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Caught a Redfish in Milton FL
Redfish Fishing in Milton, Florida
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The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus) is one of Florida's premier inshore game fish, known for its copper-bronze coloration and distinctive black spot near the tail. These powerful fighters belong to the Sciaenidae family and are related to other drum species. They thrive in the shallow waters and estuaries around Milton. - Redfish typically range from 30-61 inches in length and weigh between 10-45 pounds. - They prefer shallow coastal habitats including flats, backcountry waters, and nearshore areas. - Their feeding behavior makes them excellent targets for both artificial lures and natural baits.
Fishing Charter by Captain Jamie Hoover in December
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 productive Saturday June fishing charter in Milton, FL. This 4-hour inshore trip delivers excellent redfish action around Garcon Point, where local knowledge makes all the difference. Using both jigging and fly fishing techniques, we'll target the productive channels and structure where redfish congregate during summer months. Perfect for anglers looking for quality inshore fishing in the Florida Panhandle, this charter provides all tackle and expert guidance. The partly cloudy conditions with afternoon showers create ideal fishing scenarios—just be ready when that rod doubles over!
Fishing Charter with Jamie Hoover – Rates & Booking
Captain Jamie Hoover of Addicted to Scales & Tail Charters offers Saturday June fishing trips perfect for targeting redfish and other inshore species. This 4-hour inshore charter provides everything needed for a successful day on the water. Captain Jamie is a licensed guide with extensive local knowledge of Milton's waterways, particularly the productive areas around Garcon Point. All fishing equipment is provided, including specialized tackle for both conventional and fly fishing techniques.
Highlights of this Charter
This Milton inshore fishing charter focuses on productive areas where redfish thrive. Captain Jamie employs varied techniques including jigging and fly fishing, making this trip suitable for anglers of all skill levels. The diverse waters around Garcon Point hold not only redfish but also spotted weakfish and the occasional Atlantic sharpnose shark, especially during summer months.
Weather conditions during our June trips typically feature partly cloudy skies with occasional afternoon showers, creating ideal fishing scenarios. The morning bite is often strongest, with action continuing steadily throughout the trip. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to target trophy redfish or a family wanting to enjoy quality time on the water, this charter delivers consistent action and expert guidance.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish in the Milton area thrive in the shallow waters and deeper channels around Garcon Point. These bronze beauties can be found year-round but are especially active during summer months when water temperatures are optimal. Captain Jamie targets them using both artificial lures and live bait depending on conditions.
Redfish in this region respond well to jigging techniques around structure and fly fishing in shallower areas. Their distinctive copper coloration and tail spot make them instantly recognizable when they come boatside. The average size in the Milton area ranges from 3-10 pounds, though larger specimens are certainly possible. These fish put up an impressive fight on appropriate tackle, making them a favorite target for anglers visiting Florida's Panhandle region.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
For your day on the water, plan to arrive at the 281 Garcon Point Road meeting location about 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time. The boat comfortably accommodates small groups, making this perfect for families or friends looking for a personalized experience. Morning trips typically begin early to take advantage of the best bite, while afternoon charters adjust based on conditions.
Wear comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather, including a light rain jacket if the forecast suggests afternoon showers. Sun protection including hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen is essential. A cooler with your preferred beverages is welcome aboard. Captain Jamie provides all necessary fishing equipment, from light tackle to fly gear, ensuring you're properly equipped for the species we're targeting that day.
Fishing in Pensacola: Redfish
Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), belonging to the Sciaenidae family and Perciformes order, are one of the most sought-after inshore species along the Gulf Coast. Distinguished by their copper-bronze coloration and characteristic black spot near the tail (sometimes multiple spots), these fish are a favorite target for Milton anglers in June when they actively feed in the productive waters around Garcon Point.
