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Caught a trophy redfish Inshore in Milton
Redfish Inshore in Milton
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Redfish (Sciaenops Ocellatus) are popular gamefish found in Milton's coastal waters. These distinctive fish are known for their copper-red coloration and characteristic black spot near the tail. - Redfish typically measure between 30-61 inches and weigh 10-45 pounds at full maturity. - They thrive in various habitats including flats, backcountry waters, and nearshore environments.
Fishing Charter by Captain Jamie Hoover in August
Meet your Captain Jamie Hoover
- Emerald Coast Fishing Charters At Its Best!
Summary
Our summer fishing charter in Milton, FL brought perfect conditions for a productive day on the water. Captain Jamie Hoover of Addicted to Scales & Tail Charters led this Monday June 4-hour inshore trip, focusing on redfish in the productive Avalon waters. We launched early morning under partly cloudy skies, employing a mix of bottom fishing, inshore trolling, and live bait techniques. The highlight was landing a nice 20-inch redfish—a solid catch that made everyone's day. Milton's inshore waters consistently deliver quality redfish action during summer months, with our experienced local knowledge putting you on fish consistently. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to inshore fishing, our charter provides all the gear and guidance needed for a successful day targeting these hard-fighting gamefish.
Fishing Charter with Jamie Hoover – Rates & Booking
Captain Jamie Hoover of Addicted to Scales & Tail Charters offers Monday June trips targeting the hot redfish bite in Milton's Avalon waters. Our 4-Hour Inshore Trip is perfect for anglers wanting to experience the thrill of battling redfish in these productive waters. We provide all necessary fishing gear, bait, and licenses—just bring your personal items, sunscreen, and camera to capture your catch. Early morning departures maximize your chances when fish are most active. Book your spot today to secure the best date and time for your Milton fishing adventure.
Highlights of Inshore Fishing
Our recent trip with Orion and crew showcased exactly why Milton is becoming known for quality redfish action. Launching under partly cloudy skies, we hit the sweet spot when these fish are most active. Using a strategic combination of bottom fishing, inshore trolling, and live bait techniques, we put our anglers on a solid 20-inch redfish—a respectable catch that provided both excitement and satisfaction.
What sets our trips apart is our intimate knowledge of local waters and seasonal patterns. We focus on productive areas where redfish congregate, adjusting our approach based on tides, weather, and recent activity. For both novice and experienced anglers, we provide personalized instruction and the right gear to maximize your success rate while ensuring everyone has a great time on the water.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish in Milton's waters offer exciting action for anglers of all skill levels. These copper-colored fighters with their distinctive tail spots thrive in our local estuaries, flats, and backcountry areas. During summer months, they're particularly active in the Avalon area, where they cruise the shallows hunting for crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish.
For the best results, we target redfish using techniques matched to conditions. Bottom fishing with cut bait works well along channel edges, while live shrimp or small baitfish are deadly around oyster bars and grass flats. We'll often use artificial lures when sight-fishing in clear shallows. Summer offers consistent action as these fish establish predictable feeding patterns, making it an ideal time for targeting quality catches in the 15-25 inch range. The thrill of a redfish strike and their powerful runs make them a favorite target for our Milton charters.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Our inshore fishing charters include a well-maintained, comfortable boat equipped with quality fishing gear, live bait, and all necessary licenses. We recommend bringing sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, a hat, water, snacks, and a camera to document your catch. Dress for the weather, knowing you may get wet or need protection from the sun. Morning departures typically meet at 6:00 AM, but we can adjust based on your schedule and fishing conditions. With a maximum of 4 guests per trip, you'll enjoy personalized attention and plenty of fishing opportunities throughout your charter.
