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Caught a tasty redfish in Milton FL
Redfish Fishing in Milton, FL
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The Redfish (Sciaenops Ocellatus) belongs to the Sciaenidae family and is one of Florida's most prized inshore gamefish. These beautiful copper-colored fish feature a distinctive black spot on their tail and can reach impressive sizes between 30-61 inches and 10-45 pounds when fully mature. - Redfish thrive in Milton's shallow waters, particularly around structure and oyster bars. - They're known for their strong fights and excellent table fare, making them a favorite target for both sport and food.
Fishing Charter by Captain Jamie Hoover in August
Meet your Captain Jamie Hoover
- Emerald Coast Fishing Charters At Its Best!
Summary
Join Captain Jamie Hoover of Addicted to Scales & Tail Charters for a Saturday June fishing adventure in Milton, FL. This 4-hour inshore charter focuses on targeting the abundant redfish in the productive waters around Garcon Point. Using a variety of techniques including jigging, fly fishing, and conventional tackle, you'll have opportunities to hook into quality redfish even in changing weather conditions. The local knowledge Captain Jamie brings ensures you'll be fishing the right spots at the right time - from deeper channels to structure where these prized gamefish congregate. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to inshore fishing, this Milton fishing charter provides all the gear and guidance needed for a successful day on the water.
Fishing Charter with Jamie Hoover – Rates & Booking
Captain Jamie Hoover of Addicted to Scales & Tail Charters on Saturday June offers a 4-hour inshore fishing trip designed for anglers looking to target redfish and other inshore species. The trip includes all necessary fishing equipment, licenses, and expert guidance to put you on the fish. Captain Jamie is a licensed guide with extensive local knowledge of Milton's waters, particularly around Garcon Point where redfish are abundant. The charter accommodates small groups, making it perfect for families or friends wanting a personalized fishing experience.
Highlights of 4 Hour Trip – Inshore (Day)
This inshore trip focuses on productive fishing grounds known for quality redfish action. Captain Jamie employs multiple fishing techniques including jigging, fly fishing, and heavier tackle depending on conditions and target species. The varied approach ensures everyone from beginners to experienced anglers will enjoy consistent action. The waters around Garcon Point offer diverse fishing opportunities with redfish being the primary target, though you might also encounter spotted weakfish and the occasional Atlantic sharpnose shark during summer months.
Even with partly cloudy conditions and potential afternoon rain, Captain Jamie knows exactly where to position the boat for maximum success. The shallow waters and structure in this area create perfect redfish habitat, and his expert guidance means you'll be working productive zones rather than searching aimlessly. The charter provides a comfortable, safe fishing platform with all the necessary equipment to make your day successful.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish in Milton's waters thrive in the shallow inshore environment with mixed bottom structure and plenty of forage. These copper-colored gamefish with their distinctive tail spot are renowned for their strong fights and delicious flavor. Captain Jamie targets them using a variety of techniques depending on conditions, with jigging and fly fishing being particularly productive in the channels and structure around Garcon Point. Redfish in this area respond well to both artificial lures and natural baits, giving anglers flexibility in their approach. Spring through fall offers consistent redfish action, with summer providing some of the most reliable fishing when targeting them in slightly deeper water during the heat of the day.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your charter departs from Milton marina in the morning when fishing conditions are typically optimal. The boat is fully equipped with quality fishing gear, safety equipment, and electronics to locate fish effectively. Bring sun protection, comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather, and any personal items you might need. Water and basic snacks are recommended, but check with Captain Jamie about specific food and beverage policies. The 4-hour timeframe provides ample fishing opportunity while still leaving part of your day free for other activities. For the best experience, book in advance as popular dates fill quickly, especially during prime fishing seasons.
Fishing in Pensacola: Redfish
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, is a member of the Sciaenidae family in the order Perciformes. This distinctive fish is immediately recognizable by its copper-bronze coloration and characteristic black spot near the tail - actually an adaptation that confuses predators into attacking the wrong end of the fish. In Milton waters this June, these prized gamefish are actively feeding in the shallows as water temperatures climb.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are one of the most sought-after inshore gamefish along the Gulf Coast, prized for both their fighting ability and table quality. They feature a downward-facing mouth designed for bottom feeding and possess remarkable strength for their size, making them exciting opponents on light tackle and fly gear.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
These versatile fish inhabit a range of environments from shallow flats and oyster bars to deeper channels and backcountry areas. Around Milton, FL, they're commonly found in the waters surrounding Garcon Point, particularly near structure, grass flats, and channel edges where prey concentrates. They tolerate a wide range of salinities, allowing them to thrive in both nearshore ocean environments and brackish backcountry areas.
Redfish Size and Weight
In the Milton area, adult redfish typically range from 30 to 61 inches in length and can weigh between 10 and 45 pounds. Juvenile "puppy drum" are common in extremely shallow waters, while larger breeding-sized fish often move to deeper water as they mature.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders, primarily consuming crustaceans, small baitfish, and mollusks. They often feed by tilting their bodies downward, using their sensitive barbels to detect prey in the bottom sediment. One of their most distinctive behaviors is "tailing" - when they feed in shallow water with their tails breaking the surface. They're most active during moving tides, particularly early morning and late afternoon.
Redfish Spawning Season
In Florida waters, redfish typically spawn from August through November when they form large schools and move to coastal waters with appropriate salinity. During this period, larger breeding-sized fish (often called bull reds) can be found in passes and deeper channels. After spawning, younger redfish return to inshore waters where they remain until reaching sexual maturity around 3-5 years of age.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Several effective methods work well for Milton's redfish. Jigging with soft plastic lures on light tackle is extremely effective when worked slowly along bottom structure. Fly fishing with weighted patterns like Clouser minnows or crab imitations produces exciting visual strikes in shallow water. Live bait such as shrimp, finger mullet, or cut pinfish also works consistently. In June, anglers around Milton find success targeting redfish during morning hours around oyster bars and grass flats as water temperatures rise throughout the day.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish are considered excellent table fare with firm, white flesh and a mild, sweet flavor that's not overly fishy. They're best prepared grilled, blackened, or baked, and the meat holds up well to bolder seasonings. Nutritionally, they provide high-quality protein and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. In Florida, slot size regulations ensure sustainable harvesting while allowing anglers to enjoy this delicious fish.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish in Milton?
A: Live shrimp, finger mullet, and cut pinfish are top natural baits, while gold spoons, soft plastic jigs in new penny or chartreuse, and weedless spoons are effective artificial options in Milton waters.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Milton, FL?
A: Redfish congregate around Garcon Point, especially near oyster bars, grass flats, and channel edges during moving tides. Look for them in 1-4 feet of water early and late in the day, or in slightly deeper water during midday heat.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish has excellent food value with firm white meat and mild flavor that works well with various cooking methods, particularly blackened or grilled. Always observe local slot size regulations when harvesting.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish in Milton?
A: While redfish can be caught year-round in Milton, spring through fall offers the most consistent action. June through September provides excellent opportunities, especially during moving tides in early morning or late afternoon hours.
