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Caught a trophy redfish Inshore in Pensacola
Redfish Inshore in Pensacola
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The Redfish (Sciaenops Ocellatus) is one of Pensacola's most prized inshore gamefish, known for powerful fights and reliability throughout the seasons. These copper-colored predators belong to the Sciaenidae family and can reach impressive sizes between 30-61 inches and 10-45 pounds when fully mature. - Redfish have distinctive spot patterns near their tails that help anglers identify them. - They thrive in shallow coastal waters, particularly around structure and grassy flats. - Night fishing around illuminated areas often produces the largest specimens.
Fishing Charter by Captain Jamie Hoover in October
Meet your Captain Jamie Hoover
- Emerald Coast Fishing Charters At Its Best!
Summary
Experience an unforgettable night fishing adventure in Pensacola with Addicted to Scales & Tail Charters. This Thursday October trip delivered some serious action as we targeted trophy redfish in Escambia Bay's productive waters. Despite cloudy skies threatening rain, Captain Jamie Hoover expertly guided us through multiple fishing techniques—drift fishing, bottom fishing, and working artificial lures—to connect with quality fish. Pensacola's backcountry waters offer the perfect environment for night fishing, with reduced boat traffic and cooler temperatures creating ideal conditions, especially during fall when redfish are actively feeding. Whether you're a seasoned angler or looking for your first trophy catch, these night fishing charters provide an exciting opportunity to experience some of Pensacola's best inshore fishing.
Fishing Charter with Jamie Hoover – Rates & Booking
Captain Jamie Hoover of Addicted to Scales & Tail Charters runs Thursday October night fishing trips that consistently deliver results. These evening excursions accommodate up to 4 guests and focus on targeting trophy redfish and other inshore species throughout Pensacola's productive waters. Night fishing offers several advantages—cooler temperatures, less boat traffic, and often more aggressive fish feeding patterns. All necessary fishing equipment is provided, making this an accessible option for anglers of any experience level.
Pensacola night fishing charters typically begin around 8:00 p.m., allowing you to escape the daytime heat or fit fishing into a schedule with other planned activities. Captain Jamie specializes in illuminated dock, bridge, and marina fishing where you'll witness the excitement of shrimp and baitfish bursting from the water followed by heart-pounding strikes. These trips are also excellent opportunities for fly fishing enthusiasts wanting to test their skills in a different environment.
Highlights of Pensacola Fishing Charters | Night Fishing For Trophy Redfish and More
Night fishing in Pensacola creates a completely different fishing experience than daytime trips. Captain Jamie's local knowledge shines as he navigates the darker waters, positioning you perfectly to target structure where predatory fish gather. When approaching lit areas, you'll witness the dramatic sight of baitfish erupting from the water as larger game fish hunt below—an electrifying moment before hookups occur.
Recent trips have produced quality redfish using versatile approaches including drift fishing, bottom fishing near structure, and casting artificial lures to active fish. The variety of techniques keeps the action interesting while maximizing your chances of landing that trophy catch. Captain Jamie's expertise ensures even beginners can connect with quality fish, providing instruction and assistance throughout the trip.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus) thrive in Pensacola's diverse inshore waters, particularly in Escambia Bay where structure, depth changes, and abundant forage create perfect habitat. During fall months, these copper-colored predators become increasingly active at night as they feed heavily on shrimp, crabs, and baitfish near illuminated areas. Captain Jamie targets them using both artificial lures and natural baits, adjusting techniques based on current conditions.
What makes redfish particularly exciting for Pensacola night fishing is their aggressive strikes and powerful fights. When hooked, they make strong initial runs and put up sustained battles that test your tackle and technique. Their ability to be caught on various methods—from jigging around structure to casting artificials near lights—makes them accessible to anglers of all skill levels.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
For your night fishing charter in Pensacola, dress comfortably for evening temperatures and bring any personal items you might need like snacks or drinks. Captain Jamie provides all necessary fishing gear, tackles, licenses, and professional instruction. The boat offers a smooth, stable platform even in slightly choppy conditions, ensuring a comfortable experience.
Night trips typically meet around 8:00 p.m. and run for several productive hours. To maximize your experience, consider booking during periods around the new or full moon when tidal movement tends to be stronger, often triggering more aggressive feeding behavior from redfish and other inshore species. Fall and early winter months offer some of the year's best opportunities for trophy redfish during night fishing trips in Pensacola.
Fishing in Pensacola: Redfish
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), belonging to the Sciaenidae family within the order Perciformes, is one of the Gulf Coast's most iconic gamefish. Known for its distinctive copper-bronze coloration and characteristic black spot near the tail, this species is a favorite target for Pensacola anglers during night fishing trips. In Pensacola waters this October, these fish become increasingly active after dark, making night fishing charters particularly productive.
Redfish Overview
Redfish, also called Red Drum, are highly adaptable predators that thrive in various coastal environments. Their popularity stems from both their fighting ability and table qualities, making them a prized catch for recreational anglers throughout the Gulf Coast. The species' resilience and abundance have helped maintain healthy populations despite fishing pressure.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
These versatile fish inhabit coastal waters from Massachusetts to Mexico, with particularly strong populations along the Gulf Coast, including Pensacola's bays and estuaries. They prefer shallow waters ranging from 1-4 feet deep, including flats, oyster bars, mangroves, and grass beds. In Pensacola, they're commonly found throughout Escambia Bay, especially around structure and illuminated areas at night.
Redfish Size and Weight
Adult redfish typically measure between 30-61 inches in length and weigh between 10-45 pounds. Trophy specimens, often called "bull reds," can exceed 40 inches and 30 pounds. The average keeper-sized fish in Pensacola waters usually ranges from 20-27 inches, providing excellent sport and good eating within legal slot limits.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders that prey on crustaceans, small fish, and mollusks. They often reveal their presence by creating "tailing" movements in shallow water as they dig for crabs and shrimp. During night hours, they actively hunt around lighted docks and bridges where baitfish concentrate, making these prime locations for night fishing charters.
Redfish Spawning Season
In the Gulf region, redfish typically spawn from August through November, with peak activity in September and October. During this period, larger breeding fish move toward passes and offshore waters, while juvenile and slot-sized fish remain in bays and estuaries. Water temperatures between 68-74°F trigger spawning behavior.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
When targeting redfish in Pensacola, several techniques prove effective. Artificial lures like soft plastics on jigheads work well when bounced along bottom structure at night. Live or cut bait (mullet, pinfish, shrimp) fished near illuminated docks produces consistent results. In October, Pensacola anglers find success focusing on deeper channel edges adjacent to flats where redfish stage during cooling water temperatures. For fly anglers, streamers that mimic shrimp or baitfish in sizes 1/0 to 2/0 are ideal patterns.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offers excellent table fare with firm, white meat and a mild, sweet flavor that's not overly fishy. The flesh holds up well to various cooking methods, including blackening, grilling, and baking. Nutritionally, redfish provides lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential minerals. Smaller specimens (under 30 inches) generally offer the best eating quality, as larger fish may have a coarser texture.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish in Pensacola?
A: Live or fresh-cut mullet, pinfish, menhaden, and shrimp are top natural baits for Pensacola redfish. During night fishing trips, scented soft plastics and rattling lures also produce excellent results around illuminated structure.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Pensacola?
A: Escambia Bay, Pensacola Bay, Santa Rosa Sound, and Big Lagoon all hold good redfish populations. Focus on oyster bars, grass flats edges, docks with lights, bridge pilings, and creek mouths, especially during moving tides.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish is considered excellent table fare with a mild, sweet flavor and firm white flesh. Slot-sized fish (typically 18-27 inches in Florida waters) provide the best eating quality, while larger specimens are usually better released to support breeding populations.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish in Pensacola?
A: While redfish can be caught year-round in Pensacola, fall (September through November) offers some of the best fishing as cooling water temperatures trigger increased feeding activity. For night fishing specifically, periods around new and full moons with strong tidal movement typically produce the most consistent action.
