Mosquito Lagoon Fly Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target tailing redfish in crystalclear shallow watersAccommodate up to 2 guests on inshore fly fishing tripsOptional targeting of trout, snook, and tarpon available
Picture this: you're standing on the bow of our skiff, rod in hand, watching a massive redfish tail in crystal-clear water just 30 feet away. The sun's barely up, the water's like glass, and you're about to make the cast of a lifetime. That's what we're talking about when we invite you to fish Mosquito Lagoon with Weird Water Fishing Charters. This isn't your average fishing trip – it's sight fishing at its absolute finest, where every cast counts and every fish you hook will test your skills to the limit.
Mosquito Lagoon is hands down one of Florida's premier fly fishing destinations, and for good reason. We're talking about a massive shallow water system that stretches for miles, with grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines that hold some serious fish. Your day starts early – we like to be on the water before sunrise to catch these reds during their morning feeding frenzy. You'll spend most of your time up on the poling platform or casting deck, scanning the flats for tailing fish, nervous water, or those telltale wakes that give away a cruising redfish. The lagoon's shallow nature means we're often fishing in water that's only knee-deep, which makes for some heart-pounding visual fishing. When conditions are right, we can spot fish from over 100 yards away, giving you plenty of time to get into position for that perfect presentation. The water clarity here is legendary – on a good day, you can see bottom in 4 feet of water like you're looking through air.
We're running a technical shallow water game here, so your casting skills better be dialed in. Bring your best double haul because you'll need it – these fish don't give you second chances on sloppy casts. We typically fish 8 or 9 weight rods with floating lines, though having an intermediate line ready can save the day when fish are holding deeper. Your fly selection needs to match the hatch and the bottom – think shrimp patterns, crab flies, and baitfish imitations in colors that won't spook these educated fish. We're talking size 2 to 1/0 hooks most of the time, with some smaller offerings when the fish get picky. The poling skiff we use is designed specifically for this kind of fishing – ultra-shallow draft, quiet as a church mouse, and stable enough to make long casts without wobbling around. We'll position ourselves based on wind, tide, and where we're marking fish, often poling into position so we don't spook anything with the motor. Distance casting isn't always necessary, but accuracy is everything. A redfish feeding in two feet of water will bolt if your fly lands too close, but drop it in the right feeding lane and watch magic happen.
The redfish in Mosquito Lagoon are absolutely world-class, with fish ranging from scrappy 18-inchers that'll test your drag system to absolute bulls pushing 35+ inches that can strip line like you wouldn't believe. These aren't your typical muddy water reds – lagoon fish are bronze-colored beauties with perfect spots and serious attitude. Sea trout here run bigger than most places, with gator trout over 24 inches being a real possibility, especially during cooler months when they gang up in deeper pockets. The snook population has been bouncing back strong, and when you hook one of these ambush predators around the mangroves, you better hold on tight. They'll jump, they'll run for cover, and they'll test every knot you tied that morning. Tarpon roll through the lagoon during warmer months, and while they're not always cooperative, when they are, you're in for the fight of your life. Even our "smaller" tarpon here run 40-80 pounds, which is more than enough fish to put you in your backing and keep you busy for 20 minutes. Sheepshead might not get your heart racing like a tarpon, but these structure-loving convict fish are some of the best eating you'll find, and they're notorious for their light bites that'll test your hook-setting reflexes.
Redfish are the stars of the show here, and Mosquito Lagoon reds are special. These copper-colored fighters average 22-28 inches, with plenty of oversized fish that'll make your reel sing. They feed aggressively in the mornings and late afternoons, cruising the flats looking for crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish. Spring and fall are prime time, but we catch quality reds year-round. What makes them so exciting is the visual aspect – watching a 30-inch red tip down and tail in skinny water never gets old, and when they eat your fly, the initial run will remind you why redfish are considered one of the best game fish in the salt.
Sea trout in the lagoon are healthier and bigger than most places you'll fish. We're talking about fish that average 16-20 inches, with legitimate gator trout over 25 inches being caught regularly. Winter months are peak season when they school up in deeper holes and creek mouths. They're aggressive feeders but can be finicky about presentation – sometimes they want a slow retrieve, other times they'll only eat a fly that's moving fast. The bigger females are incredible fighters that'll jump and thrash on the surface.
