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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 one of the most prized inshore game fish in the southeastern United States, including the waters around Milton, Florida. These powerful fighters are recognizable by their copper-bronze coloration and characteristic black spot near the tail. Redfish typically range from 30-61 inches in length and can weigh between 10-45 pounds when fully mature. - Redfish thrive in shallow coastal waters including flats, backcountry areas, and nearshore zones. - They're known for their strong pulls and determined fights when hooked, making them a favorite among anglers. - The distinctive tail spot is thought to function as a false eye to confuse predators.
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 inshore night fishing in Milton, FL with Addicted to Scales & Tail Charters. Our Saturday July trip delivered perfect conditions for targeting redfish after dark. Captain Jamie Hoover specializes in these nocturnal adventures, employing effective techniques from bottom fishing to surf casting. The waters around Milton offer excellent opportunities for anglers of all skill levels, with species like redfish actively feeding during cooler evening hours. We provide all necessary equipment and expertise to make your fishing charter memorable, focusing on the spots where the local bite is most consistent. Whether you're after that trophy catch or simply enjoying a peaceful evening on the water, our 4-hour inshore night trips deliver the authentic Florida fishing experience.
Fishing Charter with Jamie Hoover – Rates & Booking
Captain Jamie Hoover of Addicted to Scales & Tail Charters offers Saturday July night fishing trips that target the productive inshore waters around Milton, FL. Our 4-Hour Inshore Night Trip provides everything you need for a successful outing—all tackle, bait, and fishing licenses are included. We specialize in after-dark fishing when many species, particularly redfish, become more active in the shallows. Summer evenings offer ideal conditions, with cooler temperatures and typically calmer waters making for comfortable fishing. Our trips accommodate anglers of all experience levels, from beginners to seasoned enthusiasts, with personalized guidance throughout your charter.
Highlights of Inshore Night Fishing
Night fishing in Milton delivers a completely different experience from daytime outings. The reduced light conditions trigger more aggressive feeding behavior from redfish and other inshore species, often resulting in exciting action. Our recent trip with William demonstrated this perfectly, as he landed a beautiful 27-inch redfish using our specialized night fishing techniques.
We employ various methods during our night trips, including bottom fishing around underwater structures, surf casting along productive shorelines, and strategic trolling to cover more water. This diversity of approaches maximizes your chances of connecting with quality fish throughout your charter. The summer months are particularly productive, as redfish actively feed in the cooler evening hours around Milton's waterways.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish in the Milton area thrive in shallow inshore waters, particularly around oyster bars, grass flats, and channel edges. These copper-colored gamefish with their distinctive tail spot are renowned for their powerful runs and determined fights. During summer nights, we target them using both artificial lures and natural baits like shrimp or cut mullet.
The local redfish population responds well to our specialized jigging techniques, particularly when worked slowly along bottom structure. In the warmer months, these fish often push into shallower waters during evening hours to feed, making our night trips perfectly timed for productive fishing. Their aggressive nature and willingness to strike various presentations make them ideal targets for anglers of all skill levels visiting the Milton area.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
When joining us for a night fishing charter, we recommend bringing weather-appropriate clothing, as temperatures can change after sunset. A light jacket or rain gear is always good to have on hand, along with any personal snacks or beverages you might want. Our boat is fully equipped with quality fishing gear, safety equipment, and navigational tools for comfortable nighttime operation.
We typically begin our 4-hour night trips in the early evening, allowing us to position ourselves in prime fishing areas as the sun sets. This timing coincides with increased feeding activity from our target species. Our vessel comfortably accommodates small groups, ensuring everyone has plenty of fishing space and receives personalized attention from Captain Jamie throughout your charter experience in Milton.
Fishing in Pensacola: Redfish
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, belongs to the Sciaenidae family and Perciformes order. These distinctive game fish are instantly recognizable by their copper-bronze coloration and characteristic black spot near the tail base. In Milton waters this July, they provide excellent targets for night anglers seeking hard-fighting inshore action.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are among the most sought-after gamefish along the Gulf Coast, prized for both their sporting qualities and table fare. These powerful fighters have earned a dedicated following among anglers for their aggressive strikes and determined battles when hooked. They're often found in relatively shallow waters, making them accessible to various fishing methods.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
These adaptable fish thrive in diverse coastal environments including flats, backcountry marshes, oyster bars, and nearshore structures. Around Milton, FL, they frequently inhabit grass flats, channel edges, and structure-rich areas that provide both shelter and feeding opportunities. They show remarkable tolerance for varying salinities, allowing them to move between nearly fresh backwaters and full saltwater environments.
Redfish Size and Weight
Adult redfish typically measure between 30 and 61 inches in length, with weights ranging from 10 to 45 pounds. In the Milton area, anglers commonly encounter "slot-sized" fish (within legal harvest limits) between 18-27 inches, though larger specimens are not uncommon, particularly during certain seasonal movements.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders that primarily consume crustaceans, small baitfish, and mollusks. They often feed by tilting downward, sometimes with their tails breaking the surface (known as "tailing"). During summer months, they become more active during night hours when water temperatures cool slightly, making them ideal targets for evening fishing charters.
Redfish Spawning Season
Late summer through fall represents the primary spawning season for redfish in Florida waters. During this period, larger breeding adults (often called "bull reds") gather in coastal passes and nearshore waters. In Milton's surrounding waters, this spawning activity peaks when water temperatures range from 68-74°F, typically in late August through October.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
For Milton redfish, effective techniques include jigging soft plastics along channel edges, presenting cut bait near structure, and casting gold spoons or swimbaits in shallower areas. When targeting them at night, slowing your presentation and using scented baits often produces better results. In July, anglers around Milton find success focusing around deeper holes adjacent to flats, where redfish gather to feed as temperatures rise during daytime hours.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offers excellent table fare with its mild, sweet flavor and medium-firm white flesh that flakes beautifully when cooked. It adapts well to various cooking methods including grilling, blackening, and baking. From a nutritional standpoint, it provides quality protein and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids while containing relatively low mercury levels compared to many other saltwater species.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish in Milton?
A: Live or fresh-cut mullet, shrimp, and blue crabs work exceptionally well for Milton redfish. For artificial options, scented soft plastics on jigheads, gold spoons, and shallow-running plugs are top producers, especially when fished slowly during night trips.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Milton?
A: Redfish in the Milton area frequent grass flats, oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and channel edges. During summer nights, focus on areas where deeper water meets shallow flats, as redfish often move up to feed in cooler evening temperatures.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish is excellent table fare with mild, sweet white meat that works well with various cooking methods. The most flavorful fish are typically the smaller "slot size" specimens rather than larger breeding adults.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish in Milton?
A: While redfish can be caught year-round in Milton, summer nights offer excellent opportunities as these fish become more active in cooler evening temperatures. Early morning and evening tides during summer months typically produce the most consistent action.
Q: What tackle should I use for Milton redfish?
A: Medium-heavy spinning gear with 15-20 lb test line works well for most Milton redfish situations. A 7-foot rod provides good casting distance while maintaining enough backbone to control these powerful fish around structure.
Q: Are redfish hard to catch for beginners?
A: Redfish are actually quite beginner-friendly, especially with guided assistance. Their willingness to take a variety of baits and their fighting ability make them exciting targets that don't require overly technical presentations—perfect for anglers visiting Milton for their first inshore fishing experience.
