Mosquito Lagoon Fly Fishing Guide

I am a full time Mosquito Lagoon Fly Fishing Guide with over 20 years experience targeting redfish, seatrout, black drum, tarpon, and more. Trips are year-round on the saltwater flats of Mosquito Lagoon and the Indian River Lagoon. I am one of only two guides in central Florida certified as a Fly Casting Instructor by Fly Fishers International. That means you’ll get more than just a fishing trip — I provide instruction on casting technique, fly selection, and presentation to help you succeed. With a fly fishing specialist as your guide, your chances of hooking up improve dramatically.

Year-round, anglers on my fly fishing charters can target redfish (red drum), spotted seatrout (speckled trout), and black drum in Mosquito Lagoon and the Indian River. These species thrive on shallow grass flats in water less than two feet deep. The primary method here is sight fishing: you stand on the bow while I pole the boat quietly from the back, spotting fish together and casting to visible targets.

In summer and fall, migratory species join the mix — tarpon, snook, ladyfish, and jack crevalle. I especially enjoy targeting juvenile tarpon on the fly. These 5–20 pound fish are abundant in the hottest months and respond aggressively to well-presented flies. Once hooked, they explode into aerial jumps and flips, delivering one of the most exciting experiences in fly fishing.

I fish from New Smyrna Beach in the very north end of Mosquito Lagoon to the northern Indian River Lagoon near Titusville and Mims, to other sections of the Indian River near Cocoa to the south. This diverse estuary offers plenty of different fishing locations and opportunities

The Mosquito Lagoon begins near New Smyrna Beach and extends south for about 22 miles near the Kennedy Space Center. The north Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon are two of the best saltwater fly fishing destinations Central Florida has to offer. Both locations provide excellent year-round opportunities and are within an hour of Orlando, Disney, Daytona Beach, Cocoa Beach, and New Smyrna Beach. I offer fly fishing charters for redfish and more throughout the year, with winter and spring being especially productive. Watch this fly fishing for redfish video to see an angler casting to and landing a redfish from my boat.

For trip preparation, watch my video on preparing for your saltwater fly fishing trip. This tutorial covers the most important tips for transitioning from freshwater to saltwater fly fishing, as well as the most common mistakes anglers make before and after the cast.

You are welcome to bring your own favorite fly rod, or use mine at no extra cost.If you’d like to tie your own or bring your own gear, start with my article on how to choose a fly rod, reel, and line for redfish. I provide quality rods in 5, 7, 9, 10, and 12 weights. While many fish can be caught on a 5-weight, the 7-weight is often easier to cast into the wind and better for longer distances. Most anglers fish with a 7- or 8-weight rod. Only floating lines are needed when fly fishing the flats of Mosquito Lagoon. A 9–10 ft tapered leader ending in 15 lb test is standard. For an extra challenge, you can even bring a smaller rod — here’s a video on catching redfish on a 3-weight.

The cost of your charter includes all flies. I tie my own patterns, many of which are unique and do not have official names. If you’d like to tie your own, I recommend unweighted or lightly weighted weedless flies on size 2, 4, or 6 hooks. During the summer, topwater flies such as gurglers and poppers can be very effective. Redfish, seatrout, and tarpon will eat a wide variety of flies, but on most days the accuracy and speed of your cast are far more important than the specific fly. Common patterns include shrimp, crab, mullet, and minnow imitations.

Fly fishing charters near New Smyrna Beach on the saltwater flats of Mosquito Lagoon are generally not ideal for complete beginners because success depends heavily on casting ability. Stealth, speed, and accuracy are the keys to catching redfish and other species here. Anglers should be able to cast at least 50 feet in three strokes or fewer, with tight loops for accuracy. A double haul is a definite advantage, but not required.

Shots can range from extremely close to over 50 feet, with the average cast falling between 25–40 feet. Fish may appear on either side of the boat, so it’s important to practice casting at different angles. Watch my video on the saltwater quick cast for tips. If your casting needs work, even a little practice or a lesson before your trip will dramatically increase your chances of success. Trying to make major changes while sight fishing is an unrealisitic expectation — preparation is key.

If you want to understand the visual side of the game before you step on the skiff, my Sight Fishing 101 guide walks through how to spot wakes, tails, and subtle movements on the flats, plus how to position the boat and place your cast so more of your shots at redfish and trout turn into solid hook-ups.

Note on conditions: Optimal fly fishing conditions are clear skies and light winds. Poor visibility or high winds can make fly fishing difficult. I always carry backup spinning gear you are welcome to use if conditions are tough. Charters cannot be cancelled and deposits refunded due to clouds or wind, but rescheduling will be offered if available.