November 7, 2009
Capt. Chris Myers
Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Report
Some high winds have descended upon central Florida and are forecast to remain with us for much of the coming week. The wind has made sight fishing difficult but we have managed to catch some nice redfish and seatrout despite the challenging conditions. Water levels are still quite high but the temperature has dropped significantly with yesterday morning's water at 66 degrees. If conditions allow you to find the fish, they have been biting.
Last week, prior to the arrival of the cooler temperatures, I made a trip to Mosquito Lagoon with my friend Mike. We hoped we would be able to find a few tarpon lingering around. We only saw a couple and did not get any bites. The redfish and large seatrout, however, were much more cooperative. We caught several of each on a DOA shrimp and used the Baitbuster for some redfish double hookups.
This Monday, I made a solo trip to Mosquito Lagoon. It was the first day of the cloudy and blustery weather. I used 5.5 inch DOA Cal lures in Stark Naked and Silver Mullet colors to catch several trout over 24 inches as well as three redfish from 30-38 inches. All were caught around schools of small mullet holding around patches of shallow grass and sand.
Tuesday, I fished with Larry and his wife Debbie. The wind was blowing when we started but they both caught several trout to 25 inches using the CAL tails. We found a few schools of redfish as well as scattered singles during the day. The wind and clouds made it tough to see and cast to the fish. A handful of trout were caught and released but no redfish made it to the boat.
The forecast for Friday was for winds up to 20 mph. Despite the poor conditions, Canadian residents Mark and Marianne wanted to give it a try anyway. We spent the day along some lee shorelines attempting to avoid the choppy open waters. Both caught some nice redfish including a 48 inch brute.
When the wind dies down, the cooler water should produce some good fishing for tailing redfish. Trophy trout have made their way onto the flats and can be found in the shallow sand holes throughout the day. We have been seeing some black drum each day as well. The DOA shrimp is one of the few lures that is effective on all three species. Fish it very slow on the bottom for best results.
Upcoming Seminars
Thursday, November 12, 6-8pm - Introduction to Fly Fishing
Mosquito Creek Outdoors, Apopka
Saturday and Sunday, November 14 and 15 - 1pm - Sight Fishing the Flats
Florida Sportman Fishing Expo, Central Florida Farigrounds Orlando
Saturday, November 21, 10-12pm - Basic Fly Catsing
Mosquito Creek Outdoors, Apopka
Saturday, November 28 - Sight Fishing the Flats
Coastal Angler Magazine Fishing Boating and Outdoors Fall Festival The Barn - Sanford
A Time of Change
It held on a bit longer than usual but it looks as if summer is finally gone. The winter winds have already begun and the water is cooling. Each day, I see fewer schools of bait fish and soon most of them will be gone as well. As the weather changes, the fish, in turn, will change their behavior as well. The big winter trout have wasted no time returning to the shallow flats and the redfish will soon be tailing on calm days.
To be effective in winter, it is usually necessary to offer the fish something small that imitates a crab or shrimp. I always have a DOA shrimp on one rod and a crab on the other this time of year. When we see a fish tailing we know it is eating, It is up to us to give them what they want. When the wind is blowing, as it will be on many days for the next several months, all the time spent practicing casting accuracy will pay off. A bait thrown high above the water will be blown off target every time. Low straight casts are needed to land on target. Tailing fish have a very small zone of interest and you need to get your bait within inches of them to get their attention.
Winter also means the sun we be well to the south. With winds coming out of the north on most days, you will need to fish into the wind to be able to see the fish. Going with the wind may mean running over a whole school of fish before you ever notice them.
Capt. Chris Myers
Central Florida Sight Fishing Charters
http://www.floridafishinglessons.com/
321-229-2848
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