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Caught a Trophy Redfish Inshore in Milton
Redfish Inshore in Milton, FL
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The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus) is one of the Gulf Coast's most prized inshore gamefish, known for its powerful fights and distinctive copper-bronze coloration. These beautiful fish feature a characteristic black spot near the tail, which helps confuse predators. In Milton's waters, they're commonly found around structure in shallow areas. - Redfish typically range from 30-61 inches in length and 10-45 pounds. - They thrive in various coastal habitats including flats, backcountry areas, and nearshore zones. - Their powerful tails make them formidable fighters once hooked.
Fishing Charter by Captain Jamie Hoover in August
Meet your Captain Jamie Hoover
- Emerald Coast Fishing Charters At Its Best!
Summary
Experience non-stop action on this inshore fishing charter in Milton, FL with Captain Jamie Hoover of Addicted to Scales & Tail Charters. Our Friday June trip delivered incredible redfish action despite morning rain, with multiple catches including a solid 15-incher. We covered Garcon Point waters using varied techniques from jigging to surf casting and trolling. Perfect for anglers of all skill levels, our 6-hour inshore trips provide all the gear and expertise you need to target Milton's prized redfish. The summer season offers prime opportunities with consistent bites and improving weather conditions for an unforgettable day on Florida's beautiful Gulf Coast waters.
Fishing Charter with Jamie Hoover – Rates & Booking
Captain Jamie Hoover of Addicted to Scales & Tail Charters on Friday June offers 6-hour inshore fishing trips targeting the abundant redfish population around Milton, FL. Our trips launch early morning to maximize your fishing time, and we provide all necessary tackle, bait, and licenses. The charter accommodates small groups, making it perfect for families or friends looking for personalized attention and instruction. While weather can occasionally present challenges, as seen with our morning rain, we're experienced in adapting to conditions to ensure a productive day on the water. Book your trip today to secure your spot during the prime summer fishing season in Milton's productive inshore waters.
Highlights of the Inshore Day Trip
Our recent 6-hour inshore adventure showcased why Milton is becoming a must-visit destination for redfish enthusiasts. Despite starting with rain, the weather cleared to reveal perfect fishing conditions around Garcon Point. The redfish were particularly active, with multiple catches including a hard-fighting 15-inch specimen that gave our anglers a real thrill.
What makes our trips special is the variety of techniques we employ. From jigging and fly fishing to surf casting and trolling, we adapt our approach based on conditions and what's working best. This versatility not only increases your chances of success but also provides an educational experience for anglers looking to expand their skill set. The continuous action throughout the day kept everyone engaged and excited – exactly what you want from a day on the water.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish in Milton's waters thrive in the shallow inshore areas, particularly around Garcon Point where depths of 1-4 feet provide ideal habitat. These bronze-colored gamefish with their distinctive tail spots are ambush predators, making them perfect targets for various fishing techniques.
Summer is prime time for Milton redfish action. The warmer waters increase their activity levels, and they can often be found in shallower areas during morning and evening hours. For the best results, we focus on structure like oyster bars, grass flats, and channel edges where redfish hunt for crabs, shrimp, and smaller baitfish.
When targeting these fighters, we typically use artificial lures like weedless spoons and soft plastics, though live bait such as finger mullet or shrimp can be deadly effective when conditions call for it. The redfish in our area typically range from 15-25 inches, providing exciting fights on light tackle while still being manageable for anglers of all experience levels.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
For your day on the water with Addicted to Scales & Tail Charters, we recommend wearing comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather, along with sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a hat. Our boat is equipped with all the necessary safety gear, fishing equipment, and coolers for your catch and refreshments.
We typically launch early morning to take advantage of the best fishing conditions, but can adjust timing based on tides and weather patterns. The 6-hour trip format gives us plenty of time to explore different spots and techniques while keeping the day enjoyable for everyone aboard. Whether you're an experienced angler or it's your first time holding a rod, Captain Jamie provides personalized instruction to ensure you have the skills and knowledge to make the most of your Milton fishing experience.
