Temperature and wind direction will play a big factor in the water clarity in Mosquito Lagoon this month. Strong fronts usually push through every 10-14 days. Ahead of the front the winds are generally from the south which pushes lots of dirty water throughout the Lagoon. After the front, the northwest wind can push it back and bring in clean water from Ponce Inlet. If the water is clear, sight fishing for redfish, trout, and drum can be excellent. No need to have the fish tailing to be able to see them. If the water is dirty, you will need tails or wakes to spot the fish. Last year was some of the best tailing redfish action we have had in a long time. Hopefully it will continue this year. On calm days these pods of 10-100 fish can be seen feeding on small shrimp from a long distance. Approach slowly and use the smallest lure you have.
Should the winter fronts bring a big drop in temperature, you can expect the fish to vacate the flats for a couple days. If you are fishing on those days you should focus on deeper areas around the spoil islands or in the cuts and channels where fish can get on the muddy bottom. As soon as it begins to warm, the fish will return to the shallowest flats to feed. Another common thing we must deal with in January is wind. In the windiest conditions, I use a 3 inch DOA CAL shad tail on a ¼ ounce jighead. This lure will cast into the wind on the worst of days and quickly get to the bottom where the fish are feeding. Use a medium up and down retrieve using small twitches with the rod tip. Trout and redfish both love this rig. If it is black drum you encounter, you may need to switch to some natural bait like shrimp to get a bite.
