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Caught a trophy redfish Inshore in Pensacola
Redfish Fishing in Pensacola
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The Redfish (Sciaenops Ocellatus) is one of the Gulf Coast's most prized inshore gamefish, known for powerful fights and distinctive copper-bronze coloration. These fish typically range from 30-61 inches in length and can weigh between 10-45 pounds when fully grown. Their habitat includes shallow flats, backcountry waters, and nearshore areas around Pensacola. - Redfish are identified by one or more distinctive black spots on their tail. - They belong to the Sciaenidae family (drums) and make a characteristic drumming sound. - Peak season in Pensacola occurs during fall months when larger specimens move into shallow waters.
Fishing Charter by Captain Jamie Hoover in October
Meet your Captain Jamie Hoover
- Emerald Coast Fishing Charters At Its Best!
Summary
Monday September's inshore fishing charter in Pensacola delivered non-stop action with Captain Jamie Hoover of Addicted to Scales & Tail Charters. We worked the backcountry waters using drift fishing, bottom fishing, and casting techniques that put us on solid Redfish and Speckled Trout from the first cast. With clear conditions and perfect Avalon waters, our evening session produced multiple hookups including some trophy-sized Redfish. The structure-rich inshore waters around Pensacola create ideal habitat for these hard-fighting gamefish, making our 4-hour guided trip both productive and memorable. Whether you're targeting Redfish cruising the flats or Trout holding in the grass, Captain Jamie's local knowledge ensures bent rods throughout your trip.
Fishing Charter with Jamie Hoover – Rates & Booking
Captain Jamie Hoover of Addicted to Scales & Tail Charters offers Monday September trips targeting Redfish and Sea Trout in Pensacola's productive inshore waters. The Half Day Morning Inshore Fishing charter costs $500 for up to 4 guests, with an 8:00 AM departure time. This 4-hour trip includes all necessary gear and fishing licenses, making it hassle-free for families and small groups. Captain Jamie's local expertise puts you on fish quickly, focusing on Redfish and Sea Trout with opportunities for Black Drum, Crevalle Jack, and Grey Snapper as well. The meeting location details are provided after booking, ensuring a smooth start to your Pensacola fishing adventure.
Highlights of Half Day Morning Inshore Fishing in Pensacola Florida
This action-packed inshore fishing trip delivers consistent results with Captain Jamie's proven techniques. The backcountry waters around Pensacola offer perfect structure for Redfish and Speckled Trout, with clear conditions making for excellent sight fishing opportunities. Recent trips have produced multiple 30-inch plus Redfish per angler, with steady action throughout the entire charter.
Captain Jamie's approach combines drift fishing, bottom fishing, and casting with lures to target the best inshore species Pensacola has to offer. His family-friendly style makes this trip perfect for anglers of all skill levels, with special attention to making sure kids have a successful and enjoyable experience. The combination of abundant fish, expert guidance, and quality gear ensures bent rods and tight lines from start to finish.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish in Pensacola thrive in the shallow backcountry waters, cruising flats and structure in search of prey. These golden-bronze beauties with their distinctive tail spots put up tremendous fights, especially when hooked in 1-4 feet of water. Captain Jamie targets them using a variety of techniques, from soft plastics on jigheads to live bait presentations that mimic their natural forage.
Fall evenings are prime time for Redfish in Pensacola's inshore waters, as cooling temperatures trigger feeding frenzies. The local population includes both slot-sized fish perfect for the table and oversized trophies that provide unforgettable catch-and-release battles. With Captain Jamie's knowledge of seasonal patterns and productive areas, you'll maximize your chances of hooking into these prized gamefish during your charter.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
For your Half Day Morning trip with Captain Jamie, you'll be fishing aboard a well-equipped vessel designed for Pensacola's inshore waters. The boat comfortably accommodates up to 4 guests with all the necessary fishing gear provided. Morning departures begin at 8:00 AM, giving you prime fishing time when the bite is often most active.
Dress for the weather and bring sun protection, a camera for photos, and any personal snacks or drinks you might want during the trip. Captain Jamie focuses on creating a safe, comfortable experience while putting you on fish throughout your charter. His attention to detail and commitment to customer satisfaction have earned him consistently high reviews, with anglers like Ben commenting: "Awesome trip! We were on fish from the first cast. Each of us caught a 30 inch plus redfish."
