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Caught a trophy redfish in Milton
Redfish Fishing in Milton
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The Redfish (Sciaenops Ocellatus) is one of the most prized inshore game fish along the Gulf Coast, particularly in Milton, FL waters. These beautiful copper-colored fighters are known for their distinctive black spot near the tail and can range from 30 to 61 inches in length and weigh between 10 and 45 pounds when fully grown. - Found in shallow coastal waters, especially around structure like oyster beds and grass flats. - Popular for their strong fights and excellent table fare. - Often most active during low-light periods and at night during summer months.
Fishing Charter by Captain Jamie Hoover in December
Meet your Captain Jamie Hoover
- Emerald Coast Fishing Charters At Its Best!
Summary
Experience the thrill of night fishing in Milton, FL with Addicted to Scales & Tail Charters. Our Saturday July fishing charter specializes in after-dark inshore action, when the waters come alive and trophy redfish are on the prowl. Captain Jamie Hoover combines local knowledge with effective techniques—bottom fishing, surf casting, and trolling—to put you on the fish when the sun goes down. The 4-hour night trips offer a unique opportunity to catch quality fish like the impressive 27-inch redfish recently landed by our client William. Night fishing brings its own set of challenges and rewards, making it the perfect adventure for anglers looking to try something different and potentially hook into a memorable catch during the summer season.
Fishing Charter with Jamie Hoover – Rates & Booking
Captain Jamie Hoover of Addicted to Scales & Tail Charters on Saturday July offers specialized 4-hour inshore night fishing trips in Milton, FL. These evening adventures are perfect for anglers looking to experience the unique excitement of fishing after dark. All necessary gear and tackle are provided, along with Captain Jamie's extensive local knowledge of the best night fishing spots. Our charter accommodates both beginners and experienced anglers, with personalized instruction throughout your trip. Book early to secure prime summer dates when the night bite is at its peak.
Highlights of this Inshore Night Trip
Our 4-hour night fishing trips deliver a truly different experience from daytime charters. As the sun sets, the water temperature cools and predatory fish like redfish become more active, creating excellent fishing opportunities. We utilize various techniques including bottom fishing around underwater structure, surf casting along productive shorelines, and strategic trolling to cover more water.
Recent trips have produced quality redfish in the 27-inch range, providing both an exciting fight and great photo opportunities. The summer months offer ideal conditions for night fishing in Milton, with clear skies and active fish creating the perfect environment for memorable catches. Our specialized lighting setup and night-fishing equipment ensure you can enjoy the adventure comfortably and safely.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish in Milton's waters are known for their powerful runs and stubborn fights, making them a favorite target for inshore anglers. During summer nights, these copper-colored predators move into shallower waters to feed, often frequenting areas with structure like docks, oyster beds, and channel edges. Our targeted approach uses live bait and artificial lures specifically chosen for night conditions. The redfish bite tends to be more consistent after dark during hot summer months, as they become more comfortable feeding in the cooler nighttime temperatures. Anglers of all experience levels can enjoy the thrill of catching these hard-pulling fish, with the 27-inch specimens being common trophies in our local waters.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
For your night fishing trip, we recommend bringing a light jacket (even in summer), as it can get cooler on the water after dark. Our boat is equipped with specialized lighting and comfortable seating for a safe and enjoyable experience. We provide all fishing gear, including rods, reels, tackle, and bait, along with necessary safety equipment. Trips typically depart in the early evening hours, allowing us to be in position as the sun sets and the night bite begins. Feel free to bring your camera (waterproof if possible), snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages. Don't forget sunglasses for the early portion of the trip and any personal medications you might need.
