Spring is definitely upon us here in New Smyrna Beach and Mosquito Lagoon . The bite has been turning up and the flats have been alive. We have had clean and clear water conditions from Daytona Beach south through Mosquito Lagoon making for some great sight fishing . The weather looks to be stable moving into the weekend which should only reassure the bite.

Shrimp , mullet and cut bait have been working well along with spoons and soft plastics. Look for the bait holding on the flats and the fish can be found mixed throughout them whether it’s redfish , trout or even black drum all have been found scattered through the bait. As the water temps warm into the week the bite will only continue to get better.

Capt Patrick Rood
www.spotntailcharters.com
(386)566-1394

The past weekend brought challenging but rewarding fishing conditions to the New Smyrna Beach and Daytona Beach area, with persistent winds creating some difficulties for anglers. Despite these challenges, the exceptional water clarity throughout the Mosquito Lagoon system continues to provide outstanding sight fishing opportunities on days with clear skies and manageable winds.

Redfish continue to be the primary target in the shallow backcountry waters, with many fish now transitioning to their spring patterns. We're finding good numbers of reds both tailing in shallow grass flats during higher tides and cruising the deeper edges when water levels drop. The crystal-clear conditions have allowed us to spot fish from considerable distances, giving anglers ample time to position for perfect presentations.

Bait selection has been versatile and productive across multiple options. Live shrimp remains the consistent producer, especially when rigged under a popping cork along grass edges or free-lined into visible schools. Mullet and cut bait have been particularly effective during windier periods when more scent in the water helps fish locate your offering. For artificial enthusiasts, soft plastic paddletails in natural colors (particularly browns, whites, and gold glitter patterns) and weedless spoons worked slowly along bottom contours have triggered aggressive strikes.

Spotted seatrout are becoming more active as water temperatures gradually increase, with several quality fish in the 18-22 inch range coming from slightly deeper potholes adjacent to shallow flats. These trout have been most receptive to suspended baits worked with a subtle twitch-pause retrieve early in the morning.
Weather patterns remain somewhat unpredictable as we transition between seasons.

Another small cold front is expected to move through our region in the coming days, temporarily dropping air temperatures but likely having minimal impact on overall fishing quality. This brief cooling period might actually concentrate fish and improve feeding activity once it passes. Based on current conditions and forecasts, I anticipate the bite will strengthen considerably heading into next week as more stable spring patterns establish themselves.

For anglers planning trips to the New Smyrna Beach area or looking to explore the legendary Mosquito Lagoon, the coming weeks offer prime opportunities for quality catches across multiple species. Early morning and late afternoon sessions continue to produce the most consistent action, especially for sight fishing enthusiasts.

Looking to experience the world-class fishing our region has to offer? Contact Captain Patrick Rood of Spot N Tail Charters at (386) 566-1394 or visit www.spotntailcharters.com to book your personalized fishing adventure. With extensive local knowledge and years of guiding experience, Captain Patrick specializes in putting clients on the fish of a lifetime in the pristine waters of New Smyrna Beach, Daytona Beach, and the famous Mosquito Lagoon.

As we approach March it seems as though the weather is starting to figure out that we are coming up on Spring . The extended forecast for the up coming week looks good to be put on the water. The fish have been chewing well , even after this little front that has just passed. The backwaters of New Smyrna Beach and Daytona Beach have been holding great numbers of redfish , trout and snook .

The water clarity throughout Mosquito Lagoon has been at a ten making for some great sight fishing over the shallow grass flats. They have been receptive to several different baits like shrimp , mullet , cut bait along with artificials. Spring is approaching and if it stays on track it should be a good one!

Capt Patrick Rood
www.spotntailcharters.com
(386)566-1394

So just when we thought that Spring had arrived here in Central Florida ole Winter had to make another appearance. We had a small front dip down over the weekend bringing wind , rain and cooler temperatures across Daytona Beach , New Smyrna Beach and Mosquito Lagoon. It kinda throw the fish for a little loop as they were starting to get settled into a spring time pattern . But after figuring out that temperature and wind direction are changing they have got right back into the groove of things.

