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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 game fish along the Gulf Coast. These powerful fighters are easily identified by their copper-bronze coloration and characteristic black spot near the tail—often having multiple spots. - Redfish typically measure between 30-61 inches and weigh 10-45 pounds when fully grown. - They thrive in shallow coastal waters, particularly around structure like oyster beds and grass flats. - Their strong pulls and aggressive strikes make them favorites among Milton anglers.
Fishing Charter by Captain Jamie Hoover in August
Meet your Captain Jamie Hoover
- Emerald Coast Fishing Charters At Its Best!
Summary
Summer fishing in Milton, FL brought perfect conditions for our 4-hour inshore trip with Addicted to Scales & Tail Charters. Monday June started with partly cloudy skies as we launched early morning on the Avalon waters targeting redfish. Our timing couldn't have been better—we employed a mix of bottom fishing, inshore trolling, and live bait techniques to maximize our chances. The strategy paid off when we landed a beautiful 20-inch redfish, putting smiles on everyone's faces. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to fishing, Captain Jamie provides the local knowledge and gear needed to find where the fish are biting. These summer months offer prime conditions for inshore fishing in Milton's productive waters.
Fishing Charter with Jamie Hoover – Rates & Booking
Captain Jamie Hoover of Addicted to Scales & Tail Charters on Monday June offers this 4-Hour Inshore Trip that's perfect for anglers of all skill levels. We launch early morning to catch the best bite, with all fishing gear and licenses provided. Our specialized inshore techniques target redfish in Milton's productive waters, making this trip ideal for those looking to land quality fish without spending the entire day on the water. With safety equipment on board and my years of local knowledge, you can expect a comfortable, productive fishing experience. Space is limited to ensure personalized attention, so I recommend booking in advance, especially during summer when these trips fill quickly.
Highlights of 4 Hour Trip – Inshore (Day)
Our 4-hour inshore trip focuses on quality over quantity, putting you on Milton's famous redfish using proven local techniques. We'll navigate the productive Avalon waters where redfish gather during summer months. I'll guide you through various fishing methods including bottom fishing, trolling, and live bait approaches—adapting to conditions and fish behavior for maximum success.
The 20-inch redfish we caught demonstrates the quality of fish available on even our shorter trips. These hard-fighting fish provide excellent sport on light tackle, making them perfect targets for both novice and experienced anglers. The partly cloudy conditions we experienced are often ideal for redfish, as they'll move into shallower water when there's a break from the summer sun.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish thrive in Milton's inshore waters, particularly during summer when they can be found in depths of 1-4 feet. These copper-colored predators are identifiable by their distinctive tail spot and powerful build. They prefer structured areas like oyster beds, grass flats, and channel edges where baitfish concentrate.
For summer redfish in Milton, I recommend focusing on early mornings when water temperatures are cooler. Live bait such as finger mullet or pinfish works exceptionally well, but artificial lures like gold spoons and soft plastics in white or chartreuse colors can be just as effective when worked along bottom structure. Redfish will often feed aggressively during incoming tides, making tide timing crucial to success on our trips.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Our charter boat comfortably accommodates small groups and is fully equipped with quality rods, reels, tackle, and live bait when conditions permit. I recommend wearing weather-appropriate clothing, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and bringing a camera to document your catch. We typically meet 30 minutes before departure at our Milton launch point, allowing time to discuss the day's plan and your fishing preferences.
Light snacks and water are provided, but feel free to bring additional beverages (no glass containers) and any personal items you might need. Even during our 4-hour trips, we maximize fishing time by staying in productive areas rather than running long distances. This approach has proven successful time and again for putting clients on quality redfish in Milton's waters.
Fishing in Pensacola: Redfish
Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, belongs to the Sciaenidae family and Perciformes order. These distinctive fish are characterized by their copper-bronze coloration and one or more black spots near the tail base. In Milton waters this summer, redfish provide exciting action for anglers targeting inshore species.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are powerful game fish with a reputation for strong fights and delicious table fare. Prized by recreational anglers throughout the Gulf states, they're known for their ability to pull drag and make explosive strikes on both artificial lures and natural baits.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
These versatile fish inhabit diverse coastal environments including estuaries, flats, oyster bars, and backcountry waters. Around Milton, FL, they're commonly found in the Avalon waters, particularly around structure and grassy areas where baitfish congregate. They prefer shallow waters of 1-4 feet deep but can also be found in deeper channels during extreme temperatures.
Redfish Size and Weight
Redfish typically range from 30 to 61 inches in length when fully mature, with weights varying from 10 to 45 pounds. The 20-inch specimen caught on our Milton trip represents a quality inshore fish, with larger specimens generally found in nearshore waters.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Opportunistic feeders, redfish primarily consume crustaceans, small fish, and mollusks. They often create visible "tailing" behavior when feeding on bottom-dwelling creatures in shallow water. Their feeding activity increases during moving tides, with early mornings and evenings typically producing the best action in summer months.
Redfish Spawning Season
Spawning occurs during late summer and fall months when mature redfish gather in coastal waters and passes. During June in Milton, many redfish are in their pre-spawning pattern, actively feeding to build energy reserves for the upcoming reproductive season. Water temperatures between 70-75°F trigger increased feeding activity.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
For Milton redfish, bottom fishing with live bait like finger mullet, pinfish, or shrimp produces consistent results. Gold spoons, soft plastic jigs in white or chartreuse, and shallow-running plugs are excellent artificial options. In June, anglers around Milton find success targeting redfish around oyster bars and grass flats during incoming tides, particularly in the early morning hours when waters are cooler.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offers excellent table fare with firm, white flesh that has a mild, sweet flavor. It's versatile in preparation—blackened, grilled, or baked—and provides good nutritional value with high protein content and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. The best eating-size fish are typically slot-sized specimens under 27 inches.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish in Milton?
A: Live finger mullet, pinfish, and shrimp are top natural baits for Milton redfish. For artificial lures, gold spoons, white bucktail jigs, and soft plastics in chartreuse or white colors are consistently productive.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Milton?
A: The Avalon waters near Milton offer excellent redfish habitat, particularly around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths. Focus on areas with moving water and visible baitfish activity for best results.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish is excellent eating with a mild, sweet flavor and firm white flesh. Smaller specimens (under 27 inches) generally provide the best table fare. They're versatile for various cooking methods including grilling, blackening, and baking.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish in Milton?
A: Early morning and evening hours during summer months like June offer prime redfish fishing in Milton. Incoming tides generally produce better feeding activity, and slightly overcast days can extend the bite throughout the day.
Q: What size redfish can I keep in Florida?
A: Florida regulations typically allow one redfish per person within the 18-27 inch slot limit. Always check current regulations as they may change seasonally and by region.
Q: What tackle should I use for redfish?
A: Medium-action spinning gear with 10-20 pound test line works well for Milton redfish. A 7-foot rod provides good casting distance while maintaining sensitivity for detecting bites around structure.
