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Caught a Trophy Redfish Inshore in Pensacola
Redfish Inshore in Pensacola
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The Sciaenops Ocellatus belongs to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. It typically measures between 30 and 61 inches in length, with a weight range from 10 to 45 lbs. Habitat: onshore, flats, backcountry, nearshore. - Redfish are identified by having one or more eyespots near the tail. - They have a distinctive red-colored back that fades to white on the belly.
Fishing Charter by Captain Jamie Hoover in October
Meet your Captain Jamie Hoover
- Emerald Coast Fishing Charters At Its Best!
Summary
Thursday October night fishing in Pensacola delivered outstanding results on our inshore fishing charter. Captain Jamie Hoover of Addicted to Scales & Tail Charters guided Laurie to some quality redfish despite threatening weather conditions. The evening trip in Escambia Bay proved why night fishing can be so productive, as we worked multiple techniques from drift fishing to targeting structure with artificial lures. Pensacola's backcountry waters offer the perfect environment for redfish, especially during fall when the cooler temperatures and reduced boat traffic create ideal fishing conditions. If you're looking for a shot at trophy redfish in Pensacola, these night fishing trips consistently produce results while giving you a unique perspective of the local waters.
Fishing Charter with Jamie Hoover – Rates & Booking
Captain Jamie Hoover of Addicted to Scales & Tail Charters offers Thursday October night fishing trips that are perfect for anglers looking to escape daytime heat or add something different to their vacation plans. These evening adventures typically begin around 8:00 p.m., with the focus on targeting redfish, speckled trout, and other inshore species. The night fishing charter accommodates up to 4 guests, making it ideal for small groups or families. All necessary fishing gear is provided, though you're welcome to bring your own equipment if preferred. Whether you're an experienced angler or trying fishing for the first time, Captain Jamie's local knowledge will put you on fish throughout Pensacola's productive waters.
Highlights of Pensacola Fishing Charters | Night Fishing For Trophy Redfish and More
The night fishing experience in Pensacola offers something truly special as you approach illuminated docks, bridges, and marinas. There's nothing quite like the excitement of seeing shrimp and baitfish erupting from the water, followed by aggressive strikes from feeding redfish. This charter focuses on productive areas throughout Escambia Bay, where the variety of structure and depths allows for multiple fishing techniques. Recent trips have produced quality redfish using a versatile approach that includes drift fishing, bottom fishing, and casting artificial lures to active fish. For fly fishing enthusiasts, these night trips offer excellent opportunities to break out the fly rod and target trophy redfish in less crowded conditions.
Past guests like Laurie have given these night fishing adventures 5-star ratings, highlighting both the quality of fish caught and the smooth ride despite windy conditions. The fall months are particularly productive for targeting trophy redfish, as the fish are actively feeding in preparation for winter. When you book with Addicted to Scales & Tail Charters, you're getting a customized fishing experience tailored to your skill level and the current fishing conditions in Pensacola's waters.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish, also known as Red Drum, are the premier inshore game fish in Pensacola waters. These copper-colored predators with their distinctive tail spot are highly sought-after for both their fighting ability and table quality. In Escambia Bay, redfish thrive around structure like docks, oyster bars, and grass flats, making them perfect targets for night fishing expeditions. Captain Jamie specializes in multiple techniques for targeting these fish, from bottom fishing structure to working artificial lures along illuminated areas. Fall is a prime season for trophy redfish in Pensacola, as they feed aggressively in the cooling waters. Night fishing offers several advantages, including less boat pressure and cooler temperatures, creating ideal conditions for bigger fish to move into shallower waters where they're more accessible to anglers.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
For your night fishing charter with Captain Jamie, plan to arrive at the meeting point around 8:00 p.m. dressed for the weather conditions. While all fishing gear is provided, you may want to bring items like a light jacket (even in warmer months, as evenings on the water can get cool), camera, snacks, and drinks. The boat comfortably accommodates up to 4 guests and provides a smooth, stable platform for fishing Pensacola's inshore waters. These night trips typically last 4-5 hours, giving you plenty of time to experience the exciting action around illuminated structures. With Laurie's 5-star review highlighting both the fishing success and smooth ride despite windy conditions, you can book with confidence knowing you're in for a professional, enjoyable experience on the water.