Redfish Overview
Redfish, also known as Red Drum, are a premier inshore gamefish prized for their strong fighting ability and excellent table fare. These fish are adaptable to various water conditions, making them available to anglers year-round in Florida's Panhandle region. Their popularity stems from both their accessibility to shore-based anglers and their willingness to strike a variety of baits and lures.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
Redfish thrive in diverse coastal environments including estuaries, flats, mangrove shorelines, oyster bars, and grassy areas. In the Milton area, they're commonly found around Garcon Point where the mix of deeper channels and shallow flats creates ideal feeding grounds. Juvenile redfish often congregate in protected backcountry areas while larger adults may venture into nearshore waters, particularly around structure and drop-offs.
Redfish Size and Weight
In Florida's Panhandle waters, redfish typically range from 30 to 61 inches in length, with weights varying between 10 and 45 pounds. The average "slot-sized" fish (those within legal harvest limits) generally measure between 18-27 inches and weigh 3-8 pounds. Trophy specimens exceeding 30 pounds are caught occasionally, particularly in deeper nearshore waters.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders with a diet consisting primarily of crustaceans (crabs, shrimp), small baitfish, and mollusks. They often reveal their presence by "tailing" in shallow water—their tails breaking the surface as they feed on bottom-dwelling organisms. During summer months in Milton, redfish frequently hunt during early morning and evening hours, often creating visible wakes as they chase bait in shallow water.
Redfish Spawning Season
Redfish spawning activity in Florida's northern Gulf region typically peaks in late summer through fall (August through November), when they form large schools and move to nearshore waters with good tidal flow. During June in Milton, many redfish are in their pre-spawn pattern, actively feeding and building energy reserves for the upcoming reproductive season. Water temperatures between 70-75°F trigger increased feeding activity.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
For consistent redfish success around Milton, three approaches stand out. First, gold spoons and soft plastic jigs worked slowly along channel edges during falling tides produce excellent results. Second, fly anglers find success with shrimp and crab patterns presented to visible fish on shallow flats during calm mornings. Third, live bait fishing with finger mullet or pinfish near structure consistently produces quality fish. In June, Milton anglers typically find redfish congregating around deeper docks and structure during midday heat, moving to shallow flats during cooler morning hours.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offers excellent table fare with firm, white flesh and a mild, sweet flavor that appeals to most seafood enthusiasts. The meat has medium flakes and low oil content, making it versatile for various cooking methods. Blackened redfish became famous through Cajun cuisine, but these fish also excel when grilled, baked, or used in fish tacos. Nutritionally, redfish provides high-quality protein and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids while being relatively low in mercury compared to many other saltwater species.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish in Milton?
A: Live finger mullet, pinfish, and blue crabs are top natural baits in the Milton area. For artificial lures, gold spoons, scented soft plastics (especially in new penny or chartreuse colors), and weedless jerkbaits consistently produce. During summer months, scented baits become particularly effective as redfish rely more on their sense of smell in warmer waters.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Milton?
A: Garcon Point offers excellent redfish habitat with its mix of deeper channels and shallow flats. Redfish also frequent the areas around Escambia Bay, East Bay, and Blackwater Bay depending on tide and season. Look for points, creek mouths, oyster bars, and areas with noticeable bait activity.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish is considered excellent table fare with mild, sweet white flesh that holds up well to various cooking methods. Smaller "slot-sized" fish (under 27 inches) generally offer the best eating quality. The meat is versatile enough for everything from blackening to grilling and works beautifully in fish tacos or chowders.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish in Milton?
A: Early morning and evening hours typically provide the most productive redfish fishing in Milton, especially during summer months. In June, focus on incoming tides when cooler gulf waters push into the bays and flats. Seasonally, spring through fall offers the most consistent action, with September through November being prime months as redfish school up for their spawning migration.
Q: What fishing techniques work best for Milton redfish?
A: Sight fishing shallow flats during calm mornings, working soft plastic jigs along channel drop-offs, and fishing live bait near structure are all productive techniques. In the Garcon Point area specifically, drift fishing the deeper channels during moving tides with scented soft plastics on jigheads is a consistent producer of quality redfish.
Q: What's the Florida bag limit for redfish?
A: Florida regulations for redfish currently allow one fish per person per day in the Northwest management zone (which includes Milton). The slot limit is 18-27 inches total length. Always check current regulations before fishing as limits and seasons can change.