Fishing in Pensacola: Redfish
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, is a member of the Sciaenidae family and Perciformes order. This iconic gamefish is instantly recognizable by its copper-bronze body and distinctive black spot(s) near the tail. In Pensacola waters this September, Redfish provide some of the most thrilling inshore battles, with many anglers reporting trophy catches in the 30-inch range.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are highly sought-after sportfish along the Gulf Coast and Atlantic seaboard, prized for both their fighting ability and table qualities. These copper-colored battlers earn their reputation through powerful runs and stubborn fights, particularly when hooked in shallow water. Their popularity among anglers stems from their accessibility to both shore and boat fishermen.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
Redfish thrive in diverse coastal environments including flats, marshes, oyster bars, and backcountry areas. In Pensacola, they're commonly found around grassy flats, mangrove shorelines, and structure-rich areas with 1-4 feet of water. Juveniles typically inhabit protected bays and estuaries, while larger adults may venture into nearshore waters, particularly during spawning season.
Redfish Size and Weight
The typical Redfish ranges between 30-61 inches in length, with weights varying from 10-45 pounds. Trophy specimens in the Pensacola area commonly reach the 30-40 inch range, with some exceptional catches exceeding this. The current Florida state record stands at just over 52 pounds, though most inshore catches fall in the 5-15 pound range.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
These opportunistic feeders primarily target crustaceans like shrimp and crabs, along with smaller baitfish and mullet. Redfish often reveal their presence by creating visible "tailing" activity when feeding in shallow water. They're most active during early morning and evening hours, with feeding patterns closely tied to tidal movements and bait migrations.
Redfish Spawning Season
In the Gulf Coast region, Redfish typically spawn from August through November, with peak activity in September and October. During this period, large breeding adults (often called "bull reds") gather in coastal passes and nearshore areas. Water temperature plays a crucial role in triggering spawning activity, with the ideal range falling between 70-75°F.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Several effective approaches work well for Pensacola Redfish. Gold spoons, scented soft plastics, and live baits like finger mullet or shrimp are consistently productive. Sight-fishing shallow flats during lower tides allows anglers to spot cruising Redfish, while fishing deeper channels during falling tides can intercept feeding fish. In September, Pensacola anglers often find success targeting Redfish around oyster bars and grass lines during moving tides, particularly in the early morning hours.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offers excellent table fare with firm, white flesh and a mild, sweet flavor. The meat works well with various cooking methods including blackening, grilling, and baking. Smaller specimens (slot-sized) generally provide better eating quality than larger breeder fish. Redfish is nutritionally valuable, offering lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential minerals while maintaining relatively low mercury levels compared to some other gamefish.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Redfish in Pensacola?
A: Live finger mullet, shrimp, and blue crabs are top natural baits for Pensacola Redfish. For artificial lures, gold spoons, scented soft plastics on jigheads, and weedless spoons consistently produce strikes, especially when worked slowly along bottom structure.
Q: Where can I find Redfish near Pensacola?
A: Target grassy flats, oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and protected backcountry areas in 1-4 feet of water. During fall months, many Redfish gather around deeper channel edges adjacent to these shallow areas, particularly during moving tides.
Q: Is Redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, Redfish is excellent table fare with firm white flesh and a mild, sweet flavor that works well with various cooking methods. Slot-sized fish (typically 18-27 inches, depending on regulations) generally provide the best eating quality.
Q: When is the best time to catch Redfish in Pensacola?
A: Fall (September through November) offers prime Redfish fishing in Pensacola, with large schools gathering and actively feeding. Early morning and evening periods typically provide the most consistent action, particularly during moving tides when Redfish are most actively hunting.
Q: What tackle should I use for Redfish?
A: Medium-action spinning gear with 15-20lb test line works well for most Pensacola Redfish scenarios. A 7-foot rod provides good casting distance while maintaining sensitivity for detecting strikes. For larger bull reds, stepping up to 30-40lb test may be necessary.
Q: Are Redfish catch and release only?
A: Florida regulations allow harvest of slot-sized Redfish (currently 18-27 inches), with specific bag limits. However, many anglers practice catch and release, especially with larger breeding specimens, to help maintain healthy populations.
