December 2023 Fishing Report for the World Famous Mosquito Lagoon
Good Morning, This is Captain Richard with your September Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Report and Forecast. First, I’d like to tell you about the highlights of what’s been going on with the general fishing around the Space Coast which incorporates the Mosquito Lagoon and southward to Sebastian Inlet (My Fishing Territory).
During the month, the whole coastline lit up with an amazing tarpon run. Both inshore and offshore tarpon fishing went ballistic. I had several days with multiple hookups and landings. The majority of my summer was spent on a pretty normal ocean and coastal fishing bite that I concentrate on during the summer months.
What caused the Tarpon Fiesta? Loads of menhaden or Pogies have once again invaded eastern Florida’s shorelines. Many of us speculate that new laws governing the Atlantic fisheries for Menhaden for their Fish Oil has helped to maintain a higher better bait run on the seaboard. The “More Food – More Fish” proved effective with this year’s tarpon run.
The second week of September, Gina and I took off for the Outer Banks of North Carolina for our annual surfing trip there. Tropical Storm Earl was making a run up the Atlantic and produced some great waves and good times. While there we didn’t take advantage of the fishing but did spend some quality time in the water.
Upon returning home to Florida, we quickly started our fishing charters and noticed that the fall mullet run was really heating up. The tarpons were still here and so were the sharks, jacks, and snook.
Wrapping Up September and Looking Ahead
Because I’ve been working along the coastline the last several weeks, I really don’t have any catches of mine to report. Several of my fishing friends and Charter Captain competitors have been catching snook and redfish on the Haulover Canal while waiting for the mullet to reach them. The forecast looks good for the lagoon as the northern and central areas are clearing up and beginning to regain some of the seagrass lost to algae blooms in recent years.
I promise I’ll get to the Mosquito Lagoon soon and give you a personal update, but I’m looking toward Sebastian Inlet for the next several weeks as things get exciting down there in the fall.
Berkley Gulp! Shrimp
When all else fails to produce a fish bite, I often pull out the Gulps. My favorite colors are New penny and pearl white, but don’t put too much thought into colors. A proper presentation and a hungry fish will most often get the bite.
-Captain Richard
What a coincidence to receive your email. Just two weeks ago, I was looking for a guide to fish the lagoon as I was up in Orlando with a day to kill. I had forgotten your name but did recall Jim Ross as I see him on the Florida Fishing Report. Next time we have the urge to come up there from Jensen Beach area, I will give you a shout.
It’s been a while, Gary! I look forward to spending a day with you on the Mosquito Lagoon or where-ever the bite is that day! Thanks for the reply and give us a call!
When is shrimping season in tituesville/IRL
Bryan, I don’t really get to go out shrimping much anymore, but my buddies have been getting good ones right now! Spring is a great time to go shrimping at Oak Hill and other places near the Mosquito Lagoon.