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Landed a monster 103inch Redfish in Weeki Wachee
Redfish Inshore in Weeki Wachee
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The Redfish (Sciaenops Ocellatus) is one of Florida's most prized inshore gamefish, known for its powerful fights and distinctive copper coloration with a black spot near the tail. These remarkable fish typically range from 30 to 61 inches in length and weigh between 10 and 45 pounds, though trophy specimens like the 103-inch monster caught on this Weeki Wachee charter demonstrate their growth potential. - Redfish thrive in shallow coastal habitats including flats, mangrove shorelines, and oyster bars - They feed aggressively on crustaceans, small fish, and shrimp - Their powerful tail and broad shoulders make them exceptional fighters on light tackle
Fishing Guide by Guide Tim Stout in August
Meet your Guide Tim Stout
- Seize the Bay with the best Fishing Charter!
Summary
Sunday July brought perfect conditions for our 6-hour inshore fishing charter in Weeki Wachee. Launching from Bayport Park Boat Ramp, we set out targeting the morning bite in the clear, calm waters. The trip delivered beyond expectations when we landed a monster 103-inch Redfish that put up an incredible fight. Using a mix of live bait fishing, sight fishing, and topwater techniques, we found success in the shallow inshore waters. This charter offers the perfect opportunity to experience Florida's legendary Redfish action with all tackle and gear provided. If you're looking for a productive day on the water with a knowledgeable local guide, our Weeki Wachee fishing charters provide everything needed for both beginners and experienced anglers.
Fishing Charter with Tim Stout – Rates & Booking
Guide Tim Stout of Seize The Bay Fishing Charters on Sunday July offers this exceptional 6-hour guided fishing trip targeting Redfish, Cobia, Snook, and Sharks in Weeki Wachee waters. This inshore charter accommodates up to 2 guests with all bait, tackle, and equipment included. The trip departs from Bayport Park Boat Ramp, where you'll experience the productive inshore waters guided by a licensed captain with extensive local knowledge. Whether you're targeting the monster Redfish that patrol these waters or hoping to hook into some high-flying Spanish Mackerel, this trip provides the perfect platform for success.
Perfect for anglers of all skill levels, this charter focuses on productive fishing techniques tailored to the conditions and your preferences. Bring snacks, drinks, and appropriate clothing for a comfortable day on the water. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during prime summer fishing season when these trophy Redfish are most active.
Highlights of 6-Hour Guided Trip in Weeki Wachee – Target Cobia, Snook & Sharks
The highlight of recent trips has been the extraordinary Redfish action, with a monster 103-inch specimen recently brought to the boat after an exhilarating battle. These powerful fish thrive in Weeki Wachee's inshore waters, particularly around Bayport where the mix of structure and bait creates the perfect habitat for trophy-sized specimens.
Beyond Redfish, this versatile charter also produces consistent action with Cobia, Snook, various Shark species, and Spanish Mackerel depending on seasonal patterns. The ability to switch between multiple fishing techniques—from sight fishing the flats to working topwater lures along shorelines—ensures constant action and learning opportunities throughout your 6-hour trip.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish in Weeki Wachee's waters are known for their exceptional size and fighting ability, making them one of Florida's most prized inshore gamefish. These copper-colored predators with their distinctive tail spot can be found year-round in the shallow flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines around Bayport and Homosassa. Summer months bring particularly productive fishing as Redfish push into shallower water during morning and evening feeding periods.
Successful tactics include sight-casting with soft plastics on light tackle, working topwater plugs along shorelines, or presenting live baits near structure. Weekday mornings typically offer less pressure and better chances at trophy fish. The shallow-water battles with these powerful fish create unforgettable angling experiences, especially when they make powerful runs and surface displays that test both equipment and angler skill.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your 6-hour charter includes a well-equipped boat perfect for navigating Weeki Wachee's inshore waters, with all necessary fishing gear, tackle, and bait provided. Morning trips typically depart around sunrise to capitalize on the most productive fishing periods, though afternoon trips are also available based on tides and conditions.
