Usually, when people hear the name Mosquito Lagoon, they  immediately
draw a picture in their mind of a Florida swamp filled with swarms of
bloodsucking mosquitoes. Although it is true, we do have our fair share of
the pesky insects, they rarely, if ever, bother you once you leave the shore.

In reality, Mosquito Lagoon is one of the cleanest and most well preserved
coastal estuaries in the state. Approximately 23 miles long, Mosquito Lagoon
is a non-tidal body of salt water separated from the Atlantic Ocean by a
small strip of land. Most of the water and surrounding shoreline lies within
the boundaries of the Canaveral National Seashore and the Merritt Island
National Wildlife Refuge. This has kept the land surrounding the Lagoon
from being developed and allows for some of the highest water quality on
the east coast because there is no residential or commercial runoff. As a
result of the clean water, sea grass beds flourish in the Mosquito Lagoon
which is home to the many small creatures at the bottom of the fish food
chain.

Mosquito Lagoon and the nearby north Indian River Lagoon hold the only
population of redfish known to live their entire lives inshore. Normally, adult
redfish live and breed offshore. For this reason, we have year round access
to schools of these large fish. In addition to the redfish, the Mosquito Lagoon
is home to an ever increasing population of trophy sized spotted seatrout.
Since the elimination of commercial gill nets in the 1990's, there have been
more and bigger trout each year. Tarpon, snook, sheephead, black drum,
ladyfish, jack crevalle, and even grouper make seasonal appearances in the
Lagoon.

Inside the wildlife refuge, visitors have a chance to experience some of
central Florida's great animal life. Dolphins, manatee, alligators, deer, wild
hogs, bobcats, and a large variety of birds including, brown and white
pelicans, egrets, herons, osprey, spoonbills, storks, kingfishers, bald eagles,
and a plethora of ducks can all be seen within the Refuge.

Whether you are an avid sight fisherman or just enjoy being around nature,
the Mosquito Lagoon has something for every outdoor person. Located near
the city of Titusville between Cocoa Beach and New Smyrna Beach,
Mosquito Lagoon is within one hour of Orlando. There are plenty of budget
hotels in the Titusville area and accommodations of all kinds in the
surrounding area. There is no fee to visit the wildlife refuge but visitors to
the Canaveral National Seashore must pay a nominal fee to get to the
beach. Fishing is allowed from both shore and boat but anglers must
possess a free self issuing permit which is available at the kiosk upon
entering the park or at http://www.nbbd.com/godo/minwr/fishing/index.html  
A tailing redfish along a
Mosquito Lagoon Shoreline
(click to enlarge)
The West Indian Manatee is
at home in the Mosquito
Lagoon
About the Mosquito Lagoon
Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Guide - Capt. Chris Myers
Light tackle and fly fishing charters in the Mosquito Lagoon and Indian River. The best saltwater fishing near
Orlando Florida. All inclusive year round fishing charters less than one hour from Orlando. Fish for redfish, trout,
tarpon, and snook. Shallow water sight fishing at its best.
info@floridafishinglessons.com
321-229-2848
Fishing Near Orlando Florida with Capt. Chris Myers
Your Orlando Fishing Guide
321-229-2848
A reddish egret herds
baitfish in Mosquito Lagoon
Dolphins are always a
popular sight in the Refuge
Mosquito Lagoon Tailing Redfish