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Caught a Redfish Inshore in Milton Milton
Redfish in Milton, FL
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The Redfish (Sciaenops Ocellatus) is a popular gamefish found in coastal waters throughout the Gulf of Mexico and along the Atlantic seaboard. These bronze-colored fish with distinctive black spots near the tail are prized catches for anglers visiting Milton, FL. - Redfish can live up to 40 years in the wild. - They use their downturned mouths to feed along the bottom, often creating visible "tailing" action in shallow water. - During spawning season, males produce a distinctive drumming sound by vibrating muscles against their swim bladder.
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 in Milton, FL with Addicted to Scales & Tail Charters. Our Tuesday July inshore fishing charter specializes in after-dark adventures when the summer bite comes alive. Captain Jamie Hoover knows exactly where to find redfish action around Avalon using a mix of bottom fishing, trolling, and live bait techniques. Whether you're targeting that trophy redfish or just looking for consistent action, our 4-hour night trips provide the perfect opportunity to experience the waters around Milton from a different perspective. All gear is provided, making this an accessible option for anglers of all skill levels looking to enjoy some of the best inshore fishing Northwest Florida has to offer.
Fishing Charter with Jamie Hoover – Rates & Booking
Captain Jamie Hoover of Addicted to Scales & Tail Charters on Tuesday July offers specialized 4-hour night fishing trips launching from Avalon near Milton, FL. These inshore adventures are perfect for anglers looking to experience the excitement of night fishing during the warmer summer months. Our experienced guide provides all necessary equipment and focuses on effective techniques including bottom fishing, trolling, and live bait fishing to target redfish and other inshore species.
Night fishing trips are particularly productive during summer when the cooler evening temperatures trigger active feeding patterns. The partly cloudy conditions create ideal fishing environments, though we're prepared for occasional rain showers. Our boat comfortably accommodates small groups, ensuring personalized attention throughout your trip.
Highlights of this Night Fishing Trip
This 4-hour inshore night trip offers a unique perspective on Milton's waters. Launching at dusk, we target the evening redfish bite using multiple fishing techniques tailored to conditions. The summer night pattern provides consistent action, with our recent trip yielding nice catches including a solid 15-inch redfish.
The Avalon launch area gives us quick access to productive fishing grounds, maximizing your time on the water. Captain Jamie's local knowledge ensures you'll be fishing the most productive spots as the sun sets and the night bite picks up. Our specialized night fishing equipment and techniques are designed specifically for after-dark success.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus) thrive in the inshore waters around Milton, particularly in the shallower areas around Avalon. These bronze-colored gamefish with distinctive tail spots prefer depths of 1-4 feet and are often found near structure, grass flats, and oyster bars. During summer evenings, they become more active feeders as water temperatures cool, making night fishing especially productive.
For night fishing success, we employ several proven techniques. Bottom fishing with cut bait or shrimp works well in deeper channels, while live bait fishing along grass edges produces consistent strikes. The redfish's lateral line sensing system makes them excellent night feeders, as they can detect prey even in low-light conditions. Milton's waters provide ideal redfish habitat with abundant food sources and protected areas that hold fish year-round.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
For your 4-hour night fishing trip, we recommend bringing a light jacket (even in summer), as temperatures can drop on the water after sunset. Our boat is equipped with specialized lighting for night fishing safety and effectiveness. We provide all fishing gear, including rods, reels, tackle, and bait specifically selected for targeting redfish after dark.
Trips depart from the Avalon launch area at dusk, with exact departure times varying by season. We recommend wearing dark-colored clothing to minimize reflection and bringing any personal snacks or drinks you might want during the trip. Don't forget a camera capable of low-light photography to capture your night fishing success!
