Lagoon Slam

Here on the space coast we have two very unique bodies of water. First Mosquito lagoon which starts south of New Smyrna Beach and runs almost to the launch pads of Kennedy Space center. Slightly to the south west you will find the Indian River lagoon system which runs from Scottsmoor, which is north of Titusville down to Stuart. Between both Lagoon systems they encompass hundreds of miles down the east coast of Florida.

Mosquito Lagoon is a mostly non-tidal, hyper salinity body of water with miles of shallow water lined with mangrove islands and shorelines. Indian River Lagoon also has similar flats low tidal movement yet does not have the number of small islands and backwaters Mosquito Lagoon has.

Traveling from one to the next is via Haulover Canal. A no wake zone makes travel time approx. 20 minutes but is the only way between the two Lagoons and provide passage as Florida’s Intracoastal water way.

Depending on type of year, trip length and species targeted, we might fish just one side or a mix of both. Jason and I decided to launch at the new Bairs Cove ramp located in Haulover Canal.

Our morning started early as we had located some larger tarpon in the River and wanted to see if we could cross the King off the list early. We had a few looks and a narrow miss before I called off the tarpon fishing.

Our first stop was an area we had seen large spawning trout. They are tough to get to commit to a lure so we arrived a little early before the sun was too bright. We slowly moved across the flat scanning for shadows or the slightest movement to tip off a big trout. We found a slight depression in the flat from an old prop scar which many flats fish use these bottom contours as highways.

Big Trout

About 20 yds down I spot a “log”. It is usually 70/30 on whether it is a log or a trout. Don’t get caught ignoring that 30 percent. Casts are free and Foss cashed in. Great cast, two quick movements and gills flare followed by the disappearance of the jig. This fish was one of the harder fighting and more aerobatic trout we have seen in a while.

With the warm water I decided to hope out so we could keep her in the net while I snapped a few photos. It is trout like these we need to be sure to look after.

As the trout swam off safely, I noticed a pair of smaller black drum ease by the boat. We had not seen them in this area in a few weeks but worth a shot. They can be picky eaters but are fun to catch and have quite a bit of torque.

Lagoon Black Drum

It wasn’t long until Foss had his first shot, then second and the third. Something wasn’t right. I call for a color change and we swap out the jig. I thought it was all for naught, but finally after 30min. we had a school approaching at one o’clock. Cast was on the money and we were tight instantly.

Another half hour chasing the drum around to no avail was enough for me. Next on the target list was snook. Foss loves them, I love them, it is exciting fishing, like hand to hand combat.

Our first stop did not pan out as we had water that was a little too milky, so we pressed on.

Our second stop we were rewarded with two small snook right off the bat. Then the lull. It took a couple hundred more yards and then it happened. I call out spot. Foss hits it. In a slow motion explosion of water, scales, mangrove branches and gill rattling headshake, he is on.

Great Lagoon Snook

Only two ways these situations can go. Good or Bad. Do it enough and you can smile at either outcome. Thankfully, we won this round. Foss did everything he could with the fish and I made sure the boat was nimble and in position for any move. Team work makes the dream work.

Although we were missing a redfish for a more traditional slam, the black drum came off the bench and played his role. Book it as a slam.

From The Endless Flat,
Capt. Chris