Fishing in Pensacola: Redfish
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, belongs to the Sciaenidae family and Perciformes order. This iconic Gulf Coast species is immediately recognizable by its copper-bronze coloration and distinctive black spot near the tail base—often having multiple spots. In Milton waters this July, these fighters are particularly active during evening hours, making them a perfect target for night fishing adventures.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are one of the most sought-after inshore game fish along the Gulf Coast, prized for both their fighting ability and table fare. They're known for powerful runs when hooked, often stripping line and testing an angler's skills. Their popularity has grown tremendously in recent decades, with dedicated tournaments and conservation efforts ensuring healthy populations.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
These versatile fish inhabit various coastal environments including flats, backcountry areas, nearshore waters, and estuaries. In the Milton area, they frequent oyster beds, grass flats, mangrove shorelines, and channel edges. Juvenile redfish often stay in protected bays and marsh areas, while larger adults may move between inshore and nearshore environments seasonally.
Redfish Size and Weight
Redfish typically range from 30 to 61 inches in length and can weigh anywhere from 10 to 45 pounds. In the Milton area, most inshore catches average 22-32 inches and 5-12 pounds, with the occasional trophy exceeding 40 inches. The current Florida state record is over 52 pounds, though most anglers target the more common "slot-sized" fish within regulatory limits.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
These opportunistic predators feed primarily on crustaceans like shrimp and crabs, along with small baitfish including mullet, menhaden, and pinfish. They often feed by cruising shallow water with their backs sometimes breaking the surface (tailing), using their downturned mouths to root through bottom sediment for prey. During summer nights in Milton, redfish become particularly active, using the cover of darkness to hunt more aggressively in shallow waters.
Redfish Spawning Season
Redfish typically spawn from late summer through fall, with peak activity in August through October when water temperatures are optimal. During this period, larger breeding fish often form large schools and move to coastal waters and passes. In the Milton region, spawning aggregations can sometimes be found near deeper channels and inlets, though the primary spawning occurs in nearshore Gulf waters.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
For Milton redfish, particularly during night fishing, several techniques prove effective. Live bait fishing with pinfish, finger mullet, or shrimp works exceptionally well when fished near structure or along channel edges. Artificial lures like scented soft plastics on jigheads, gold spoons, or topwater plugs produce strikes when worked slowly during low-light conditions. In July, anglers around Milton find success targeting dock lights, bridge pilings, and deeper holes adjacent to shallow flats where redfish congregate to feed after dark.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish are highly regarded as excellent table fare, offering white, firm flesh with a mild, sweet flavor that isn't overly fishy. They're versatile for cooking—blackened redfish became famous in Cajun cuisine, but they're also delicious grilled, baked, or broiled. Nutritionally, they provide quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and relatively low mercury levels compared to many other game fish, making them a healthy choice when consumed within regulatory guidelines.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish in Milton?
A: Live baits like finger mullet, pinfish, and shrimp are top producers for Milton redfish, especially at night. For artificial lures, scented soft plastics on jigheads, gold spoons, or shallow-running crankbaits tend to work best, particularly in darker colors for night fishing.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Milton?
A: In the Milton area, target redfish around oyster bars, grass flats, dock structures, and channel edges. At night, focus on areas with ambient light, bridge pilings, and the edges where deeper channels meet shallow flats, as these create perfect ambush points.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish is excellent table fare with a mild, sweet flavor and firm white flesh. It's versatile for various cooking methods including blackening, grilling, and baking. Just be sure to check current regulations as some areas have slot limits for harvest.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish in Milton?
A: While redfish can be caught year-round in Milton, summer nights offer exceptional opportunities, particularly in July and August. The early morning and evening hours generally produce best, with night fishing becoming particularly productive during hot summer months when water temperatures cool after sunset.
Q: How big do redfish get in Milton waters?
A: While redfish can grow to over 61 inches and 45 pounds, most Milton catches typically range from 20-35 inches and 5-15 pounds. Trophy fish exceeding 40 inches are occasionally caught, especially in deeper waters and during fall spawning season.
Q: What's the difference between bull redfish and slot redfish?
A: "Bull" redfish refers to larger, mature specimens typically over 27 inches, while "slot" redfish refers to those falling within the legal harvest size range (typically 18-27 inches in Florida, though regulations can change). Bulls are often caught near passes and in deeper water, while slot-sized fish are more common in the shallower inshore waters around Milton.
