Capt. Chris Myers
July 17, 2011
Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Report
We are almost halfway through what has been an unusual summer in Mosquito Lagoon. While the redfishing has remained consistently good, there are still no tarpon, and very few jacks, ladyfish, and other summer visitors. The only explanation seems to be the lack of glass minnow and pilchard schools. Why they are not here is anyone's guess. The trout fishing has dropped off a bit as well. Some of the spots that had been producing dozens of fish for great catch and release light tackle action have stopped producing. Many of the spots have been hit hard by the daily cooler filling boats and the commercial anglers and they are nearly wiped out. You can still get into some decent action if you put in the time to look for them but you often have to move several times to find them.
On a positive note, the redfish action has been very good. The water is quite cloudy in most places making them tougher to see. You can get much closer to them in these conditions, however, and having dozens of shots within 20-30 feet of the boat is the norm. Having the proper eyewear is essential for seeing these fish. Copper, vermilion, or amber lenses will make a huge difference. Try it with gray and you may miss most of the fish. The bite has been consistent even through this last full moon. The DOA Baitbuster, followed by the 3 and 5 inch CAL tails, have been our best lures. If you get to the right spot at the right time, you may even encounter a redfish blitz. Seeing big schools of redfish acting like jack crevalle crashing mullet is not something you see every day in Mosquito Lagoon. If you do see it happening, drag a Baitbuster across the surface for some awesome surface bites.
This month started off with California angler Frank on board. Most of the morning was heavy clouds and even some rain and it was tough spotting the fish. We stuck it out and when the clouds parted, Frank landed several nice fish on the five inch silver mullet colored CAL.
Robert and Walter had an excellent day with shots at tons of redfish and catching some quality fish.
The following day's trip did not work out quite as well. We encountered hundreds of redfish throughout the morning. Unfortunately, not one cast ever landed in front of a fish. While many of the shots were under 30 feet, it sound much easier than it is. Like most other things, they are easy if you practice them. My client did not hook up but he had fun trying and learned some new techniques.
Brain and Mark landed six redfish the next day before we had to race back to the ramp to avoid an early thunderstorm.
That Friday was the last space shuttle launch. With some horrible weather in the morning, we did not think the launch would go up. Seth spent the morning fly fishing but spotting them was nearly impossible. He did get one nice red but you will not see it here as I had forgotten to put the memory card in my camera. The clouds began to part and we set up to watch the launch.
The past week produced some great weather and plenty of shots at 10-15 pound redfish. The black redfish worm fly caught fish as did the DOA Baitbuster, the 3 inch CAL and the 5 inch CAL.
While the slick calm summer days are great for spotting fish activity, the fish are ultra sensitive to unnatural noises. Squeaky shoes, loud steps, and the plop of a lure or bait will get the attention of the fish but not in a good way. The calmer it is, the more stealth you need to use.This time of year, the redfish will eat a wide variety of baits. If you cast a several fish and do not get a bite, switch styles until you find what works.
Catching the Big Reds
Summertime is an excellent time to do battle with one of the famous bull reds of Mosquito Lagoon. 20-40 pound redfish roam throughout the Lagoon but some places hold them more consistently that others. This year, several of the big fish "hotspots" do not seem to be producing as good as they usually do. This is most likely a result of constantly being driven over by boats and by overfishing pressure. Each week in the summer, I see trophy sized redfish floating dead from poor fighting and release tactics.
With the hot water, there is much lower dissolved oxygen in the water so fight times and photo sessions need to be kept to a minimum. Braided line and constant pressure will help in getting them to the boat quickly. If the fish is not taking out drag, you should be getting line back. Have the camera ready before removing the fish and get a quick shot and return it to the water. If you just toss them overboard, there is a good chance they will simply sink to the bottom and die. Hold the fish by the tail until it kicks free.
The southern end of the Lagoon near the Whale Tail has been holding big schools of large redfish. You have to get there early to beat the crowds and do not be surprised if boats drive in on top of you. The best chance is to get there early, get a couple fish, and get out before the fleet arrives to pound them the rest of the day. While many boats try and find the fish by "bumping" them with their motor, you are better off shutting down and poling or trolling quietly and watching for fins on the surface. This time of year, a shallow running Baitbuster in the surface will catch huge redfish. Drag the bait in front of or across the school but make sure it is on the surface or you will spook them.
Capt. Chris Myers
Central Florida Sight Fishing Charters
http://www.floridafishinglessons.com/
321-229-2848
Upcoming Seminars
The following seminars will be at Mosquito Creek Outdoors in Apopka. All classes are free unless otherwise indicated -
August 13 - Intoduction the Fly Fishing - 10-12 - Free - Capt. Chris Myers
Learn about fly fishing opportunities in central Florida as well as
how to choose equipment. Try your hand at casting as well.
August 20 - Snook Fishing Tactics - 10-12 - Captains Tom Van Horn and Chris Myers
September 3 - Fishing the Fall Mullet Run 10-12 - Captains Tom Van Horn and Chris Myers
September 10 - Fly Casting School - 9-1 - Capt. Chris Myers - $75
Advanced registration required, 6 students maximum. Learn how to fly cast
from certified casting instructor Chris Myers. All equipoment provided or
you can bring your own.
October 8 - Intoduction to Fly Fishing - 10-12
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