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Caught a trophy redfish Inshore in Milton
Redfish Inshore in Milton
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The Redfish (Sciaenops Ocellatus) is one of Florida's most prized inshore game fish, known for its strong fights and distinctive copper color with a black spot near the tail. In the waters around Milton, redfish thrive in the shallow flats, oyster bars, and grass beds where they hunt for crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish. - Typically range from 10-45 pounds when fully mature - Can grow to impressive lengths between 30-61 inches - Prefer shallow water habitats from 1-4 feet deep - Known for their distinctive tail-up feeding behavior in shallow flats
Fishing Charter by Captain Jamie Hoover in August
Meet your Captain Jamie Hoover
- Emerald Coast Fishing Charters At Its Best!
Summary
Summer fishing in Milton, FL kicked off perfectly with this 6-hour inshore adventure at Garcon Point. Despite morning rain, we persevered and were rewarded with non-stop redfish action. Our Friday June charter with Addicted to Scales & Tail Charters produced multiple redfish, including some solid 15-17 inch catches that put up great fights. We mixed techniques throughout the day, from jigging to surf casting and even some trolling to maximize our success. Milton's inshore waters consistently deliver excellent fishing opportunities with both shallow flats and deeper channels holding plenty of gamefish. The weather cleared beautifully as we progressed, making for ideal conditions to target these hard-fighting redfish. Whether you're an experienced angler or just getting started, our local knowledge ensures you'll experience the best fishing Milton has to offer.
Fishing Charter with Jamie Hoover – Rates & Booking
Captain Jamie Hoover of Addicted to Scales & Tail Charters offers Friday June fishing trips targeting Milton's excellent inshore redfish population. Our 6-Hour Inshore Day Trip provides everything you need for a successful day on the water – quality rods, reels, tackle, and bait. We launch early to maximize prime fishing time and can accommodate small groups comfortably. As a licensed guide with extensive local experience, I'll put you on the fish while teaching you effective techniques for targeting redfish in our diverse waters. All safety equipment is provided, and I welcome anglers of all skill levels.
Highlights of 6 Hour Inshore Day Trip
Our redfish adventure takes you through Milton's productive inshore waters where we'll target trophy redfish using various techniques. The waters around Garcon Point offer excellent structure and habitat where redfish thrive. We'll employ jigging, surf casting, and trolling methods depending on conditions and fish behavior. The versatility of our approach means we can adapt to changing conditions throughout the day.
Even with morning rain during our recent trip, we found consistent redfish action that produced multiple catches in the 15-17 inch range. The fights these fish put up are incredible for their size! As the day progresses, we'll move between spots to keep the action hot, giving you the complete Milton inshore fishing experience.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish in Milton's waters are abundant year-round, but summer offers particularly exciting action. These copper-colored fighters prefer the shallow flats, oyster bars, and marsh edges where they hunt for crabs, shrimp, and baitfish. During summer months, you'll find them in 1-4 feet of water, often revealing their location with visible tails as they feed along bottom structure.
The most productive technique for Milton redfish involves working jigs slowly along bottom structure or presenting live bait near oyster bars and grass lines. Early mornings and evening hours typically produce the best bite, though our all-day trips allow us to follow feeding patterns throughout the day. Milton's redfish population includes both slot-size fish and some larger specimens, giving anglers opportunities for both food fish and trophy catches.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
For your day on the water, I recommend bringing sun protection, comfortable clothing, and any preferred snacks or drinks. Our boat is well-equipped with shade, comfortable seating, and all necessary safety equipment. We typically meet at first light for morning trips to capitalize on the early bite, though afternoon trips are available as well. A fishing license isn't required as you'll be covered under our charter license. Photos of your catches are included, so you'll have lasting memories of your Milton fishing adventure with Addicted to Scales & Tail Charters.
Fishing in Pensacola: Redfish
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, belongs to the Sciaenidae family within the order Perciformes. These stunning game fish are immediately recognizable by their coppery-red coloration and one or more distinctive black spots near their tails. In Milton waters this summer, redfish provide some of the most exciting inshore action for anglers of all skill levels.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are one of the Gulf Coast's premier inshore game fish, prized by anglers for their strong fights and table qualities. They're adaptable predators that can thrive in various water conditions, making them a reliable target throughout the year in Florida's coastal waters.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
Redfish inhabit coastal waters from Massachusetts to Mexico, with particularly strong populations along the Gulf Coast. They prefer shallow, brackish environments including estuaries, flats, oyster bars, and marsh edges. Around Milton, they're commonly found in waters ranging from 1-4 feet deep, especially around Garcon Point where structure provides ideal hunting grounds.
Redfish Size and Weight
Adult redfish typically range from 30 to 61 inches in length and weigh between 10 and 45 pounds. In Milton's waters, anglers frequently catch specimens in the 15-30 inch range, with larger "bull reds" available seasonally in deeper channels and passes.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders that primarily consume crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish. They often reveal their presence by "tailing" – feeding with their heads down and tails breaking the surface in shallow water. They're most active during dawn and dusk but will feed throughout the day when conditions are favorable.
Redfish Spawning Season
Redfish spawn from late summer through fall in Florida waters, typically gathering in large schools near passes and deeper offshore waters. Water temperature between 68-74°F triggers spawning activity. After spawning, juvenile redfish move to protective estuary environments where they develop before joining adult populations.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
The most productive methods for targeting Milton redfish include slow-retrieving soft plastic jigs near bottom structure, presenting live bait (shrimp or finger mullet) around oyster bars, or sight-casting to tailing fish in shallow water. In June, anglers around Milton find success working the edges of grass flats during rising tides when redfish move in to feed on flushed prey. Gold spoons and weedless soft plastics in natural colors are particularly effective when fish are actively feeding.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offers excellent table fare with a mild, sweet flavor and medium-firm white flesh that flakes easily. It's versatile for cooking—excellent blackened, grilled, or baked. Nutritionally, it provides lean protein and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids with relatively low mercury levels compared to many other saltwater species. In Florida, slot-size redfish can be harvested according to current regulations, while larger specimens are typically released to protect breeding stock.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish in Milton?
A: Live shrimp, finger mullet, and blue crabs are top natural baits for Milton redfish. For artificial lures, gold spoons, scented soft plastics on jigheads, and shallow-running plugs in natural colors are consistently productive.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Milton?
A: Redfish in the Milton area are commonly found around Garcon Point, shallow grass flats, oyster bars, and marsh edges during high tide. During lower tides, target deeper channels and holes where redfish stack up waiting for water to return to the flats.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish is excellent table fare with a mild, sweet flavor that's not fishy. The white, flaky meat is versatile for various cooking methods, particularly blackening, grilling, and baking. Florida regulations permit keeping slot-size redfish, typically between 18-27 inches depending on the region.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish in Milton?
A: While redfish can be caught year-round in Milton, early summer through fall offers peak action. The best daily times are typically early morning and late afternoon, especially during moving tides. In June, concentrate on shallow flats during rising tides and deeper structures during falling tides.
Q: What tackle should I use for redfish?
A: Medium-action spinning gear with 10-20 lb test line is ideal for most Milton redfish fishing. A 7-foot rod provides good casting distance while maintaining sensitivity for detecting subtle strikes. Fluorocarbon leaders of 20-30 lb test help when fishing around oyster bars and other structure.
Q: Are redfish hard to catch for beginners?
A: Redfish are actually great targets for beginners because they feed aggressively when located and don't require complicated techniques. Their willingness to take a variety of baits and their distinctive fighting style make them rewarding for novice anglers, especially when fishing with an experienced guide who knows local patterns.