Fishing in Pensacola: Redfish
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, belongs to the Sciaenidae family of the order Perciformes. This distinctive gamefish is immediately recognizable by its coppery-bronze coloration and one or more black spots near the tail. In Milton waters this July, these prized inshore predators become particularly active during evening hours, making them perfect targets for night fishing adventures.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are one of the most sought-after inshore gamefish throughout the southeastern United States. Known for their strong fights and excellent table fare, they're a favorite among both recreational and tournament anglers. Their ability to thrive in various water conditions makes them accessible to anglers using diverse fishing techniques.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
These versatile fish inhabit various coastal environments including estuaries, flats, oyster bars, and seagrass beds. In the Milton area, redfish are commonly found in shallow waters ranging from 1 to 4 feet deep, particularly around structure and grass flats. They can tolerate wide ranges of salinity, which allows them to move between freshwater, brackish, and saltwater environments throughout the seasons.
Redfish Size and Weight
Redfish typically range from 30 to 61 inches in length and can weigh between 10 and 45 pounds. Juvenile fish (often called "rat reds") measure under 27 inches, while trophy specimens exceeding 40 inches are referred to as "bull reds." The 27-inch redfish mentioned in our recent Milton trip represents a quality catch for the area.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
These opportunistic feeders primarily consume crustaceans, small fish, and mollusks. They're often spotted "tailing" in shallow water as they forage along the bottom. Redfish use their downturned mouths to root through sediment and their powerful pharyngeal teeth to crush prey. During summer evenings, they become more active feeders as water temperatures moderate, making night fishing particularly effective.
Redfish Spawning Season
Redfish typically spawn from late summer through fall in nearshore waters. During July in the Milton area, many adult redfish are preparing for the upcoming spawn, often gathering in deeper waters before moving to spawning grounds. Males produce distinctive drumming sounds during courtship by vibrating muscles against their swim bladders, which gives the family their scientific name, Sciaenidae (from Greek, meaning "drumfish").
Redfish Fishing Techniques
For night fishing success in Milton, three techniques prove particularly effective. Bottom fishing with cut mullet or fresh shrimp works well in channels and deeper holes. Live bait fishing with finger mullet or pinfish near grass edges and structure produces consistent strikes. Artificial lures like weedless spoons or scented soft plastics in dark colors work surprisingly well after dark. In July, anglers around Milton find redfish gathering around deeper dock structures and channel edges where moving water concentrates baitfish.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offers excellent table fare with firm, white flesh and a mild, sweet flavor that's not overly "fishy." The meat has a medium flake and is versatile for various cooking methods. Blackened redfish became famous in the 1980s through Chef Paul Prudhomme's Cajun cooking, but grilling, broiling, and baking work equally well. Redfish is nutritionally rich in protein and 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 fresh-cut mullet are top natural baits for Milton redfish, especially during night fishing. For artificial lures, scented soft plastics in darker colors and gold spoons work particularly well in the low-light conditions.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Milton?
A: Redfish in the Milton area are commonly found around the grass flats and shallow areas near Avalon, particularly during incoming tides. Structure like oyster bars, dock pilings, and channel edges hold fish consistently, especially during summer evenings.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish is excellent table fare with a mild, sweet flavor and medium-firm texture. The white flesh is versatile for various cooking methods, with blackening, grilling, and baking being popular choices. Florida regulations typically allow one redfish per person within a specific slot size.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish in Milton?
A: While redfish can be caught year-round in Milton, the summer months, particularly July through September, offer excellent night fishing opportunities as the fish feed actively during cooler evening temperatures. The last two hours of outgoing tides and first two hours of incoming tides typically produce the best action.
Q: What size redfish can you keep in Florida?
A: Florida regulations typically allow harvest of redfish within an 18-27 inch slot limit, with a bag limit of one fish per person per day in most regions. Always check current regulations before your trip, as these can change seasonally.
Q: What do redfish eat at night?
A: At night, redfish primarily feed on crustaceans like crabs and shrimp, as well as small baitfish that move through the area with tidal flows. Their exceptional sensory abilities, including a lateral line system and barbels, allow them to locate prey effectively even in darkness.