Fishing in Pensacola: Redfish
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), belonging to the Sciaenidae family and order Perciformes, is one of the most sought-after gamefish along the Gulf Coast. Known for its distinctive copper-bronze color and characteristic black spot near the tail, this species provides exciting action for anglers in Milton waters during the summer months.
Redfish Overview
Commonly called Red Drum, this species is prized by anglers for its strong fighting ability and table qualities. They're an iconic inshore species that can be found year-round in Florida waters, with a devoted following of recreational fishermen who specifically target them for their sporting qualities and delicious flesh.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
Redfish inhabit a variety of coastal environments including shallow flats, oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and grass beds. In the Milton area, they're particularly abundant around Garcon Point where the mix of structure and baitfish creates ideal feeding grounds. They prefer waters ranging from 1-4 feet deep, especially areas with a mix of structure and open spaces for hunting prey.
Redfish Size and Weight
Adult Redfish typically measure between 30-61 inches in length and weigh anywhere from 10-45 pounds. In the inshore waters around Milton, most catches fall in the 15-30 inch range, with larger specimens often found in deeper channels or moving to nearshore waters as they mature.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
These opportunistic feeders primarily target crustaceans, small baitfish, and mollusks. They're known for their distinctive feeding behavior, often creating visible "tails" when feeding on bottom-dwelling organisms in shallow water. Redfish are most active during dawn and dusk, though in Milton's summer conditions, they can be caught throughout the day, especially when targeting shaded areas during bright conditions.
Redfish Spawning Season
Spawning typically occurs from late summer through fall in nearshore waters. During this time, larger breeding adults (often called bull reds) gather in coastal passes and deeper waters. In Milton, smaller juvenile and sub-adult redfish remain in the inshore waters year-round, making them available to anglers regardless of season.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Multiple techniques prove effective for Milton's redfish. Gold spoons, soft plastic jigs in white or chartreuse, and weedless rigged swimbaits work well when sight-fishing shallow waters. Live bait options include finger mullet, shrimp, and blue crabs. In June, anglers around Milton find success targeting redfish around points and dropoffs during falling tides, when these predators position themselves to ambush baitfish being swept with the current.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offers mild, white flesh with a medium flake and sweet flavor. It's versatile in preparation, excellent when blackened, grilled, or baked. The meat is high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids while being relatively low in mercury compared to larger predatory species. Slot-size redfish (typically 18-27 inches in Florida) provide the best eating quality, with larger specimens often being less tender.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Redfish in Milton?
A: Live finger mullet, fresh-cut pinfish, and live shrimp are top natural baits. For artificial lures, gold spoons, scented soft plastics, and shallow-running plugs produce consistently good results in Milton's waters.
Q: Where can I find Redfish near Milton?
A: Garcon Point offers excellent redfish habitat, as do the shallow grass flats and oyster bars throughout the area. Focus on areas with moving water, especially during tide changes when redfish are most actively feeding.
Q: Is Redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish is excellent table fare with a mild, sweet flavor. The white meat has a medium flake and is versatile for various cooking methods. Slot-sized fish between 18-27 inches typically provide the best eating quality.
Q: When is the best time to catch Redfish in Milton?
A: While redfish can be caught year-round in Milton, late spring through early fall offers the most consistent action. Summer months like June provide excellent opportunities, especially during morning and evening tide movements.
Q: How do you identify a Redfish?
A: Look for a bronze-copper colored body with one or more distinctive black spots near the tail. They have a downturned mouth for bottom feeding and a powerful, rounded tail. Unlike some similar species, they lack barbels on their chin.
Q: What size Redfish can I keep in Florida?
A: Florida regulations typically allow one redfish per person between 18-27 inches total length, but always check the latest FWC regulations as limits and seasons can change based on conservation needs.
