%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F13563%2Fimages%2F1714084891362image30.png&w=1200&q=100)
Caught a 15inch redfish Inshore in Milton
Redfish Fishing in Milton
%2F%2Fusers%2F0df3cab5-eb4a-4a78-aa49-80ca34b88515%2Fimages%2Fredfish-milton-fl-jigging-fishing-6237.png&w=1200&q=75)
Redfish (Sciaenops Ocellatus) belong to the Sciaenidae family and Perciformes order. They're one of Florida's most popular gamefish, known for their copper-red coloration and distinctive eyespot near the tail. - Typically measure between 30-61 inches with weights from 10-45 pounds - Prefer shallow water habitats including flats, backcountry, and nearshore areas - Known for powerful fights and light, flavorful meat
Fishing Charter by Captain Jamie Hoover in August
Meet your Captain Jamie Hoover
- Emerald Coast Fishing Charters At Its Best!
Summary
Our Tuesday July inshore fishing charter in Milton delivered a memorable night on the water! Setting off from Avalon at dusk, we found partly cloudy conditions perfect for targeting the evening redfish bite. Using a mix of bottom fishing, trolling, and live bait techniques, we successfully landed a nice 15-inch redfish despite some light rain. The waters around Milton provide excellent opportunities for night fishing, especially during summer months when species like redfish actively feed in cooler evening temperatures. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to night fishing, our 4-hour trips with Addicted to Scales & Tail Charters provide all the gear and local knowledge needed for a successful outing in these productive Florida waters.
Fishing Charter with Jamie Hoover – Rates & Booking
Captain Jamie Hoover of Addicted to Scales & Tail Charters offers Tuesday July inshore night fishing trips in Milton, FL. Our 4-hour excursions are perfect for anglers looking to experience the thrill of after-dark fishing in the productive waters around Avalon. We provide all necessary fishing gear, bait, and licenses, making your experience hassle-free. Our boat comfortably accommodates small groups, and we welcome anglers of all experience levels. Book your night fishing adventure today to target redfish and other inshore species with our licensed, experienced guide who knows these local waters intimately.
Highlights of This Inshore Night Trip
This 4-hour inshore night fishing trip focuses on targeting redfish in the waters around Milton and Avalon. As summer settles in, the evening hours provide excellent opportunities for fishing activity, with redfish actively feeding during the cooler nighttime temperatures. We employ multiple fishing techniques including bottom fishing, trolling, and live bait fishing to maximize your chances of success.
The partly cloudy conditions on this trip created perfect visibility for night fishing, and despite some light rain, we maintained consistent action throughout the evening. This trip is ideal for anglers looking to experience the unique atmosphere of fishing after dark while targeting one of Florida's most sought-after inshore species.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish in Milton's waters are typically caught in shallow areas ranging from 1-4 feet deep. During summer nights, these fish become more active as water temperatures cool from the daytime highs. They're often found around structure, grass flats, and oyster bars where they hunt for prey. When targeting redfish at night, we find bottom fishing with cut bait or live shrimp particularly effective, though artificials like soft plastics and jigs can also produce great results when worked slowly along the bottom. The area's tidal movements heavily influence redfish behavior, making timing crucial for a successful outing. Milton's waterways provide excellent habitat for these popular gamefish, with their copper-red coloration and distinctive tail spots making them instantly recognizable when brought aboard.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
For your night fishing charter in Milton, we recommend wearing comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather conditions, as temperatures can vary even during summer evenings. Our boat is equipped with all necessary safety equipment and lighting for night navigation. We'll meet at the Avalon boat launch about 15 minutes before our scheduled departure time. You're welcome to bring your own drinks and snacks for the trip. Photography is encouraged - capturing that prized redfish under the moonlight makes for a fantastic memory! For those concerned about seasickness, inshore waters are typically calmer than offshore locations, but bringing medication is always an option if you're prone to motion sickness.
Fishing in Pensacola: Redfish
Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), from the Sciaenidae family and Perciformes order, are one of the most sought-after inshore gamefish along the Gulf Coast. Their distinctive copper-bronze coloration and characteristic black spot near the tail make them easily identifiable. In Milton waters this July, these prized fish provide exciting action for night anglers looking for a quality inshore experience.
Redfish Overview
Redfish, also called Red Drum, are revered by anglers for their strong fighting ability and consistent availability throughout the year. They're a cornerstone species for inshore fishing in the Southeast, particularly in Florida waters, where their popularity among recreational anglers has led to careful management practices.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
These versatile fish thrive in diverse environments including shallow flats, oyster bars, mangroves, and grass beds. They're commonly found in estuaries, bays, and inlets along the Gulf Coast, including the productive waters around Milton, FL. Young redfish typically stay in protected backwaters while larger adults may venture into nearshore waters.
Redfish Size and Weight
Redfish typically measure between 30 and 61 inches in length, with weights ranging from 10 to 45 pounds. In the Milton area, anglers commonly catch "slot-sized" fish (within legal harvest limits), though trophy specimens exceeding 40 inches are occasionally encountered, especially during seasonal runs.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
These opportunistic feeders primarily consume crustaceans, small fish, and mollusks. They're known for their distinctive "tailing" behavior in shallow water, where their tails break the surface while they feed on the bottom. Redfish are most active during dawn and dusk, making them perfect targets for night fishing trips when they often feed more aggressively.
Redfish Spawning Season
Redfish typically spawn from late summer through fall when water temperatures are optimal. During July in Florida waters, many mature redfish begin gathering in preparation for spawning activities. They form large schools in coastal waters and passes, creating opportunities for anglers to target concentrations of fish during this pre-spawn period.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
For Milton redfish, multiple techniques prove effective. Bottom fishing with cut bait or live shrimp works exceptionally well, especially at night when redfish rely more on scent than sight. Artificial lures like gold spoons, soft plastic jigs in white or chartreuse, and topwater plugs can be deadly during active feeding periods. In July, anglers around Milton often find success targeting redfish around deeper holes and channels during the hottest parts of summer, switching to shallow flats during early morning and evening hours.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offers excellent table fare with mild, white flesh that flakes easily when cooked. It's versatile in preparation—blackened, grilled, baked, or fried all showcase its subtle flavor. The meat is moderately firm with low oil content, making it a healthy protein option that's rich in omega-3 fatty acids and low in mercury compared to larger predatory species.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish in Milton?
A: Live or cut mullet, fresh shrimp, and blue crabs work exceptionally well for Milton redfish, especially during night fishing trips. For artificial lures, gold spoons, scented soft plastics, and weedless jigs produce consistent results.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Milton?
A: Redfish in the Milton area can be found around oyster bars, grass flats, channel edges, and creek mouths. The waters around Avalon offer productive fishing grounds, particularly during moving tides when redfish actively feed.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish is excellent to eat with a mild, sweet flavor similar to snapper. It's versatile for cooking and contains beneficial nutrients. Many anglers consider it among the best-tasting inshore species in Florida waters.
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 mornings offer excellent opportunities. July night fishing trips often produce consistent action as redfish feed more actively during cooler periods. Spring and fall transitions also bring exceptional redfish fishing to the area.
Q: What size redfish can I keep in Florida?
A: Florida regulations typically allow harvest of redfish within a specific "slot limit" (always check current regulations as they may change). Most areas require redfish to be between 18-27 inches to keep, with a daily bag limit of one or two fish per angler.
Q: Do redfish have teeth?
A: Redfish don't have sharp teeth like some predatory fish. Instead, they have small, rounded crushing plates in their throats used for grinding shellfish and crustaceans. This makes them relatively safe to handle when landing without the risk of tooth cuts.
