks and finding every piece of structure around. When you do land one, you'll understand why they're considered one of Florida's premier gamefish.
Time to Book Your Spot
This customer favorite charter books up quickly, especially during peak seasons when the fishing is hot. Captain Tony's local knowledge and dedication to putting his clients on fish has earned him a reputation as one of the area's most reliable guides. The 6-hour format gives you plenty of time to work different spots and techniques while still getting you back to shore at a reasonable hour. Whether you're looking to check a new species off your list or hoping to land a personal best, this trip delivers the goods. Don't wait to secure your dates - the best fishing days fill up fast, and you don't want to miss out on what could be the trip of a lifetime.