As a young guide, every moment spent on the water is about learning more and becoming a better teacher. Every trip is better than the last and although this late summer season is brutally warm, there is almost no better time to catch a slam. Tarpon. Every fisherman and woman knows of them and in the New Smyrna Beach area, late July through September is arguably the best time of year to target them. Whether we are slow trolling mullet or throwing the fly at happy rollers, they are thick in the intercoastal and off the beach on the right tide. We are seeing fish ranging from 30-100+ pounds but they are a blast at any size. Redfish. There has been a surprising number and even small schools of redfish cruising the backcountry despite the warm weather. Prime time for sight fishing redfish is often the fall and winter, however, at low tide north of the lagoon, the bite has been remarkably consistent. Depending on your skill level and desires we can post up with live bait or, the preferred tactic, sight fish with artificial lures and flies. The fishing has been very visual, and the fish are intermittently tailing even late in the morning. Snook. With the mild winters we've been having, the snook fishery is better than ever in New Smyrna Beach through Mosquito Lagoon. We are consistently catching fish from 20 to 30 inches and occasionally even larger ones. You have the choice of targeting them on fly or spinning tackle or book a trip and speak with me about night trips to fish the bridges and dock lights! Flounder. On the seawalls or in the mud-bottom, backcountry creeks we are catching flounder from 15 to over 20 inches! Last weekend we caught 5 during a half-day charter after landing a 40-pound tarpon and a couple of mid-size snook. That's a bang for your buck. Whether you wish to target a specific species or go for a super slam, now is a great time of year to get on the water!

It is no exaggeration to say Mosquito Lagoon is gin-clear right now. The Winter season naturally offers cleaner water but this season is one to remember. The redfish and black drum are schooling and feeding happily, taking small lures and flies. Upper slot reds are prowling the super skinny backcountry. Your skills will be tested to convince these spooky fish to commit to your presentation but there is no shortage of shots. the cooler weather has keeper sheepshead grouped up on their favorite docks and XL trout are laid up in the shallows. Whether you're a die-hard fly fisherman or a laid-back live-baiter, it is a great time of year to get out there and see all the beauty of the aquatic preserve known as Mosquito Lagoon.