The Mosquito Lagoon where I fish is like a private
piece of paradise. The 156 mile long estuary that spans
from Ponce de Leon Inlet in the north to Jupiter Inlet
in the south is owned and operated by the US Park service.
The Mosquito Lagoon has no homes or building on it at
all. It is a perfect place to get away from the world.
400 species of fish, 260 species of mollusks and 479
species of shrimp and crabs. Being known as the Redfish
Capital of the world it is apparent that the fish is
the most popular of them all. Although most do not know
that large sea Trout and Snook also make the Mosquito
Lagoon home as well. Tarpon in the summer also move
in for a short time. And Black Drum come up onto the
flats in the winter to feed on crabs, clams and shrimp.
The Mosquito Lagoon and Indian River have rebounded
over the years from over fishing and water pollution.
Mosquito Lagoon has been designated an Outstanding Florida
Water by the State of Florida and, as part of the Indian
River Lagoon, an Estuary of National Significance by
the Environmental Protection Agency. It is renown for
its outstanding biological diversity, recreational fishery
and as habitat for several federally-protected animals.
Mosquito Lagoon waters are classified as Class II which
is suitable for shellfish (clam and oyster) propagation
and harvesting. All of these resources are dependent
upon good water quality for their survival. The Mosquito
Lagoons salinity levels are high and frequently equal
ocean levels (about 32 parts per thousand). Because
of this, several fish species spawn in the lagoon that
normally spawn in the ocean. Large influxes of fresh
water from runoff or heavy rain can actually act as
a pollutant, negatively affecting estuarine species
sensitive to salinity levels. While a problem in portions
of the Indian River Lagoon south of Canaveral National
Seashore (CANA), salinity levels are relatively stable
in Mosquito Lagoon, averaging from 28-34 ppt. In some
years where the fresh waters of storms invade the lagoons
waters. Larger Redfish in the 20 to 40 pound range become
hard to find. It is thought that they move north to
the open waters of Ponce Inlet and stay in the open
waters of the inlet till the levels of the Lagoon fall
again. Some times it can be months before the big breeder
Reds come back onto the flats, and other times it is
only a matter of weeks till the show up.
Flats fishing in the Mosquito Lagoon is known all over
the world. From fly fishing anglers to the light tackle
pros it sees them all. Over the years flats fishing
has become so popular that tournaments are gear to catching
the famous Redfish. Tours like the FLW now have a Redfish
division That makes it’s stop here on the Mosquito
Lagoon. Although it is very controversial , it brings
lot’s of revenue to the area.
Let’s not forget about the Kennedy Space Center.
The Mosquito Lagoon is a next door neighbor to the Space
Center and the gate way to outer space. As you look
to the south of the lagoon you see the building that
holds the shuttle and the launch pads that send it to
space. It is a true wonder to watch a Shuttle go up
as you are doing battle with a Mosquito Lagoon Redfish.
So welcome to our area and let’s see if we can
go get you one of these wonderful fish.
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