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Caught a Night Redfish Inshore in Milton
Redfish Inshore in Milton
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The Redfish (Sciaenops Ocellatus) is a highly prized gamefish found throughout the Gulf Coast waters, including Milton, Florida. These copper-colored fighters are known for their distinctive black spot near the tail. Anglers target Redfish year-round in Milton's waters, with nighttime fishing being particularly effective during summer months. - Redfish can grow to impressive sizes, ranging from 30 to 61 inches in length. - They typically weigh between 10 and 45 pounds when fully mature. - Milton's inshore waters provide ideal habitat for these powerful fighters.
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 Milton's nighttime redfish action on a guided fishing charter with Addicted to Scales & Tail Charters. This Tuesday July trip launched from Avalon with Captain Jamie Hoover, targeting the productive evening bite when summer temperatures make night fishing especially effective. Using a combination of bottom fishing, trolling, and live bait techniques, we focused on inshore redfish in the fertile waters around Milton. Perfect for anglers of all skill levels, these 4-hour night charters provide all the gear you'll need plus the local knowledge to put you on fish when they're most active. The partly cloudy conditions created ideal fishing weather despite a brief shower, resulting in steady action throughout the trip.
Fishing Charter with Jamie Hoover – Rates & Booking
Captain Jamie Hoover of Addicted to Scales & Tail Charters offers specialized 4-hour night fishing trips Tuesday July through the summer months, launching from Avalon near Milton. These inshore charters are perfect for anglers looking to experience the exciting nighttime redfish bite when temperatures cool and fish become more active. All necessary fishing equipment, licenses, and expert guidance are included in your trip. This charter accommodates both beginners and experienced anglers with patient instruction and proven fishing techniques.
Highlights of This Night Fishing Trip
Heading out at dusk creates the perfect opportunity to target redfish when they're most active in the shallows around Milton. The 4-hour duration provides ample fishing time while still keeping the trip accessible for most schedules. The mixed approach using bottom fishing, trolling, and live bait maximizes your chances at hooking into quality fish, even for those new to night fishing.
While daytime fishing in summer can sometimes slow down due to heat, these evening trips tap into the productive bite that occurs after sunset. The waters around Avalon offer excellent inshore structure that holds redfish throughout the warmer months, making these nighttime charters particularly effective during summer.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish in the Milton area thrive in the shallow inshore waters, especially around structure and grassy flats. During summer evenings, they often move into shallower water to feed, making night fishing particularly productive. The local redfish respond well to both artificial lures and live bait, with shrimp and finger mullet being particularly effective in the waters around Avalon.
The average redfish caught on these trips ranges from 15-25 inches, providing good sport on light to medium tackle. The cooler water temperatures after sunset often trigger more aggressive feeding behavior, which is why Captain Jamie specializes in these productive nighttime charters during summer months.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Prepare for your night fishing charter by bringing weather-appropriate clothing, as conditions can change quickly on the water. While all fishing gear is provided, you may want to bring a small cooler for drinks, snacks, and any fish you plan to keep. Captain Jamie recommends wearing dark-colored clothing for night fishing and bringing a light jacket even in summer, as temperatures can drop on the water after sunset. The boat comfortably accommodates up to two anglers, ensuring personalized attention and plenty of fishing opportunities throughout your 4-hour adventure.
Fishing in Pensacola: Redfish
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, is a popular gamefish belonging to the Sciaenidae family and Perciformes order. Easily identified by their copper-bronze coloration and distinctive black spot near the tail (sometimes multiple spots), these fish are prized catches in Milton waters this July, especially during night fishing trips when they actively feed in cooler temperatures.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are one of the Gulf Coast's premier inshore gamefish, known for their strong fights and excellent table fare. Their popularity among anglers stems from their accessibility in shallow waters and their willingness to strike a variety of baits and lures. In Milton's waters, they're a year-round target that peaks during certain seasonal patterns.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
Redfish thrive in diverse environments including shallow flats, oyster beds, mangroves, seagrass beds, and channel edges. They're commonly found throughout the Gulf of Mexico coastline, including the inshore waters around Milton and Pensacola. These fish prefer areas with structure and moving water, often congregating around points, drop-offs, and areas with tidal flow.
Redfish Size and Weight
Adult redfish typically range from 30 to 61 inches in length, with weights between 10 and 45 pounds. In the Milton area, most catches fall in the 15-30 inch range, with larger specimens (often called "bull reds") found in deeper water or during seasonal runs. The current Florida state record exceeds 50 pounds, though most inshore catches are considerably smaller.
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 nights in Milton, redfish typically move into shallower waters to feed, making them ideal targets for night fishing charters.
Redfish Spawning Season
Redfish spawn from late summer through fall, typically August through October in Florida waters. During this period, large breeding-age fish gather in coastal waters and passes to spawn, creating opportunities to target larger specimens. Water temperature plays a crucial role, with spawning activity peaking when temperatures range from 72-75°F.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
For Milton redfish, effective techniques include bottom fishing with cut bait or live shrimp, particularly around structure during incoming tides. Artificial lures like gold spoons, soft plastic jerkbaits, and weedless jigs work well in grassy areas. In July, anglers around Milton often find success fishing deeper holes during daylight hours and transitioning to shallower flats and creek mouths after sunset when water temperatures cool and feeding activity increases.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish is highly regarded as table fare, offering white, firm flesh with a mild, sweet flavor. It's versatile in cooking – excellent when blackened, grilled, or baked. The meat is moderately oily with good protein content and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. In Florida, slot-size redfish (18-27 inches) typically provide the best eating quality, with larger specimens sometimes having a stronger flavor.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish in Milton?
A: Live shrimp, finger mullet, and blue crabs work exceptionally well. For artificial lures, gold spoons, scented soft plastics, and weedless jigs are top producers. During night fishing trips, scented baits often outperform unscented options.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Milton?
A: Redfish in the Milton area are commonly found around oyster bars, seagrass flats, dock structures, and creek mouths. The waters around Avalon and Escambia Bay hold good populations, particularly during moving tides.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish is excellent table fare with firm white flesh and a mild, sweet flavor. It's versatile for cooking methods including grilling, blackening, and baking. Smaller to mid-sized redfish (slot limit) typically offer the best eating quality.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish in Milton?
A: While redfish can be caught year-round in Milton, summer evenings and early fall are particularly productive. In July, night fishing trips often yield better results as redfish become more active during cooler evening temperatures, moving into shallower water to feed.
Q: What tackle should I use for redfish?
A: Medium spinning gear with 10-20 lb test line works well for most inshore redfish. A 7-foot medium-action rod paired with a 3000-4000 size reel offers the ideal balance of casting distance and fighting power for Milton's redfish.
Q: What are the regulations for keeping redfish in Florida?
A: In the Northwest region of Florida (including Milton), regulations typically allow one redfish per harvester per day within the slot limit of 18-27 inches. Always check current regulations before your trip as they can change seasonally.