Look for the red fish and trout throughout the sand holes and deeper sloughs of mosquito Lagoon and back waters of New Smyrna. The snook have been hanging in the deeper water in and around structure. We also have a large number of black drum working the shallows on the mud and sand bottom. The baits of choice have been shrimp , mullet and cut bait along with soft plastics and spoons. It looks as though we have another cold front moving in mid week so I believe this pattern will stay in place for a while.

Capt Patrick Rood
www.spotntailcharters.com
(386)566-1394

As we continue with some beautiful weather again this week the fish still continue to chew well. The weather here in the New Smyrna Beach area has been great with highs in the low 80’s and calm winds.

We still continue to have some winter time low water conditions throughout Mosquito Lagoon and surrounding waters. With the lower water look for the redfish and trout to be holding in the deeper pot holes and sloughs.

The black drum have been holding in the shallow flats looking for an easy meal like a shrimp or crab. The snook are starting to thaw out and chew a bit . They have been holding tight on the shorelines and around structure. It looks as though this weather is going to hold steady until the beginning of the week as we are expecting a small front to dip south into Florida.

Capt Patrick Rood
www.spotntailcharters.com
(386)566-1394

It seems almost as though winter has completely stopped and Spring is here in Central Florida. Although I believe we still have some more winter weather coming before it’s all said and done . The fish in the New Smyrna Beach and Mosquito Lagoon are definitely enjoying the Spring time conditions . The redfish and black drum have gathered up in good numbers roaming the shallow mud flats and sand holes looking for a meal.

The trout can be found holding in the sloughs and sand holes as well. The snook are still holding in the deeper water along shorelines and structure. Shrimp , mud minnows, cut bait and live mullet have all been working well . Looking at the forecast it seems as though we could be enjoying this weather pattern for another week .

According to the 10 day forecast we may be out of the frozen tundra weather for awhile here in the New Smyrna Beach area. The forecast is calling for highs in the 70’s with some clear skies making for some great fishing on Mosquito Lagoon and the surrounding waters. The water temps are a little cool at the moment but should be back to probably mid 60’s by the weekend if the weather conditions continue.

The snook definitely seem to be in a state of shock which I kinda do not blame them as I myself am still getting over the freezing temps. The redfish and black drum can be found on the shallow sand and mud flats looking for an easy meal . The trout and snook have found shelter in deeper water until the water temps really start to warm. As I said before it looks as though Central Florida will be in a warming trend over the next week and I’m looking forward to some nice weather.

Capt Patrick Rood
www.spotntailcharters.com
(386)566-1394

Looks as though we are getting another blast of artic air moving into the New Smyrna Beach area this week. The frontal weather does affect the fish for a day or so especially in the shallow water of Mosquito Lagoon but the bite gets really strong on the days after the front passes. The redfish, trout, black drum and snook have all been chewing well after this past front as I expect the same routine after this front as well. Down sizing baits and slower retrieves will be the key to trigger bites in these clean and cooler water temperatures. Small soft plastics and live shrimp along with cut bait have been working well. After these cool conditions move out of the Central Florida area expect the bite to only get stronger each day.

Capt Patrick Rood
www.spotntailcharters.com
(386)566-1394

It seems as though Mother Nature just keeps sending us some weather like a gift that just keeps giving. The fishing has been holding strong through all these fronts and if you get out a couple days after the front on the low winds and warm up the bite is even better. With the north and north west winds it has emptied a lot of the water making for some great sight fishing on both black drum and redfish .

The water is a bit cool so the trout and snook seem to have hunkered down in some deeper holes and troughs but still chewing as the sun gets higher. The extended forecast is looking like another front on the horizon with a higher rain chance into the weekend.

Capt Patrick Rood
www.spotntailcharters.com
(386)566-1394