Wear comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather, and don't forget sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen). Bringing your own snacks and drinks is recommended to stay energized throughout the trip. With a maximum of 2 guests, you'll receive personalized attention and guidance from Tim throughout your charter, ensuring both an educational and productive day on the water targeting Weeki Wachee's legendary Redfish.
Fishing in Homosassa: Redfish
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, belongs to the Sciaenidae family and Perciformes order. These copper-colored predators are instantly recognizable by their distinctive black spot near the tail (often having multiple spots) and downward-facing mouth perfect for feeding on bottom-dwelling prey. In Weeki Wachee waters this July, these prized gamefish have been particularly active in the early morning hours around structure and shallow flats.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are one of Florida's most coveted inshore gamefish, prized for their powerful fights, availability to anglers of all skill levels, and excellent table fare. Their ability to thrive in diverse habitats from super-shallow flats to deeper channels makes them accessible year-round, with seasonal patterns that experienced guides like Tim Stout understand intimately.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
These adaptable predators inhabit coastal waters from Massachusetts to Mexico, with Florida's Gulf Coast offering some of the finest Redfish fishing in the world. Around Weeki Wachee, they're commonly found in shallow grass flats, oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and channel edges. During summer months, they often push into extremely shallow water during cooler morning hours before retreating to deeper refuges as the day heats up.
Redfish Size and Weight
While typical Redfish measure between 30 and 61 inches and weigh between 10 and 45 pounds, exceptional specimens like the 103-inch monster caught on this charter demonstrate their remarkable growth potential. In Florida waters, the "slot limit" regulations protect breeding-sized fish, ensuring healthy populations for future anglers.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders, primarily targeting crustaceans, small baitfish, shrimp, and crabs. They often reveal their presence by "tailing" - feeding with their heads down and tails breaking the surface in shallow water. They're known for creating visible wakes and pushes when moving through shallow water, making them excellent targets for sight fishing.
Redfish Spawning Season
Redfish typically spawn from August through October in nearshore waters, often forming large schools. During this period, they move from inshore areas to passes and deeper water to form spawning aggregations. After spawning, younger fish return to inshore waters while larger breeding stock often remains in deeper offshore environments.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
When targeting Redfish in Weeki Wachee waters, three approaches consistently produce results. Sight fishing with soft plastic jigs on light tackle is extremely effective when visibility permits. Free-lining live bait (pinfish or shrimp) around structure creates natural presentations irresistible to hungry Reds. Topwater plugs worked along mangrove shorelines during early morning hours can trigger explosive strikes. In July, anglers around Weeki Wachee find consistent action by targeting creek mouths and oyster bars on outgoing tides when water temperatures moderate.
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. It's versatile for cooking methods including grilling, blackening, or baking. The meat is high in protein and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids while remaining relatively low in mercury compared to other popular gamefish. Smaller "slot-sized" fish typically provide the best eating quality.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Redfish in Weeki Wachee?
A: Live pinfish, shrimp, and cut mullet are top natural baits, while gold spoons, soft plastic jigs in natural colors, and weedless gold spoons are preferred artificial options. In summer months, scented soft plastics become particularly effective.
Q: Where can I find Redfish near Weeki Wachee?
A: Focus on shallow grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines during cooler morning hours. The Bayport area offers excellent Redfish habitat with its mix of structure, varying depths, and abundant bait sources.
Q: Is Redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, Redfish provides excellent table fare with firm, white flesh and a mild flavor that works well with many cooking methods. Smaller slot-size fish typically offer the best eating quality.
Q: When is the best time to catch Redfish in Florida?
A: While available year-round, fall through spring provides more consistent action. In summer months like July, early morning and evening trips produce best when temperatures are moderate and fish are most active in shallower water.
Q: How big do Redfish get in Weeki Wachee?
A: While most Redfish caught in Weeki Wachee range from 20-40 inches, trophy specimens like the 103-inch fish on this charter demonstrate the exceptional growth potential in these nutrient-rich waters.
Q: What tackle should I use for Redfish?
A: Medium-light to medium spinning gear with 15-20 lb braided line offers the perfect balance of sensitivity and fighting power. A 20-30 lb fluorocarbon leader helps withstand the abrasive mouths and powerful runs of larger specimens.
