The many coves and harbors of Florida's west coast may see some redfish spawning in dredged channels but they are open to the Gulf of Mexico. Mosquito Lagoon is uniquely isolated.

Why identify breeding areas: Mosquito Lagoon redfish do not breed all over the place, but in specific spots. Pollution of one of these sites would devastate this unique population of fish.

On dumping freshwater canals into estuaries: Overflows into the St. Lucie River sickened saltwater fish such as snook and research shows that male seatrout stop calling females when salinity gets too low. If mating has already occurred, their larvae die.

FISH THE LAGOON

Lures: Topwater plugs and jerkbaits are exciting in the shallows as well as fly fishing streamers. Over sandy bottom spoons, jigs and rubber shrimp’ll get ‘em. Cut or whole finger mullet are the best natural baits, often the only way to get a bite when the fish are finicky. Shrimp work, too, especially in winter.

Accessibility: There are ramps to launch boats into the Lagoon and roads such as Biolab Rd., to drive along until you see an enticing opening to wade out from or throw in a canoe or something. Canaveral National Seashore, on A1A south of New Smyrna Beach, has two launch ramps suitable for outboard skiffs; the southernmost (parking lot No. 5) is pretty good for wading, too. The unimproved Eddy Creek ramp in Playalinda Beach, just east of Titusville, is another dual-purpose access point, with hard bottom for waders. The Haulover ramp, accessed from State Road 3/Kennedy Parkway on the west side of the Lagoon, is very popular for boats of any size; the Haulover Canal links the Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon.