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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 the most sought-after inshore gamefish in the southeastern United States. Belonging to the Sciaenidae family and Perciformes order, these powerful fighters are known for their distinctive copper-bronze coloration and characteristic black spot near the tail. - Adult redfish typically measure between 30 and 61 inches in length. - They can weigh anywhere from 10 to 45 pounds, with trophy specimens reaching the upper end of this range. - Their preferred habitats include shallow flats, backcountry waters, nearshore areas, and coastal estuaries.
Fishing Charter by Captain Jamie Hoover in October
Meet your Captain Jamie Hoover
- Emerald Coast Fishing Charters At Its Best!
Summary
Thursday October with Addicted to Scales & Tail Charters turned into a prime night fishing adventure in Pensacola's Escambia Bay. Despite cloudy skies and threatening rain, the water conditions proved perfect for our inshore fishing trip targeting redfish. We worked multiple techniques—drift fishing, bottom fishing, and casting artificial lures—adapting to what the fish wanted. Milton's backcountry waters offer excellent structure and depth variety, letting us switch approaches as needed. Our night fishing trip produced quality redfish, with Laurie handling the flats like a seasoned angler. Night fishing in this area consistently delivers results, with cooler evening temperatures and reduced boat traffic creating ideal conditions for trophy redfish, especially during fall when they're feeding heavily.
Fishing Charter with Jamie Hoover – Rates & Booking
Captain Jamie Hoover of Addicted to Scales & Tail Charters on Thursday October specializes in night fishing adventures around Milton and Pensacola. These evening trips typically start around 8:00 p.m. and focus on illuminated docks, bridges, and marinas where redfish, speckled trout, and other species congregate. With extensive local knowledge and years of guiding experience, Captain Jamie can accommodate up to 4 guests per trip, providing all necessary gear and tackle. Night fishing offers a unique opportunity to escape daytime heat while experiencing the thrill of seeing bait fish scatter from predators before your lure gets hammered. Guests consistently rate these charters highly for both the fishing action and overall experience.
Highlights of Pensacola Fishing Charters | Night Fishing For Trophy Redfish and More
Night fishing in Milton and Pensacola waters delivers a completely different fishing experience than daytime trips. The illuminated structures attract shrimp and baitfish, creating feeding opportunities for redfish and other species that make for exciting strikes. These evening adventures are perfect for anglers looking to avoid the daytime heat or fit fishing into a schedule with other daytime activities.
These night trips also provide an excellent opportunity for fly fishing enthusiasts. The concentrated light areas make for more predictable fish movement patterns, allowing fly anglers to make precise presentations. The cooler temperatures and reduced boat traffic create comfortable fishing conditions, especially during fall months when trophy redfish are actively feeding in Escambia Bay's productive waters.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish in Milton's waters thrive in the diverse habitat of Escambia Bay, particularly around structure such as docks, bridges, and along grass flats. Night fishing for these powerful fighters requires specialized techniques including slow retrieves with soft plastics, live bait presentations around illuminated structures, and sometimes topwater lures during active feeding periods. Fall months typically offer some of the best redfish action as water temperatures moderate and fish feed more aggressively ahead of winter. The excitement of hooking into a hard-fighting redfish in the darkness adds an extra element of challenge and thrill that many anglers find addictive.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Addicted to Scales & Tail Charters provides a stable, smooth-riding boat that can comfortably accommodate up to 4 guests. Night trips typically begin around 8:00 p.m., allowing time to reach productive fishing grounds as darkness sets in. All fishing gear, tackle, licenses, and expert guidance are included in your charter. For comfort, bringing light layers is recommended as evening temperatures can vary, especially in fall. Captain Jamie maintains safety as the top priority with properly maintained equipment and extensive knowledge of local waters, even in limited visibility conditions. Wear non-marking, non-slip footwear and bring any preferred snacks or drinks for your evening on the water.
Fishing in Pensacola: Redfish
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, belongs to the Sciaenidae family within the Perciformes order. This iconic gamefish is immediately recognizable by its copper-bronze coloration and distinctive black spot near the tail base - actually often multiple spots. In Milton waters during fall, these fish become particularly active in the evening hours, making night fishing especially productive.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are a premier inshore gamefish throughout the Gulf Coast, including Florida's panhandle region. Anglers prize them for their powerful fights, accessibility from shore or small boats, and excellent table fare. Their popularity has led to careful management in most states to ensure sustainable populations.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
These adaptable fish thrive in diverse coastal environments including saltmarsh edges, oyster reefs, mangrove shorelines, grass flats, and deeper channels. Around Milton and Pensacola, redfish particularly favor Escambia Bay's structure-rich environments, especially illuminated docks and bridges at night where baitfish concentrate.
Redfish Size and Weight
Typical redfish in the Milton area range from 30 to 61 inches in length. Weight can vary significantly from 10 pounds for younger specimens up to impressive 45-pound trophy fish. The largest specimens, often called "bull reds," are typically found in deeper water or during spawning aggregations.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic predators that feed primarily on crustaceans, small fish, and mollusks. They often hunt by tilting downward, tail slightly raised above the surface (known as "tailing") while searching for prey in shallow water. At night, they frequently patrol illuminated areas where baitfish and shrimp are attracted to the light.
Redfish Spawning Season
Spawning occurs from August through November in nearshore waters, with peak activity often coinciding with fall full moons. During this period, large breeding aggregations form, making fall an excellent time for targeting trophy-sized specimens around Milton and throughout the Gulf Coast.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Several methods consistently produce results for redfish in the Milton area. Live bait such as finger mullet, pinfish, or shrimp works exceptionally well, especially when fished near structure. Artificial lures including soft plastics on jigheads, gold spoons, and topwater plugs are also effective. In October around Milton, anglers find success targeting illuminated dock structures where redfish ambush prey during evening hours.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offers excellent table fare with a mild, sweet flavor and medium-firm white flesh that holds together well when cooked. It's versatile in preparation—whether grilled, blackened, baked, or fried. Nutritionally, it provides quality protein and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids while containing relatively low mercury levels compared to many other saltwater species.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish?
A: Live finger mullet, pinfish, blue crabs, and fresh shrimp are all excellent natural baits. For artificial lures, gold spoons, soft plastic jerkbaits, and weedless-rigged paddletails consistently produce strikes in the Milton area.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Milton?
A: Focus on Escambia Bay's grass flats, dock structures, oyster bars, and channel edges. At night, illuminated docks and bridge pilings hold concentrations of feeding redfish, particularly during falling tides.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish is considered excellent table fare with mild, sweet-flavored white flesh. It's best prepared with the skin on and works well with a variety of cooking methods including grilling, blackening, and baking.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish?
A: In the Milton area, fall (September through November) offers some of the best redfish action, particularly for larger specimens. Night fishing during this period is especially productive as water temperatures moderate and fish feed more actively.
Q: What tackle should I use for redfish?
A: Medium to medium-heavy spinning gear with 15-20 lb test line works well for most situations. For fly fishing, an 8-weight setup with floating or intermediate line is ideal for the flats and lighted dock areas around Milton.
Q: Are redfish catch and release only?
A: Florida regulations allow limited harvest with specific slot size restrictions and bag limits. Always check the latest Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regulations before keeping any fish, as rules change periodically.
