Advice for Fishing IRL/Mosquito Lagoon 4/13 to 4/23

[EricM]

I will be in Daytona in two weeks and plan on fishing the Indian River and Mosquito Lagoons. I have one charter booked and want to wade fish atleast two other days. Does anyone have any advice on areas to wade fish in this area without a guide? Also I am contemplating which flyrods to bring with me. Will a 6/7 weight rod work or should I bring the 8/9 weight? Any hot fly patterns for redfish, snook, and speckled trout this time of year?

Thanks for any input.

[lagooner]

There are many places to wade mosquito lagoon and the Indian river in the canaveral nat'l seashore. You can access them from either new smyrna beach (this is your closest place) Take s. atlantic ave in new smyrna beach follow it south until it ends. This is about 10 miles after you get to new smyrna beach. You will be in the north end of Canaveral nat'l seashore. at the end of the park road you'll find a small boat ramp on the eastside of the road. Wade in and go north or south it's very shallow. I like walking the shoreline south about a half mile and then wading in.

Or go further south(Rt.US 1)to titusville. I suggest you visit The Fly fisherman in Titusville, they're very helpful and can give you concise directions to many places in the lagoon. I use everything from a 6wt to a 9wt. for reds., so either rod will be fine. Come to think of it, you'll probably run into wind, so if you have to bring one rod bring the 8/9.
As far as fish go, Reds and trout should be plentiful. You can pretty much give up on snook this far north if you're wading. Shrimp patterns and merkins work well for reds. But for ease of selection clousers in yellow and white or chartruese and white will take every thing. I suggestyou tie them with a weedguard because of grass. Again visit the flyfisherman anyway they have loads of patterns.
One more thing. bring a camera. take a picture, leave us the fish.
Have fun, bill

[EricM]

Hey Bill,

Thanks for your helpful reply. I've tied up a bunch of clousers already and have tied a few rattle rousers also.

Just to let you know I'm a C&R person so all of the fish I catch will be released. Being a striper fisherman here in Maine we know the importance of conservation of our fisheries.

Again thanks.