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SUMMER SCHOOL ON THE MOSQUITO LAGOON (Sep. 2007)
Summer is here and schools are in session
by Captain Dave Rogers

The hot summer heat brings hot fishing in the Mosquito Lagoon. There will be many options for anglers as the water temperatures heat up. The opportunity to catch slot reds (18-27 inches) in large schools is a solid bet. The schools of giant "Slobberknockers" with 200 plus fish will be prevalent throughout the system. Another great fighter is the jack crevalle which travels in large schools. Jacks will destroy top water plugs and test your drag as the reel screams. Sea trout are also another solid bet along with the acrobatic ladyfish. There is always a chance to land a snook or tarpon.

Slot reds will be on the flats in shallow water in search of mullet, shrimp, small crabs and glass minnows. It is not uncommon to see schools of 300 plus fish and sometimes schools can pushover 1000 fish. Last summer I worked a school for a few weeks that had at least 1000 fish. The fish ate bait every time we got it close. They would eat top water plugs, Rip Tide Flats Chubs, gold spoons and live shrimp. The key of course was to place the bait in front on the school. We had several days of catching twenty plus redfish. One trip while we had a triple hook up the school passed the boat and it resembled a NASCAR race. They were nine wide and it was 75 yards from the front of the school to the back. It was amazing.

The "Slobberknockers" take the cake in the summer. When you find a school of these fish the water turns red and resembles the Red Sea from the famous movie "The Ten Commandments". These fish are much smarter than the slot fish. One must approach these fish quietly and a push pole will help you catch more fish. If you choose a trolling motor you must use it correctly or you will spook the fish. There are time when these fish will eat top water plugs and spoons, but live or cut bait work best. Just remember they did not get big by stupidity. You must be patient and take your time. When you hang one of these fish you will know why I call them "Slobberknockers". Hang on!

The mighty jack crevalles are great fighters. They have to be one of my favorite fish to catch on top water plugs. Many times you will see them in the distance busting bait fish on the surface. The schools move rapidly and destroy anything in their path. They move much faster than redfish schools and that will help distinguish the difference. They will eat other baits but the top water plug is best. Be careful when landing the fish. If you use the jack death grip you can paralyze the fish while you remove the hooks. Grab the fish behind the head on the two distinct black spots. It will immobilize the fish while you remove the hooks. They will test your knots and tackle.

Sea trout are always a solid bet on the Mosquito Lagoon. They will slam your bait hard and you can very easily catch over 50 fish in a short period. My favorite bait is the Rip Tide 3 inch mullet in electric chicken rigged on a 1/8 ounce jig head. They also love top water plugs. Another favorite is a rip Tide Pro Frog worked on the surface. They drive trout crazy. Pig fish is a main staple for sea trout. They are the natural enemy of trout. There are many guides who fish with nothing but pig fish in the summer. However you fish for trout they can bring plenty of action. Kids love to catch trout because it can be constant action. A tight line is a happy line. Popping corks with a shrimp or pig fish below is a sure a great way for kids to fish. Try a light weight rod for added excitement.

The acrobatic ladyfish is always a fun fish to catch. They are sometimes referred to as the poor man's tarpon. They can peel some line and make some awesome jumps. They also make great cut bait for big reds. They will hit just about anything and sometimes will literally jump in the boat. Many times they will be mixed with the trout and the action can be fast and furious.

We also have a few snook and tarpon to target if you are trying for a grand slam. We don't get tons of snook due to the lack of current flow in the lagoon. They are there if you know where to look. Tarpon move into the area in the summer and you can have some fun with them. Usually a live mullet or pinfish will coax a tarpon to eat. I have hooked tarpon on cut bait while trying to catch redfish. Tarpon can also be caught on fly rods.

Whatever you decide to target the Mosquito Lagoon and Indian River Lagoon can provide the action. The estuary is thriving and all that is missing is you. Come to summer school and learn what a beautiful place exists in East Central Florida.

Tight Lines and Good Fishing!

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