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Caught a 25inch Redfish Inshore in Milton
Redfish Fishing in Milton, FL
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The Redfish (Sciaenops Ocellatus) is a highly sought-after game fish in the Milton, FL area. Known for their distinctive copper coloration and black spot near the tail, these powerful fighters are a favorite target for inshore anglers. They typically range from 30-61 inches in length and can weigh between 10-45 pounds, making them an exciting catch on appropriate tackle. - Redfish are found in shallow coastal waters, often around structure and grassy flats. - They're especially active during early morning and evening hours. - Their feeding behavior intensifies during tide changes.
Fishing Charter by Captain Jamie Hoover in August
Meet your Captain Jamie Hoover
- Emerald Coast Fishing Charters At Its Best!
Summary
Experience the thrill of night fishing for redfish on this Milton, FL charter with Captain Jamie Hoover. Our Tuesday July trip with Addicted to Scales & Tail Charters delivered consistent action as we launched from Avalon into the inshore waters. Using a mix of bottom fishing, trolling, and live bait techniques, we targeted redfish in the cooler evening hours when they actively feed. This 4-hour inshore night fishing charter is perfect for anglers looking for something different from the typical daytime experience. The waters around Milton offer excellent opportunities for redfish, especially during summer when the nighttime bite can be more productive than during hot days.
Fishing Charter with Jamie Hoover – Rates & Booking
Captain Jamie Hoover of Addicted to Scales & Tail Charters offers Tuesday July trips targeting redfish in the Milton area. Our 4-hour night fishing charters provide all the necessary gear and expert guidance to maximize your chances of success. We launch from Avalon and focus on productive inshore waters where redfish are active after dark. Night fishing offers a unique experience and often better results during hot summer months. Whether you're new to night fishing or an experienced angler looking to try something different, our licensed guide will put you on the fish. Book this inshore redfish charter to experience the thrill of fishing after dark with a knowledgeable local captain.
Highlights of This Charter
Our night fishing trips provide a perfect escape from daytime heat while offering excellent opportunities for redfish. The evening atmosphere creates a peaceful yet exciting environment as we use specialized techniques for after-dark fishing. Captain Jamie combines bottom fishing, trolling, and live bait approaches to target redfish effectively throughout the trip.
The 4-hour duration is ideal for both beginners and experienced anglers, providing enough time to find fish without becoming exhausting. Previous clients have consistently landed quality redfish, with recent catches reaching up to 25 inches. The Milton and Avalon areas offer diverse fishing grounds with structure that holds good numbers of redfish throughout the summer months.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish in the Milton area thrive in shallow inshore waters, particularly around structure and grassy areas. These copper-colored gamefish with their distinctive tail spot put up an impressive fight, especially when hooked in 1-4 feet of water. During summer nights, redfish often move into shallower areas to feed, making them excellent targets for night fishing trips.
The waters around Avalon offer ideal redfish habitat, with plenty of baitfish that attract these predators. Our approach combines jigging techniques, bottom fishing, and live bait presentations depending on conditions and fish behavior. Even a modest 15-inch redfish provides excellent sport on appropriate tackle, and the potential for larger specimens makes every cast exciting. The Milton area consistently produces quality redfish action throughout the summer months.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Our night fishing charters depart from Avalon in the evening, with specific times varying based on sunset. We provide all necessary fishing equipment, including quality rods, reels, tackle, and bait. Guests should bring weather-appropriate clothing, as conditions can change during evening hours. A light rain jacket is recommended, as summer showers are always possible. Water and snacks are suggested for your comfort during the trip.
Our vessel comfortably accommodates small groups, ensuring personalized attention throughout the charter. Photography is encouraged to capture your catches, and we practice proper fish handling techniques for those who wish to release their catch. Safety equipment is always on board, and your captain prioritizes both your enjoyment and security throughout the fishing experience.
