Mosquito Lagoon: Redfish Capitol in New Smyrna Beach, Florida

The Mosquito Lagoon in New Smyrna Beach and surrounding areas, is known as the redfish capitol. Redfish are prevalent in this area, due to the vast amounts of sea grasses that exist in the area’s unique ecosystem, where different types of sea grass and waterways combine and flourish. From the Ponce Inlet down past Edgewater, to Oak Hill and beyond, there is one of the most unique fishing opportunities, due to this area having one of Florida’s most diverse climates. The ecosystem is unique, due to the various forms of underwater plant life, that co-exist in the closely situated fresh- water, saltwater, and marshy areas. The Intracoastal waterway, with the Indian River Lagoon, and close proximity to the Atlantic ocean, provide the perfect setting for some of the best salt and freshwater fishing in the world, and the unique species of fish that live and migrate to this area.

Professional and amateur anglers come from all over to fish in these waters, Redfish being the primary catch. They are a hearty, long fish. A good catch starts off at about twenty pounds. They are not red in color on the outside, but a shimmer silver-type color. There are annual angling contests, usually beginning at the Riverside Park dock, the Ponce Inlet and other locals, where big money is at stake, sometimes up to one hundred thousand dollars. But one doesn’t have to be a professional angler to enjoy fishing in these waters, and many redfish are released after being caught, which is a good thing. Aside from the humane aspect, it helps to repopulate the waters by catching and releasing.

In the Mosquito Lagoon section of Oak Hill, a little town past Edgewater, there is a popular area for fishing, with an extra long pier. If you have a boat, going out deeper into the water doesn’t necessarily mean bigger fish, for some of the biggest catches in these parts have been caught from piers and from the shoreline, but it makes for a fun-filled day. There are numerous charter boats in the New Smyrna Beach area, so if one doesn’t have a boat, or an inkling of the best spots to catch redfish, the guide can bring you to the known spots for action. There are some great eco-tours as well that the Captain provides, and one can get an education while mastering the sport of red-fishing in beautiful Florida. Below is a link to many in-shore and off-shore fishing charters. One can also find many others online as well. Often charters leave in the early morning hours, winter being the best time to rent, due to the locations of the fish. In summer, the weather and Florida sun gets hot, so the earlier the better. A professional charter boat runs around three hundred to four hundred and fifty dollars for one or two people, depending on a half-day, or full-day rate.

Source:
http://www.huntsmancharters.com/links/fishingcharters.html