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Caught a trophy redfish Inshore in Milton
Redfish Fishing in Milton, FL
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The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus) belongs to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. These popular gamefish typically measure between 30 and 61 inches in length when fully grown, with weights ranging from 10 to 45 pounds. They're readily identifiable by their copper-bronze coloration and distinctive black spot near the tail. - Found in various coastal habitats including flats, backcountry areas, and nearshore waters. - Known for their strong fights when hooked, making them a favorite target for anglers. - Popular for both sport and table fare due to their excellent flavor.
Fishing Charter by Captain Jamie Hoover in August
Meet your Captain Jamie Hoover
- Emerald Coast Fishing Charters At Its Best!
Summary
Experience non-stop bites on this inshore fishing charter in Milton, FL with Addicted to Scales & Tail Charters. This Wednesday June trip showcased the fantastic summer redfish action that makes the local waters famous. We launched early from Avalon under clear skies, working bottom fishing spots where redfish congregate. The techniques paid off with a nice 14-inch redfish catch, demonstrating why Milton is becoming a top destination for inshore fishing enthusiasts. Whether you're an experienced angler or just getting started, this guided fishing charter provides everything you need for a successful day on the water targeting these hard-fighting gamefish.
Fishing Charter with Jamie Hoover – Rates & Booking
Captain Jamie Hoover of Addicted to Scales & Tail Charters on Wednesday June offers 4-hour inshore fishing trips perfect for targeting redfish in the productive waters around Milton, FL. Launching from Avalon, these charters provide all the necessary gear, expertise, and local knowledge to put you on the fish. The summer bite is heating up, making this the ideal time to book your inshore fishing adventure. With flexible scheduling and personalized attention, Captain Jamie customizes each trip to match your skill level and fishing goals.
Highlights of This Inshore Charter
This Milton inshore fishing trip delivered consistent action throughout the day. We employed multiple effective techniques including bottom fishing, trolling, and drift fishing to maximize opportunities. The morning conditions were perfect with clear skies, transitioning to some cloud cover and light rain in the afternoon—but the fishing remained hot regardless of the changing weather. The highlight was landing a beautiful 14-inch redfish that put up an impressive fight, showcasing why these fish are such popular inshore targets.
The local waterways around Milton offer diverse fishing grounds that hold healthy populations of redfish year-round. Captain Jamie's extensive knowledge of these waters ensures you'll visit productive spots where these gamefish congregate. Whether you're looking to catch your first redfish or add another to your personal record book, this charter provides the expertise and equipment needed for success.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish in the Milton area thrive in the shallow inshore waters, especially in depths of 1-4 feet. During summer months, they can be found around structure, along grassy flats, and near dropoffs where baitfish concentrate. The most productive techniques for targeting these fish include bottom fishing with live bait or soft plastics, and slow trolling along edges where currents create feeding opportunities. Redfish are particularly active during early morning and late afternoon, making these prime times for scheduling your fishing charter. Their distinctive copper coloration and tail spot make them easy to identify and especially exciting when spotted in clear shallow water.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
When booking with Addicted to Scales & Tail Charters, all fishing gear, bait, and licenses are provided, so you can simply show up ready for action. These 4-hour trips typically begin early morning when the bite is best, though afternoon trips are also available. The boats are well-equipped for inshore fishing with comfortable seating, shade structures, and storage for personal items. Bring sun protection, weather-appropriate clothing, a camera to document your catch, and any preferred snacks or drinks. Captain Jamie welcomes anglers of all skill levels, providing instruction for beginners while offering advanced techniques for experienced fishermen.
Fishing in Pensacola: Redfish
Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, belongs to the Sciaenidae family within the order Perciformes. These popular gamefish are instantly recognizable by their copper-bronze coloration and distinctive black spot near the tail base—most fish display one spot, though some may have multiple. In Milton waters this summer, they've been particularly active in the shallow inshore areas.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are one of the most sought-after inshore gamefish along the Gulf Coast. Their fighting ability, availability throughout the year, and excellent table fare make them highly prized by recreational anglers. They can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and salinities, allowing them to inhabit diverse environments.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
These adaptable fish are found throughout the Gulf of Mexico and along the Atlantic coast from Massachusetts to Florida. Around Milton, FL, they prefer shallow water environments including estuaries, flats, mangroves, oyster bars, and grass beds. Juvenile redfish often stay in protected backwaters, while larger adults may venture into deeper nearshore waters.
Redfish Size and Weight
While the average redfish caught inshore typically ranges from 3-8 pounds, these fish can grow significantly larger. According to biological data, they can reach impressive sizes between 30 and 61 inches in length and weigh between 10 and 45 pounds. The 14-inch specimen caught on this trip represents a younger fish with plenty of growing potential.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders that primarily consume crustaceans, baitfish, and mollusks. They often feed by tipping their tails up (tailing) while rooting through bottom sediment for prey. This behavior creates distinctive ripples and splashes that alert observant anglers to their presence. They tend to be most active during dawn and dusk but will feed throughout the day when conditions are favorable.
Redfish Spawning Season
Redfish typically spawn from August through November in nearshore waters. During this period, mature adults form large schools and move offshore to release eggs. After hatching, juvenile redfish migrate to protected inshore waters where they remain until reaching maturity at around 3-5 years of age.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Several techniques prove effective for targeting redfish in Milton waters. Bottom fishing with live shrimp, cut bait, or scented soft plastics works exceptionally well when fishing deeper channels or holes. For shallow water fishing, sight casting with gold spoons or weedless soft plastics is the preferred approach. In June, anglers around Milton find redfish congregating around oyster bars and grass flats during incoming tides, where they actively feed on small crabs and baitfish.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offers excellent table fare with a mild, sweet flavor and medium-firm white flesh that flakes nicely when cooked. It's versatile in preparation—blackened, grilled, baked, or fried—all produce delicious results. From a nutritional standpoint, redfish is high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids while remaining relatively low in mercury compared to other larger predatory fish.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish in Milton?
A: Live shrimp, finger mullet, and blue crabs are top natural baits for Milton redfish. For artificial lures, gold spoons, scented soft plastics (particularly in new penny or white color), and shallow-running suspending plugs produce consistent results.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Milton?
A: The best areas around Milton include shallow grass flats, oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and creek mouths. During summer months, focus on areas with moving water, particularly during tide changes when redfish actively feed.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish is excellent for the table with a mild, sweet flavor that's not overly fishy. Its white flesh is versatile for various cooking methods, with blackening and grilling being particularly popular preparation styles.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish in Milton?
A: While redfish can be caught year-round in Milton, the prime seasons are late spring through fall. Early morning and evening hours typically produce the best results, especially during moving tides. Summer fishing is particularly productive as water temperatures warm and baitfish become more abundant.
Q: What size redfish can I keep in Florida?
A: Florida regulations allow harvest of redfish between 18-27 inches total length, with a daily bag limit of one fish per person. Always check current regulations before your trip as limits and seasons can change.
Q: Do redfish put up a good fight?
A: Absolutely! Redfish are known for their strong initial runs and dogged, determined fights. Even smaller specimens like the 14-inch fish mentioned can provide an exciting battle, especially on light tackle in shallow water.