Snook are the ultimate sight fishing challenge here. These ambush predators love hanging around mangrove edges, dock pilings, and oyster bars where they can attack unsuspecting prey. They're most active during warmer months and around new and full moons when baitfish are most active. A big snook hooked in shallow water is pure chaos – they'll jump, gill rattle, and try every trick in the book to throw your
Get ready to chase redfish in the pristine shallow waters of Mosquito Lagoon aboard our 2019 Beavertail Skiff. This sleek flats boat is built specifically for sight fishing, powered by a reliable 60HP Suzuki that'll get you to the fish quickly and quietly. With a top speed of 35 knots, we'll cover water fast to find those tailing reds cruising the skinny water. The skiff comes equipped with GPS navigation to hit the best fishing spots and a fish finder to locate structure where trout and snook hang out. Perfect for two anglers who want room to cast without tangling lines. The shallow draft design lets us pole into areas where bigger boats can't go, putting you right on top of feeding redfish. Whether you're sight casting to tailers or working the grass flats for big trout, this boat handles the shallow backcountry like a dream. Bring your 8-weight and get ready to watch redfish crush your fly in crystal clear water.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are what Mosquito Lagoon is famous for - copper-colored bruisers with that distinctive black spot near the tail. Most fish run 20-30 inches, but we regularly see slot busters over 35 inches cruising these flats. They love shallow water from 6 inches to 4 feet, often tailing in the grass beds. Fall and spring offer the best sight fishing when the water's clear and fish are actively feeding. What makes them special is watching them eat your fly in crystal-clear water - pure visual excitement. They're strong fighters and excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. Year-round fishing here, but cooler months concentrate them in deeper pockets. Lead them by 3-4 feet with your cast and let the fly sink before starting a slow strip. When they tip down to feed, that's your shot.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are perfect for lighter tackle and make great targets when redfish are being picky. They average 14-20 inches with bigger fish pushing 4-5 pounds. Look for them over grass flats in 2-6 feet, especially near drop-offs and current edges. Fall and winter are prime time when they school up in deeper holes. Spring brings them shallow for spawning. Guests love their aggressive strikes and the way they fight on fly gear - plus they're some of the best eating fish around with sweet, flaky meat. They feed heavily on shrimp and small baitfish. During cooler months, work your fly slower near the bottom where they suspend in schools. A shrimp pattern stripped slowly over grass beds is deadly, but switch to topwater flies during warmer weather when they're actively feeding up top.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of the flats - silver with bold black stripes and human-like teeth that crush barnacles and crabs. Most run 2-5 pounds and 14-18 inches around docks, bridges, and oyster bars. They're year-round residents but winter months bring the biggest schools when they stack up for spawning. What makes them fun is they're notorious bait thieves with a delicate bite, so you need quick reflexes. The meat is outstanding - sweet, white fillets that rival any inshore fish. They hang tight to structure in 3-15 feet, picking off crabs and shrimp. My trick is using a small crab pattern on a jig head, getting it right against the pilings. Feel for that subtle tick and set the hook immediately. Wait too long and they'll steal your fly clean off the hook.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are solid fighters that love hanging around mangroves, docks, and structure in 1-6 feet of water. Most run 18-28 inches, but we see plenty in the 30+ range during warmer months. They're ambush predators with that distinctive black lateral line, and they hit flies hard when you place them right. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially around moving water during tide changes. What makes them special is their explosive strike and the way they'll jump and run for cover. They're great table fare too - firm, white meat that's hard to beat. Here's a tip: cast your fly past the structure and strip it back parallel to the cover. Don't fish right into it or you'll spook them. Let the fly sink a bit before starting your retrieve.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the kings of shallow water fly fishing - pure adrenaline on the end of your line. Most fish we hook range 40-80 pounds, but we see giants over 100 regularly. They cruise the flats in 2-8 feet of water, often rolling on the surface. Late spring through summer is prime time when they're most active in the shallows. What guests love is watching a 6-foot silver rocket explode from the water when hooked. These fish will test every bit of your tackle and technique. They're not great eating, so we practice catch and release. The key is leading them properly with your cast - aim 6 feet ahead of a moving school and strip fast once they turn toward your fly. Keep that rod tip down during the fight or they'll throw the hook on those spectacular jumps.
Oak Hill, FL, United States