Mosquito Lagoon Redfish Fishing:
The Complete Guide
By Captain Brad Curtsinger · August 14, 2026 · 12 min read
If you've ever wanted to sight-fish for redfish in crystal-clear shallow water, watch a fish tail on the flats, make a perfect cast, and see the whole take happen right in front of you — Mosquito Lagoon is where you need to be.
Mosquito Lagoon is one of the most productive redfish fisheries in the entire country. Tucked inside the Canaveral National Seashore just south of New Smyrna Beach, this shallow, grass-lined estuary holds redfish year-round and produces some of the most exciting inshore fishing Florida has to offer. Captain Brad has been fishing these waters for years and knows every flat, oyster bar, and grass edge where reds like to feed.
This guide covers everything you need to know — the fish itself, the best techniques, the seasons, and what to expect when you book an inshore charter with Captain Brad out of New Smyrna Beach.
Ready to fish Mosquito Lagoon?
Book your inshore charter with Captain Brad today.
What Is a Redfish?
Know your target before you hit the water
Redfish — officially called red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) — are one of the most sought-after inshore game fish in Florida. They're built like a tank, fight hard, and are found in shallow water where you can see them. That combination makes them the perfect target for sight fishing on the flats of Mosquito Lagoon.
Redfish are identified by their copper-bronze color and the distinctive black spot (or spots) near the base of the tail. They're built to root around the bottom for crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish — which is why you'll often see them "tailing" in shallow water with their nose down and tail waving above the surface. That tail is your target.
Redfish Quick Facts
Why Mosquito Lagoon Is a World-Class Redfish Fishery
Five reasons anglers travel from across the country to fish here
World-Class Sight Fishing
The shallow, clear water of Mosquito Lagoon is tailor-made for sight fishing. You can watch the entire hunt — spot the fish, make the cast, watch the take. It's as close to fly fishing as spin fishing gets.
Year-Round Redfish Population
Unlike many fisheries that see seasonal migrations, Mosquito Lagoon holds redfish 365 days a year. The lagoon's grass flats, oyster bars, and warm shallow water provide everything reds need to thrive.
Protected Waters
Mosquito Lagoon sits inside the Canaveral National Seashore and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge — one of the most protected stretches of coastline in Florida. The result is pristine habitat and healthy fish populations.
Proximity to New Smyrna Beach
Captain Brad launches from New Smyrna Beach, putting you on Mosquito Lagoon fishing grounds in minutes. No long runs, no rough offshore water — just flat, calm, productive inshore fishing.
Multiple Species
While redfish are the star, Mosquito Lagoon also holds excellent populations of speckled trout, snook, black drum, and flounder. A single trip can produce a true inshore grand slam.
Beginner Friendly
Sight fishing sounds technical but Captain Brad coaches every angler through it. Whether you've never held a rod or you're a seasoned angler, he puts you in position to succeed and makes the experience unforgettable.
Proven Techniques for Mosquito Lagoon Redfish
How Captain Brad targets reds in every condition
Sight Fishing on the Flats
Mosquito Lagoon's gin-clear shallow water makes it one of the premier sight-fishing destinations in the entire country. Captain Brad poles the skiff quietly across the flats, spotting tailing or cruising reds before they know you're there. You cast ahead of the fish, let the bait or lure land softly, and watch the take happen in real time. There is nothing in inshore fishing that compares to it.
Top Baits & Lures
Dock and Structure Fishing
When tides push redfish off the flats, they stack up around docks, oyster bars, and grass edges. Captain Brad knows every productive piece of structure in the lagoon. Pitching live bait tight to cover and working soft plastics along the bottom produces fish when the flats are too bright or the tide is wrong for sight fishing.
Top Baits & Lures
Topwater at Dawn
Early morning topwater fishing for redfish is one of the most exciting experiences in inshore fishing. In low-light conditions, reds push into extremely shallow water and blow up on surface lures with explosive strikes. Captain Brad times the tides to put you on fish during that golden first hour of light — it's a memory you won't forget.
Top Baits & Lures
Schooling Reds
In fall especially, redfish form massive schools in Mosquito Lagoon — sometimes hundreds of fish moving together across the flats. When Captain Brad locates a school, the action can be non-stop. Every angler on the boat gets multiple shots. This is the kind of fishing people travel from across the country to experience, and it happens right here in New Smyrna Beach's backyard.
Top Baits & Lures
Mosquito Lagoon Redfish by Season
When to go and what to expect
Spring (March–May)
ExcellentWater temps warm up and redfish become very active. Sight fishing on the flats is outstanding. Fish are aggressive and feeding heavily after winter. One of the best times of year to target slot reds.
Summer (June–August)
Very GoodEarly morning and late afternoon fishing is best to beat the heat. Reds are present year-round in Mosquito Lagoon. Focus on shaded structure during midday. Topwater action at first light can be exceptional.
Fall (September–November)
ExceptionalThe absolute best time of year. Massive schools of redfish form in the lagoon. Sight fishing is at its peak. Cooler temps mean fish are active all day. If you can only pick one season, pick fall.
Winter (December–February)
GoodRedfish are cold-blooded and slow down in cold water, but they never leave Mosquito Lagoon. Focus on deeper holes and channels on cold days. Warm sunny afternoons can produce excellent shallow-water action.
What to Expect on a Mosquito Lagoon Inshore Charter
A typical day fishing with Captain Brad
Meeting at the Boat Ramp
You'll meet Captain Brad at 2455 Boat Ramp Drive in New Smyrna Beach. He'll have the boat rigged and ready. He'll go over the plan for the day — where the fish have been, what the tides are doing, and what techniques he'll be using. Bring sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a valid Florida fishing license.
Running to the Fishing Grounds
Mosquito Lagoon is a short run from the launch. Captain Brad poles or motors quietly to the flats, reading the water for signs of fish — nervous water, tailing reds, wakes, or birds working bait. The approach is everything in sight fishing.
Sight Fishing on the Flats
When Captain Brad spots a fish, he'll position the boat and call the shot — "11 o'clock, 40 feet, tailing red." Your job is to make the cast. He'll coach you through the presentation. When that fish turns and eats, the fight is on. Redfish in shallow water are powerful, fast, and will test your tackle.
Photos and Release
Captain Brad will help you get great photos of your catch. Most redfish are released to fight another day — the slot limit in Florida is strict and Captain Brad follows it to the letter. You're welcome to keep a legal slot fish for the table if you choose.
What to Bring
Captain Brad provides all rods, reels, tackle, and bait — here's what you need to bring
Florida fishing license
Required for all anglers 16+
Polarized sunglasses
Essential for sight fishing — the better the lens, the more fish you'll see
Sunscreen
SPF 50+ — you're on the water all day
Hat with a brim
Sun protection and glare reduction
Light, breathable clothing
Long sleeves recommended for sun protection
Non-marking shoes
Soft-soled shoes that won't mark the boat deck
Water and snacks
Stay hydrated — it gets hot on the flats
Camera or charged phone
You'll want photos of your catch
Meeting Location
Where to meet Captain Brad for your inshore charter
Boat Ramp — New Smyrna Beach
2455 Boat Ramp Drive, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
Captain Brad launches from the public boat ramp in New Smyrna Beach. It's a short run to Mosquito Lagoon — you'll be on the fishing grounds fast. Arrive 15 minutes early so Brad can get you rigged up and briefed before you head out.
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Ready to Fish Mosquito Lagoon?
Captain Brad knows every flat, oyster bar, and grass edge in Mosquito Lagoon. Book your inshore charter today and experience world-class redfish fishing right out of New Smyrna Beach.