Mosquito Lagoon Report
May 3, 2004
Capt. Brian Clancy
The month of April gave us weather that whipped up the lagoon waters for the most part. Windy conditions persisted throughout much of the month, but those that got out on the marginal and calm days had great fishing. Redfish were schooled up and big trout were in very shallow water.
Some of the calmer mornings made it easy to see redfish schools working along the sand bars and grass flats, with dorsal and tail fins out of the water, as they foraged for mud crabs. The new influx of small bait fish and finger mullet also had the reds busting water like jacks. It’s an awesome sight to see redfish in the 4 to 10 pound range tailing and busting bait while they’re easing up a sand bar towards your boat. On the outside of the bar, bigger reds to 30 pounds stayed schooled up for us as well. Cut mullet, live and fresh dead shrimp, Capt. Mike’s jigs, DOA shrimp all got eaten.
This is when it all works folks, flyfishing, bait, artificials, whatever. If you can get your cast to the fish schooled like this, and not make your presence known, you’re going to get hooked up.
The big "gator trout" are up on the flats as well. Watching their black, triangular tails slowly ease through the shallow grass, going from one pothole to another, is mesmerizing. Again, stealth is key if you want to get hooked up with one these mullet hogs.
Local Cardiologist Glenn Rayos brought along friends Lisa Bria and Mark Lukasik to sample the lagoon’s fishing. Two large trout and a morning of nonstop redfish catching pretty well ruined Lisa, who used enjoy fishing Daytona’s bridges.
Leo Doire brought his brought his brother Steve on his annual redfishing charter this year. Steve used to be a hard-core bass fisherman before this fishing trip. Sight fishing 4 to 10 pound reds on the flats and then consistent screaming drags on a school 10 to 20 pound reds later in morning, now has Steve dreaming of sea grass instead of lily pads.
Oak Hill Building Contractor Willie Wood and Paul McAlister of Builder’s Carpet and Tile met me at Lefil’s in Oak Hill at the crack of dawn. Willie and Paul were hooked up to nice slot sized (18 to 27 inch) reds after a short run. Later on we went on to another school of fish and consistently hooked up on some big hard pulling reds.
My winter neighbor and Vermont’s stone mason Matt Parisi, his son Matt and best friend Jervis of Vero Beach stayed hooked up to reds all morning in super shallow water. You know you’ve been on some good fish if you can hurt a stone mason’s arm.
Brian Cox, Merrill Lynch Advisor and investors Joe King and Lou Mazzonetto, racked up the numbers on reds in the lagoon. It was Joe’s first trip to the lagoon but Lou used to duck hunt here back in the 50’s before the mosquito dikes were dug and he had some memorable stories.
The Redbone Tournament is next weekend. It will be held again at the Riverview Restaurant and JB’s Fish Camp. This tournament benefits Cystic Fibrosis. Call Tournament Director Capt. Joey Aloe for more information. 407-721-7889.
The Merritt Island Refuge will have a meeting at the New Smyrna Beach Public Library Wednesday, May 12th, 2004 from 530 PM - 730 PM., concerning the proposed pole and troll areas. This is your opportunity to voice your ideas, recommendations and opinions on the use and access regarding the grass flats surrounding Tiger Shoals. New Smyrna Beach Library, 1001 S. Dixie Freeway, New Smyrna Beach, ph. 386-424-2910
Sport Fishing Magazine’s Fish Stock Fishing Festival will be held at the end of the month, May 27th through 30th. Capt. Mike Hakala of Guide Proven Lures, Mark Nichols of DOA Lures and myself will be giving fishing seminars, hope to see you there!
Enjoy the outdoors, get and fish!
Capt. Brian Clancy/Eldora Charters
bclancy1@cfl.rr.com
www.eldoracharters.com for archived fishing reports
1-877-409-7380 Toll Free
386-409-7380 Local
New Smyrna Beach, florida