Fishing in Pensacola: Redfish
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), a member of the Sciaenidae family in the order Perciformes, is one of the most prized inshore game fish along the Gulf Coast. Distinguished by its copper-bronze coloration and characteristic black spot near the tail base, this species is a favorite target for anglers fishing the waters around Milton in July. These powerful fighters are known for their strong runs and ability to test both tackle and angler skills.
Redfish Overview
Redfish, also called Red Drum, are primarily inshore fish with a robust, elongated body and slightly inferior mouth designed for bottom feeding. Their popularity among anglers stems from their accessibility in shallow waters, powerful fights, and excellent table quality. They're a cornerstone species for inshore fishing guides throughout the Gulf Coast region.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
These fish thrive in diverse coastal environments including estuaries, bays, flats, and nearshore waters. They prefer areas with seagrass, oyster beds, mangroves, and other structures that provide both protection and feeding opportunities. Around Milton, FL, they're commonly found in shallow bays, around docks, and near marsh edges, particularly during summer evenings when water temperatures rise.
Redfish Size and Weight
Adult redfish typically measure between 30 and 61 inches in length and weigh between 10 and 45 pounds. The average catch in the Milton area ranges from 15-30 inches, with larger specimens often called "bull reds" found in deeper channels and passes, especially during spawning season. The 25-inch redfish mentioned in our report represents a quality catch for inshore waters.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders, primarily consuming crustaceans, small baitfish, and mollusks. They often hunt by cruising shallow waters with their backs sometimes breaking the surface, or by "tailing" - feeding with their heads down and tails visible above water. During night hours in July, redfish in Milton waters typically feed more actively as water temperatures cool, making them ideal targets for evening fishing trips.
Redfish Spawning Season
Spawning typically occurs from late summer through fall, with peak activity in August and September in the Gulf region. During this period, larger breeding-size redfish often move to deeper waters near passes and inlets. In July around Milton, many redfish are in pre-spawning patterns, feeding aggressively to build energy reserves for the upcoming reproductive cycle.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Several effective techniques work well for redfish in Milton waters. Bottom fishing with cut bait, especially mullet or pinfish, produces consistent results in channels and deeper holes. For shallow water sight fishing, weedless soft plastics on light jigheads work exceptionally well. Live bait such as shrimp or finger mullet under a popping cork is deadly effective, especially at night. In July, Milton anglers often find success fishing deeper holes during the day and transitioning to shallow flats during evening hours when redfish move up to feed.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish is excellent table fare, offering white, firm flesh with a mild, sweet flavor and medium flakiness. It's versatile for cooking methods including grilling, blackening, and baking. Nutritionally, it provides high-quality protein and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids while remaining relatively low in mercury compared to larger predatory species. Most anglers prefer keeping redfish in the "slot" size range where permitted by local regulations, as these offer the best combination of flavor and texture.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish in Milton?
A: Live or fresh cut mullet, live shrimp, and blue crabs work exceptionally well for Milton redfish. For artificial lures, gold spoons, scented soft plastics, and weedless jigs produce consistent results, especially during night fishing trips.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Milton?
A: Redfish in the Milton area are commonly found around Avalon area docks, marsh edges, oyster bars, and grassy flats. During summer nights, they often move into very shallow water to feed, making areas with good tidal flow particularly productive.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish is considered excellent table fare with a mild, sweet flavor and medium-firm texture. It's versatile for various cooking methods and provides good nutritional value with its lean protein content.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish in Milton?
A: In Milton, early morning and evening hours typically produce the best redfish action, especially during summer months when water temperatures are high. Night fishing becomes particularly effective in July when daytime temperatures peak, as redfish become more active in cooler nighttime conditions.
Q: What size redfish can I keep in Florida?
A: Florida regulations typically allow harvest of redfish within a specific slot limit, which changes periodically. Always check current Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regulations before your trip, as limits are subject to change and may vary by region.
Q: Do redfish fight hard?
A: Absolutely. Redfish are known for their strong initial runs and dogged fighting style. Even a modest 15-inch redfish provides an impressive battle on appropriate tackle, while larger specimens can strip line and test both equipment and angler skill.
