Frequently Asked Questions About Fishing Charters
Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Guide Captain Chris Myers - Fishing Near Orlando

What type of fish will we catch?
The primary species I target are redfish, spotted seatrout, black drum,
and tarpon. Other species you may catch include jack crevalle,
ladyfish, flounder, mangrove snapper, snook, and tripletail. You may
request to target a specific species or we can pursue whatever is
biting the best.

Do you use live bait or artificial?
For most species, we will use a variety of artificial lures. Bait is not
necessary to catch our fish. On occasion, conditions or angler
experience may mean fishing with bait will be more effective. Live or
natural baits, if required, are provided at no extra cost.

Do I need a license?
I provide the fishing license and there is no additional charge.

What do I need to bring?
You will need some polarized sunglasses with copper, vermilion,
brown or dark amber lenses, hat, rain gear, and non marking footwear
(please do not wear black soled shoes). Additionally, you may
bring any food or beverage you think you will need. I provide all tackle,
baits, and licenses. If you have a favorite rod or reel you would like to
use bring it along.

Where are you located?
Most of my fishing charters are in the Mosquito Lagoon or Indian River
inside the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. These waters are on
Florida's east coast one hour from Orlando between the cities of
Daytona Beach and Cocoa Beach. It is also directly east and the
closest saltwater fishing to Orlando. Other locations my clients
commonly stay are New Smyrna Beach, Kissimmee, Titusville, and
Walt Disney World property.

Is this Deep Sea Fishing?
No, this is shallow water flats fishing. I fish the inshore protected salt
waters of Mosquito Lagoon and the Indian River. It is like being on a
saltwater lake. None of my clients have ever experienced sea
sickness during a charter.

How many people will be on the boat?
My charters are designed for one or two anglers. We fish from a 16 ft
flats skiff to be able to access the shallow waters where the fish feed.
The only people on the boat are the persons in your party.

How many fish will we catch?
Several factors influence the number of fish that are caught each trip
including the weather, angler skill, and willingness of the fish to eat.
The species of fish that are targeted also is important. One cannot
expect to catch twenty tarpon in a day but it is not unrealistic to catch a
combination of twenty trout and redfish. Of course, some days yield
greater catches than others and nobody can give a certain number on
how many fish will be caught. However, the most consistent factor
influencing the number of fish caught is the angler's casting ability.
Sight fishing for redfish and trout in shallow water is not something
one can expect to master in a day. This type of fishing requires the
ability to see the fish and then be able to place an accurate cast into
the strike zone. Assuming the fish are willing to feed, the more
accurate you can cast, the more fish you will catch.

What about children?
Exposing kids to fishing is a great way to keep them focused on
something positive. Kids are often happy to catch fish of any size or
species. Taking a child to purse tailing redfish in shallow water is
setting them up for failure unless they have an above average level of
casting and fishing skill. When fishing with children, we will target
species which are easy for them to catch and provide steady action.
Fishing for slot sized seatrout, ladyfish, or jacks, will provide plenty of
rod bending action to keep younger anglers interested.

Can we keep our catch?
My policy is catch and release only for all redfish, trout, and snook.
The only exception to this rule will be is if, in the opinion of the captain,
the fish is in such condition that it will not survive after release. These
are great gamefish which are still recovering from years of overfishing
by the commercial and recreational fishermen. There are still many
anglers who feel it is not a successful day if they do not take home
their "limit" of fish. In a short amount of time, entire schools of slot
sized redfish have been wiped out by those who would rather enjoy
the fish on their dinner plate than to catch it another day when it has
grown even bigger. The fish are much more valuable to me and my
clients if they are released in good condition.

Can we bing alcohol?
Small amounts of beer, in cans only, is permitted. Excessive drinking
and intoxication will not be permitted under any circumstances. Sight
fishing requires casting skills and attention to detail and cannot be
done while drunk. For drinking excursions, there are party boats that
leave out of the ports daily.


Instructional Charters

What topics do you teach?
For beginning anglers, I start with the basics. Instruction will include:

  • Tackle selection and care
  • Lure selection and presentation
  • Knot tying     
  • Catching and using live baits
  • Where to locate fish
  • Fighting big fish on light tackle

For advanced anglers, I teach only the subjects you choose.  For
example, how to catch more redfish, how find and land tarpon, fly
fishing for trophy trout, etc.

I am a beginning angler. How many lessons will I need?
For those who have limited or no fishing experience, I recommend
starting with 2-3 at home lessons. In the comfort of your own home or
local park, we can discuss tackle and lure selection, casting, knot
tying, cast nets and maintenance. Once you have learned these basic
skills, a 1/2 or full day trip on the water will cover things such as boat
handling and positioning, how to read the water, when and where to
target specific species, and fish fighting tactics.     

What if I don't own a boat?
I began fishing long before I owned a boat. I can show you when,
where, and how to catch fish without a boat. You can catch redfish,
trout, snook, tarpon, and more all from the shore or knee deep water.

I have fished most of my life, I just don't seem to catch much.
What can you do for me?
At Florida Fishing Lessons, you don't spend your hard earned money
listening to someone talk about things you already know. After a brief
evaluation of your casting and lure selection you will learn how to
locate and develop spots that will produce fish year after year.

What type of fishing will I learn?
I specialize in inshore and near shore fishing commonly called "flats"
fishing. Many of the techniques and tactics I teach, however, can be
applied to any type of fishing both fresh and salt water.


Do I need a license?
While you are fishing with Captain Chris, he will provide all the
required fishing licenses. Once on your own, you are required to have
a saltwater license if fishing from a boat.

Can I use my own Tackle?
For general fishing instruction, I suggest you use your own tackle
so you can become familiar with the performance and maintenance of
the equipment you will be using. If you do not have tackle and wish to
purchase some, I will assist you in selecting the best equipment for
your needs and budget. You may bring your own tackle along on
charters if you choose. If you do not have tackle, I provide a selection
of Shimano Stradic reels along with high quality Shimano and Falcon
rods spooled with fresh braided line

Where will we meet?
I use various ramps depending on the type of fishing we are doing and
where the customer is located. Ramps I use may be in Mosquito
Lagoon, New Smyrna Beach, Titusville,  or Cocoa Beach.  After
discussing your trip with you, I will decide on the best ramp to use for
the day's charter. Most of the fishing is near Orlando and can be
reached in less than one hour.

Read my page on Choosing a Flats Fishing Guide
Fishing Near Orlando Florida with Capt. Chris Myers
Your Orlando Fishing Guide
321-229-2848
Tail of a Mosquito
Lagoon Redfish