Fishing in Pensacola: Redfish
Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, belongs to the Sciaenidae family within the order Perciformes. These distinctive fish are characterized by their copper-bronze coloration and signature black spot (sometimes multiple spots) near the tail. In Pensacola waters during October, redfish become particularly active as they prepare for winter, making night fishing trips especially productive.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are one of the most sought-after inshore game fish along the Gulf Coast, prized by anglers for their strong fights and excellent table fare. Their ability to thrive in various water conditions from brackish estuaries to nearshore waters makes them accessible to anglers year-round, though seasonal patterns affect their behavior and location.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
These adaptable fish inhabit a variety of coastal environments including grass flats, oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and deeper channels. In Pensacola, redfish are commonly found throughout Escambia Bay, Santa Rosa Sound, and Pensacola Bay, particularly around structure like docks, bridges, and grass flats. They tolerate a wide range of salinities, allowing them to move between freshwater influences and saltier Gulf waters.
Redfish Size and Weight
Adult redfish typically measure between 30 and 61 inches in length and weigh between 10 and 45 pounds. In Pensacola waters, slot-sized fish (18-27 inches in Florida) are common inshore, while trophy-sized bull redfish exceeding 30 inches are often targeted during fall and winter, especially during night fishing trips.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic predators that feed primarily on crustaceans, small fish, and mollusks. They're known for their distinctive "tailing" behavior in shallow water when feeding on bottom-dwelling organisms. During night hours, especially around illuminated structures in Pensacola's bays, redfish become active predators targeting shrimp and baitfish that are attracted to the lights.
Redfish Spawning Season
Spawning typically occurs from late summer through fall when redfish form large schools in nearshore Gulf waters. In Pensacola, August through October sees increased redfish activity as mature fish prepare for and engage in spawning. During this period, both smaller inshore redfish and larger breeding-sized fish can be targeted depending on location.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Several effective methods work well for redfish in Pensacola waters. Bottom fishing with cut bait or live shrimp around structure produces consistent results, particularly at night. Artificial lures like soft plastics on jigheads, gold spoons, and topwater plugs are excellent choices when fish are actively feeding. In October, Pensacola anglers find success targeting redfish around illuminated docks and bridges where fish ambush prey attracted to the lights. Fly fishing enthusiasts can use 8-9 weight setups with crab or baitfish patterns for exciting sight fishing opportunities.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish are excellent table fare with firm, white meat that has a mild, sweet flavor. The fillets are versatile for cooking methods including blackening, grilling, or baking. They're also nutritionally valuable, providing lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and various vitamins and minerals. Smaller slot-sized redfish generally taste better than larger specimens, which can have a coarser texture and are often released for conservation purposes.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish in Pensacola?
A: Live or cut pinfish, finger mullet, and shrimp are top natural baits. For artificial lures, gold spoons, soft plastics in new penny or white color, and topwater plugs at dawn/dusk are most effective.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Pensacola?
A: Target grass flats and oyster bars in Escambia Bay, dock structures in Santa Rosa Sound, and bridge pilings throughout the bay system. During fall, deeper channels and passes hold larger fish, while illuminated docks at night can be particularly productive.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish is excellent eating with a mild, sweet flavor and firm texture. Slot-sized fish (18-27 inches in Florida) provide the best eating quality. Popular preparations include blackened, grilled, or baked with herbs.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish in Pensacola?
A: While available year-round, peak seasons are fall (September-November) for larger bull reds and spring (March-May) for active feeding periods. October specifically offers excellent night fishing opportunities as water temperatures cool and fish feed aggressively around structure.
Q: Can I catch redfish from shore in Pensacola?
A: Yes, productive shore fishing locations include public piers, jetties at Pensacola Pass, and beach areas during seasonal migrations. Dawn and dusk typically offer the best shore-based opportunities.
Q: What fishing license do I need for redfish in Florida?
A: Florida residents need a saltwater fishing license unless exempt. Non-residents can purchase short-term (3-day, 7-day) or annual saltwater licenses. When fishing with a licensed charter captain like Jamie Hoover, your license is covered under the charter's permits.
