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Caught a trophy Redfish Inshore in Milton
Redfish Fishing in Milton, FL
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The Redfish (Sciaenops Ocellatus) is a popular gamefish prized by anglers throughout the Gulf Coast and Atlantic seaboard. This beautiful copper-colored fish with its distinctive black tail spot can be found in Milton's inshore waters year-round, though May offers some of the best action as water temperatures become ideal. - Redfish in the Milton area typically range from 18-30 inches, with larger specimens known as "bull reds" reaching over 40 inches. - These fish are known for their strong fights and willingness to strike a variety of baits and lures. - The 18-inch Redfish caught on this trip represents a quality example of what anglers can expect when fishing with Captain Jamie.
Fishing Charter by Captain Jamie Hoover in August
Meet your Captain Jamie Hoover
- Emerald Coast Fishing Charters At Its Best!
Summary
Experience prime inshore fishing in Milton, FL with our Tuesday May guided charter focused on trophy Redfish. Captain Jamie Hoover of Addicted to Scales & Tail Charters knows exactly where to find the action in these productive waters. This 4 Hour Guided Trip provides everything you need to target Redfish and Sea Trout in the shallow flats and backcountry areas. You'll be fishing with light tackle and specialized techniques perfect for the seasonal bite. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to fishing, this trip offers the perfect balance of action and instruction with all fishing gear provided. Book your Milton fishing adventure today and get ready for some of the best inshore action in Florida.
Fishing Charter with Jamie Hoover – Rates & Booking
Captain Jamie Hoover of Addicted to Scales & Tail Charters on Tuesday May offers a Half Day Morning Inshore Fishing trip in Pensacola Florida. Departing at 8:00 AM, this 4-hour charter focuses on Redfish and Sea Trout, with opportunities to target Black Drum, Crevalle Jack, and Grey Snapper as well. The trip is designed for up to 4 guests, making it perfect for small groups or families looking to enjoy some quality time on the water. All necessary fishing gear is provided, and guests don't need to worry about bringing a fishing license. The cost is $500 per trip, offering excellent value for a private guided experience. After booking, you'll receive details on the meeting location to start your adventure.
Highlights of Half Day Morning Inshore Fishing in Pensacola Florida
This inshore fishing trip provides the perfect opportunity to target trophy Redfish in the productive waters around Milton. Captain Jamie's local knowledge ensures you'll be fishing the most productive spots where these prized gamefish are actively feeding. The shallow water action is particularly exciting, as you can often see the fish before they strike your lure.
With both light tackle and fly fishing opportunities available, anglers of all skill levels will enjoy the experience. The trip focuses primarily on Redfish and Sea Trout, but you might also encounter Black Drum, Crevalle Jack, and Grey Snapper depending on seasonal patterns. The morning hours provide optimal fishing conditions, with calmer waters and more active fish before the heat of the day sets in.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish, also known as Red Drum, are one of the most sought-after inshore species in Florida waters. These powerful fighters are known for their distinctive copper coloration and characteristic black spot near the tail. In the Milton area, they're commonly found in shallow flats, around oyster bars, and near mangrove shorelines.
May is an excellent time to target Redfish in this region as water temperatures are ideal and baitfish are abundant. Captain Jamie specializes in locating schools of these fish and knows the techniques that work best for enticing strikes. Whether you're jigging soft plastics along the bottom or working topwater lures across the flats, the explosive strikes from these fish will get your heart racing. The average Redfish caught on these trips ranges from 18-27 inches, providing both excellent sport and potential table fare if you choose to keep your catch.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
For your day on the water with Captain Jamie, wear comfortable clothing suitable for the weather and don't forget sun protection including a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. The boat comfortably accommodates up to 4 guests and is equipped with all the necessary safety gear. All fishing equipment is provided, including quality rods, reels, and appropriate tackle for the target species.
