Capt. Pat Murphy
Simply beautiful is what I can say about the remarkable recovery of the water conditions currently in the Mosquito Lagoon. This time last year we had chocolate milk water and if you had no idea of where to fish the options were vague at the least. Low water conditions during the spring transition are providing for some exceptional fishing opportunities with the bait-fish being concentrated in isolated areas. Fishing drop-offs adjacent to the flats with healthy grass has been very productive and will continue to produce quality fish well into summer.
The top-water action is awesome this time of year and one of my favorites is a white or bone colored plug. I have a few made each year out of wood by Ernie DeBlasi of Impact Lures, with an added rattle. When conditions are not favorable for open treble the Z-man PopShadz is the answer to fishing weedy areas that hold fish. High Tie and bait fish patterns are working well for the Fly anglers with successful landings of trout to 8 lbs and a few trophy redfish to 15 lbs .
Following this mild winter the Black Drum fishery has been fantastic and continues to be a staple in the estuary. Soft plastic shrimp or a well presented fly will generally grab the attention of these hard pulling relics. When all else fails a fresh dead shrimp is rarely refused by anything you will encounter on the flats. As the water temperature begins to rise look for juvenile tarpon to become active as the water begins to flow. A few of our local Snook will also join in on the buffet soon coming. A special Thanks to Coastal Angler reader Michael Williams it was a pleasure to hear from you, tight lines and as always feel free to contact me if I can make your next trip more productive.
Capt. Pat Murphy
321-278-9852
mosquitolagoonguides@gmail.com
www.mosquitolagoonguide.com