New Smyrna Beach Area - Indian River Lagoon - Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Report

January 14, 2019

As we move into 2019, it’s such a blessing that I’ve been full-time guiding in Florida for 14 years. 2018 was another phenomenal year of catching. Hundreds of giant bull redfish over 20 pounds, hundreds of speckled trout over 5 pounds (including a few over 10 pounds), numerous snook and black drum, as well as a few triple tail, goliath grouper, and sharks. I’ve forever grateful to meet so many people of all ages and abilities from every state in the US and a dozen foreign countries. We shared stories, laughter, memories that will last a lifetime.

2019 is off to another tremendous start. The next few months are some of the busiest months of the year with limited short notice availability. Snow and cold is now a mainstay to the north which means Florida is the place to escape to for enjoying sunshine and warmer weather. Fishing in Mosquito Lagoon, near New Smyrna Beach and Ponce Inlet lately has been fantastic for redfish, big speckled trout, and some snook. Water levels continue to drop which is producing big schools of fish. Sight fishing is the best of the year, with clear shallow water and lots of laid up and cruising fish. Things won’t change until the spring which means months of consistency.

Mosquito Lagoon redfish guided charters have been on fire the past few weeks. Most days are producing 10-20 redfish per day, with slower days yielding 5-10. This time of year equals sight casting schools of redfish in Mosquito Lagoon holding upwards of 50-100 fish in the 5-10 pound range. Live bait like shrimp and mullet are best producers while lures are putting fish in the boat when fish are scattered when it’s warmer. This type of fishing in the Lagoon will continue over the next few months until we get into the spring baitfish season.

Fishing in the backwaters of New Smyrna Beach and down into the Mosquito Lagoon and Indian River Lagoon for big speckled trout is starting to take off. The big trout are getting cold and moving into the ultra shallow water to warm up. Smaller trout are piling up by the hundreds in deeper holes, sloughs and channels. Live bait like mullet and shrimp as well as jigs/plugs will score on trout of all sizes over the next few months.

There are big schools of black drum starting to form in the North Indian River Lagoon and Mosquito Lagoon. Some of these schools are holding 100+ fish in the 5-15 pound range. Black Drum spawn in the spring so these schools will be around through April. Live shrimp or blue crab will be top choices for us to catch them by the dozens.

I have about 7 days remaining open in January and about 10 days for February. March and April are super busy and each are already over half-way full. Don’t wait till last minute to make spring break plans or you’ll mis out. I take last second scheduling if time permits. Text me or call me at 386-212-4931 or even send me an email to secure a date. Read my fishing charter page to view the top reasons why you should book your trip with me today. I look forward to fishing with you soon…