Fishing in Pensacola: Redfish
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, belongs to the Sciaenidae family within the Perciformes order. These distinctive gamefish are immediately recognizable by their coppery-red backs, white bellies, and one or more black spots near the tail. In Milton waters this summer, anglers target these prized fighters for their strong runs and delicious fillets.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are one of the most sought-after inshore gamefish along the Gulf Coast. Their popularity stems from their hard-fighting nature, widespread availability throughout the year, and excellent table fare. Anglers prize redfish for their powerful runs and relative abundance in accessible waters.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
Redfish inhabit various coastal environments including estuaries, bays, flats, oyster bars, and seagrass beds. They're commonly found in the Avalon waters near Milton, FL, particularly around structure and areas with good tidal flow. They can tolerate a wide range of salinities, from nearly fresh water to full ocean salinity, making them adaptable to various coastal environments.
Redfish Size and Weight
Adult redfish typically measure between 30 and 61 inches in length and weigh between 10 and 45 pounds. The 15-16 inch specimens caught during our Milton trips are considered quality eating-size fish, while trophy "bull reds" exceeding 30 inches are caught in deeper nearshore waters, especially during spawning aggregations.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders that primarily consume crustaceans, small fish, and mollusks. They often feed by tilting their bodies downward to root through bottom sediments, a behavior that sometimes reveals their location by creating visible "tailing" activity. They're most active during early morning and evening hours, particularly around moving tides when baitfish and crustaceans are more vulnerable.
Redfish Spawning Season
Redfish typically spawn from late summer through fall in nearshore waters. During this period, large mature fish form aggregations near passes and inlets where they produce distinctive drumming sounds that give them their alternative name, Red Drum. After spawning, the young move into protected estuaries and backwaters where they develop before eventually joining adult populations.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
For Milton redfish, several techniques prove consistently effective. Bottom fishing with cut bait like mullet or pinfish works well along channel edges and deeper holes. Live shrimp or finger mullet under a popping cork is deadly around grass flats and oyster bars. For artificial lures, gold spoons, soft plastic jigs in white or chartreuse, and topwater plugs during low light conditions can trigger aggressive strikes. In June, anglers around Milton find success targeting redfish around creek mouths and flats during falling tides when these fish feed actively on baitfish and crustaceans being swept out with the current.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offers excellent table fare with firm, white fillets that have a mild, sweet flavor and medium flakiness. They're versatile for cooking—blackened redfish became famous through Cajun cuisine, but they're equally delicious grilled, baked, or broiled. The meat is high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids while being relatively low in mercury compared to many other saltwater species. Slot-sized redfish (typically 18-27 inches, depending on local regulations) generally provide the best eating quality.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish in Milton?
A: Live shrimp, finger mullet, and cut pinfish or mullet consistently produce redfish in Milton waters. For artificial lures, gold spoons, scented soft plastics, and weedless jigs work exceptionally well, especially when worked slowly along bottom structure.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Milton?
A: The Avalon area waters near Milton offer excellent redfish habitat. Focus on oyster bars, grass flats, channel edges, and creek mouths, particularly during moving tides. During summer months, early morning fishing in shallow flats can be particularly productive.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish is considered excellent table fare with mild, sweet-flavored white meat that works well with numerous cooking methods. Smaller "slot-sized" fish typically offer the best eating quality, while larger specimens can be slightly tougher and more appropriate for catch-and-release.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish in Milton?
A: While redfish can be caught year-round in Milton, summer through early fall offers consistent action. The most productive fishing typically occurs during moving tides, particularly the first few hours of falling tide when redfish actively feed along edges and in depressions where bait gets concentrated.
Q: What tackle should I use for Milton redfish?
A: Medium-action spinning gear with 10-15 lb test line works well for most Milton redfish situations. A 7-foot rod provides good casting distance and hook-setting power. For terminal tackle, 20-30 lb fluorocarbon leader and 1/0 to 3/0 circle hooks are standard for both live and cut bait presentations.
Q: Are redfish hard to catch for beginners?
A: Redfish are actually quite accessible for beginners, especially with guided assistance. They're abundant, feed readily on various baits, and don't typically require specialized techniques. Their willingness to take natural baits and their fighting spirit make them an excellent species for anglers developing their skills.