It's recommended to bring a small cooler with drinks and snacks, and a camera to document your catches. The charter departs at 8:00 AM, so plan to arrive about 15 minutes early to get settled. Captain Jamie focuses on creating a comfortable, enjoyable experience for anglers of all skill levels, so whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time fishing, you'll feel right at home on this charter.
Fishing in Pensacola: Redfish
Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, belong to the Sciaenidae family within the order Perciformes. These iconic gamefish are instantly recognizable by their coppery-red backs, white bellies, and one or more distinctive black spots near the tail. In Milton waters this May, anglers find these prized fish actively feeding in shallow flats and around structure.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are one of the most popular inshore gamefish along the Gulf Coast, prized for both their sporting qualities and table fare. They possess powerful bodies built for both cruising flats and making explosive runs when hooked, making them a favorite target for anglers of all skill levels.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
Redfish thrive in diverse coastal environments including shallow flats, oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and grass beds. They're found throughout the Gulf of Mexico and along the Atlantic coast from Massachusetts to Florida. In the Milton area, they particularly favor shallow bays, backwater creeks, and areas with structure that holds baitfish.
Redfish Size and Weight
These fish typically measure between 30 and 61 inches in length, with weights ranging from 10 to 45 pounds. In the Milton area, most catches fall in the 18-30 inch range (5-15 pounds), though larger "bull reds" exceeding 40 inches are occasionally caught, especially during fall spawning runs.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders that primarily target crustaceans, small baitfish, and mollusks. They often hunt by tilting their bodies downward to root along the bottom for prey, creating visible "tailing" behavior that savvy anglers look for. They're known to feed aggressively during moving tides, especially around dawn and dusk.
Redfish Spawning Season
Spawning typically occurs from late summer through fall when adult Redfish gather in large schools near coastal passes and offshore. During May in the Milton area, anglers find smaller "slot-sized" fish (18-27 inches) in shallower waters as they actively feed before the summer heat peaks.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
For consistent success with Redfish, try light tackle with 10-15 pound test line and 3000-4000 series reels. Gold spoons, soft plastic jigs in white or chartreuse, and scented baits like cut mullet or live shrimp are all productive. In May, anglers around Milton find them actively feeding on shallow flats during rising tides, particularly early morning. Stealth is crucial—these fish have excellent eyesight and can spook easily in clear water. When sight fishing, accurate casting ahead of their path is essential.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offers excellent table fare with a mild, sweet flavor and firm white flesh that holds up well to various cooking methods. It's particularly delicious blackened, grilled, or baked. Nutritionally, it's a good source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Smaller fish (under 27 inches) generally provide the best eating quality, while larger specimens may have a coarser texture.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Redfish?
A: Live or fresh-cut mullet, shrimp, blue crabs, and pinfish are all excellent natural baits for Redfish in the Milton area. For artificial lures, gold spoons, soft plastic jerkbaits, and weedless gold spoons consistently produce good results.
Q: Where can I find Redfish near Milton?
A: In the Milton area, target shallow flats, creek mouths, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines. During falling tides, focus on deeper channels and potholes where Redfish stage as water recedes from the flats.
Q: Is Redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, Redfish is excellent table fare with a mild, slightly sweet flavor and firm texture. Slot-sized fish (18-27 inches in Florida) provide the best eating quality. It's versatile and can be prepared using various cooking methods.
Q: When is the best time to catch Redfish?
A: In the Milton area, spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) typically offer the best Redfish action. Early morning and evening hours during moving tides generally produce the most consistent results, especially around new and full moons.
Q: What tackle should I use for Redfish?
A: Medium-action spinning gear with 10-15 pound test line works well for most Redfish situations. A 7-foot rod provides good casting distance and fish-fighting capability. For fly fishing, an 8-weight setup with floating line is ideal for most flats scenarios.
Q: Are Redfish hard to catch?
A: While Redfish can be challenging due to their excellent eyesight and sometimes finicky feeding behavior, they're generally willing biters when presented with appropriate baits and lures. Having a knowledgeable guide like Captain Jamie significantly increases your chances of success, especially if you're unfamiliar with local waters.
