The Skiff & Gear Behind Every Fly Fishing Charter
Sight fishing the Mosquito Lagoon starts with the right skiff and dependable gear. Everything aboard, from Eric’s Hell’s Bay Whipray 16 to his fly and light-tackle equipment, is selected to help anglers make the most of every opportunity.
Hell’s Bay Whipray 16
Capt. Eric’s Hell’s Bay Whipray is the perfect skiff for fishing the shallow flats of Mosquito Lagoon and the Indian River Lagoon. Most days are spent quietly poling the skiff through water that’s less than a foot deep, giving anglers the chance to stalk fish and make accurate sight-casts.
This style of fishing demands a skiff that can reach places other boats simply can’t. The Whipray poles effortlessly, runs shallow and lets us approach fish quietly, giving you the best opportunity for quality shots throughout the day.
The ideal setup is one angler and your guide. It gives you plenty of room to cast, move around the boat and make the most of every opportunity. A second angler can certainly be accommodated, but both the skiff and Eric’s guiding style are built around this approach.
Professional Gear, Rigged & Ready
Whether you prefer fly fishing or light tackle, Eric keeps quality equipment rigged and ready for every trip. If you’d rather fish your own gear, he’s happy to help you choose the right setup before your day on the water.
An 8-weight fly rod is the most versatile choice for Mosquito Lagoon and will handle the majority of the species you’ll encounter. Anglers bringing their own outfit should be comfortable making accurate casts from 30 to 70 feet with one or two hauls. For light tackle, a 6 to 7-foot medium-fast spinning rod paired with a 2500 to 4000 series reel and 10-pound braided line is ideal.
