Saltwater Fly Fishing Charters Near Orlando, Central Florida, Mosquito Lagoon, Indian River, & Banana River for Redfish

As a Mosquito Lagoon Fly Fishing Guide, I specialize in fly fishing charters in Mosquito Lagoon near Orlando for redfish, seatrout, black drum and tarpon and more. As a Florida fly fishing guide, I fish the saltwater flats of Mosquito Lagoon, the Indian River Lagoon, and the Banana River Lagoon year round. I am a Fly Fishers International Certified Casting Instructor. As a fellow fly fishing angler, I can offer tips and instruction on casting techniques, fly selection and presentation. I know how to position the boat so you are able to make the easiest cast possible.

Fish and Locations I Target

All year round, fly fishing anglers can fish for redfish, also called red drum, spotted seatrout, also known as speckled trout, and black drum in the Mosquito Lagoon and Indian River. These fish are found on grass flats in water less than two feet deep. The standard method of fishing is sight fishing where the angler stands on the bow of the boat and the guide pushes it from the back. Fish are spotted by the guide and/or angler and casts are made to a specific target you can see. In summer and fall, migratory species such as tarpon, snook, ladyfish, and jack crevalle may be present as well. I especially favor juvenile tarpon on the fly. These 5-20 pound fish are best targeted in the hottest months and respond well to flies. Once hooked they put on a display of jumps and flips that matches no other fish.

Mosquito Lagonn and the north Indian River are the best saltwater fly fishing destinations central Florida has to offer. Both of these locations are excellent fly fishing near Orlando and Disney and close to Daytona Beach, Cocoa Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Titusville and Kissimmee. Watch this video of fly fishing for redfish to see an angler casting to and catching a redfish from my boat.

Watch my video on Preparing for your Saltwater Fly Fishing Trip. This tutorial will cover the most important things about making the switch from freshwater to saltwater fly fishing as well as common mistakes anglers make before and after the cast.

Tackle and Flies

You are welcome to bring your favorite flyrod with you or use my fly fishing tackle. I have Sage and Hardy rods in 5, 7, and 9 weight. The average fish can be caught on a 5wt but the 7 is easier to cast into the wind and is better for reaching longer distances. Most anglers fish with a 7 or 8wt rod. Only floating lines are needed for fly fishing the flats of Mosquito Lagoon. A 9-10ft tapered leader ending in 15lb test line is used as well. If you like a challenge, you can even bring a smaller rod. Here is a video on catching redfish on a 3 weight rod.

I will supply all flies for your Mosquito Lagoon fly fishing trip at no extra cost. I tie all my own flies and many do not have an official name. If you would like to tie your own flies to bring with you, I would recommend making some black redfish worm flies and some bendback flies on #4 hooks. You are welcome to bring any files you want, In summer months, topwater flies such as gurglers and poppers may also work. All flies should have a weed guard. Redfish will eat a wide variety of flies. Most days, the accuracy and speed of the cast are far more important than what type or color of fly is used.

Fly Casting

Casting ability is the most important factor when fly fishing for redfish in the Mosquito Lagoon, the Indian River and the flats of central Florida. Stealth, speed, and accuracy are the keys to catching fish. Beginning fly fishing anglers may not have the casting skills needed to present a fly to most of our fish. Anglers should be able to cast at least 50ft in a maximum of three strokes. Tight loops are needed for accuracy. Double hauling are a definite plus but certainly not a requirement. Some shots are extremely close while others may be at 60 or more feet. The average cast to fish is 30-50ft. Anglers should practice fly casting at any angle as fish may show up on both sides of the boat at any time. Check out my video on the saltwater quick cast for my recommended method of holding the fly in your hand and reaching long distances quickly. If your casting needs improvement, find a certified casting instructor near you or visit my fly casting instruction website and get an online review of your cast. A little practice before your trip will result in a much higher chance of catching fish.

Fly Fishing Guides vs. Guides Who Take You Fly Fishing

Any Mosquito Lagoon fishing guide can take you fly fishing. If you are planning a fly fishing trip, however, I recommend you choose a dedicated fly fishing guide. Having a guide that is a skilled fly fishing angler themselves will insure the small details, that can make a huge difference, are covered. Many of our clients have limited or no saltwater fly fishing experience. Others arrive thinking they have the casting skills needed but quickly discover otherwise. Fly fishing guides have the knowledge and skill to provide you with the instruction needed to help get your fly to the fish. Simple things such as having the boat positioned correctly are often overlooked by non fly fishing guides. There are only a few dedicated saltwater fly fishing guides in Mosquito Lagoon. Still fewer yet are the number or certified fly casting instructors. Ask your guide about their personal fly fishing experience. If all else is similar, why not choose the guide who may be able to provide you with that extra edge to make your Mosquito Lagoon fly fishing charter the best it can be.