Although we are lucky enough to have great fishing year round here in Central Florida, I
have listed below some of the seasonal trends you can expect when fishing the Mosquito
Lagoon and Indian River Lagoon. I am often asked, "what is the best time to fish the
Mosquito Lagoon." The best time to fish here is whenever you can. The inshore and
nearshore waters near Orlando and along the Space Coast offer something for everyone
at any time of the year.

Winter
Our winter weather patterns in winter normally bring a cold front every 5-6 days. The day of
the front usually brings rain followed by a day of breezy conditions. The days between the
fonts, however, are normally calmer and clear and can send the fish into a feeding frenzy.
Winter time brings some of the best sight fishing conditions of the year in Mosquito
Lagoon. Redfish and trout will seek out the clean shallow flats to take advantage of the
rapidly rising water temperatures. These shallow grass flats can see temperature
fluctuations of 15-20 degrees on a warm winter day. Trophy sized seatrout can be found
sunning themselves in shallow sand holes while the redfish will be tailing for crabs and
shrimp. On cal winter days, schools of over sized redfish are also a possibility.  Winter
can bring some great days of fly fishing and sight casting. Additionally, schools of black
drum may be encountered

Spring
As the waters begin to warm, the mullet will return to the Lagoons. The big redfish
become more consistent and the trout fishing will also be steady. Juvenile tarpon may
arrive as early as April some years.

Summer
Summer time means tarpon time. The hotter the better. The beginning of summer will
mean the return of the small tarpon. July and August can bring big poons to both the
Mosquito Lagoon and Indian River. Fish over 100 pounds are common and can be
caught on fly, lures, and live baits. Schools of over sized redfish can be found nearly every
morning as the tail and fin on the flats. An early start will ensure you the best chance of
catching one of the trophy reds. The deeper edges of flats can provide non stop action
with trout, ladyfish, and jacks. The summer heat seems to bother the anglers more than
the fish, The fishing can remain as hot as the weather provided the afternoon storms
don't roll in. Calm seas allow access to some additional opportunities along the
beaches. Huge jack crevalle, kingfish, tarpon, and sharks top the list.

Fall
Autumn brings about a flurry of feeding activity in central Florida. The annual mullet
migration begins and the fish are fattening up in anticipation of cold weather. Redfish
action remains excellent and tarpon can be caught until the first cold front arrives, Snook
can be found both on the flats of the Indian River and in canals and around docks. Along
the beaches, tarpon, snook, redfish, flounder, trout, bluefish, mackerel, and sharks are
just some of the predators stalking the schools of mullet as the move south.
A big winter seatrout from
Mosquito Lagoon
A young man's spring time
redfish
Central Florida Fishing Charters - Seasonal Patterns
The bull reds of summer
A fall snook from the Lagoon