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Caught a Trophy Redfish in Weeki Wachee
Redfish Fishing in Weeki Wachee
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The Redfish (Sciaenops Ocellatus) is a prized gamefish that thrives in the coastal waters of Weeki Wachee. Measuring between 30-61 inches and weighing 10-45 pounds at maturity, these powerful fighters are instantly recognizable by their copper-bronze coloration and distinctive black spot near the tail. - Redfish primarily inhabit shallow flats, backcountry areas, and nearshore waters. - They're known for their strong fights and are a favorite target for sight fishing enthusiasts. - The 27-inch specimen caught on our trip represents a quality example of the redfish found in Florida's Gulf Coast waters.
Fishing Guide by Guide Tim Stout in August
Meet your Guide Tim Stout
- Seize the Bay with the best Fishing Charter!
Summary
Friday August fishing in Weeki Wachee delivered exceptional redfish action on the flats with Seize The Bay Fishing Charters. We launched at sunrise for a half-day morning charter, taking advantage of the perfect tide conditions around Spring Hill. The partly cloudy weather provided relief from the August heat while we targeted redfish using sight fishing techniques. The highlight was landing a monster 27-inch redfish that put up an impressive fight. Our local fishing guides specialize in inshore fishing trips that are perfect for anglers looking to experience Florida's world-class flats fishing. Whether you're after redfish, snook, or trout, Weeki Wachee's coastal waters offer some of the best fishing opportunities in the region.
Fishing Charter with Tim Stout – Rates & Booking
Guide Tim Stout of Seize The Bay Fishing Charters on Friday August offers half-day morning trips targeting the productive flats around Weeki Wachee. Our charters are designed for both seasoned anglers and beginners, with all necessary tackle and equipment provided. We typically launch around sunrise to take advantage of the best fishing conditions, focusing on sight fishing for redfish when conditions permit. Each trip includes expert guidance, quality gear, and the local knowledge needed to put you on fish. Whether you're looking to learn new techniques or just want to enjoy a productive day on the water, we've got you covered.
Highlights of This Experience
Our recent trip showcased the incredible redfish action available in Weeki Wachee's waters. We focused on sight fishing the flats, which allowed us to specifically target the trophy redfish that patrol these waters. The 27-inch redfish we caught was a testament to the quality of fishing in this area, particularly during the summer months when the flats fishing really heats up.
The partly cloudy conditions worked in our favor, keeping temperatures comfortable while still allowing for excellent visibility on the flats. This area is known for consistent action, with redfish being one of the primary target species that anglers travel here to catch. The shallow water fishing experience around Spring Hill offers exciting visual opportunities to spot and cast to these powerful gamefish.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish in Weeki Wachee thrive in the shallow flats and backcountry areas. These bronze-colored predators are identifiable by their distinctive tail spot and can be found tailing in water as shallow as 1-2 feet. During summer months, anglers typically target them early in the morning when they're actively feeding in shallower water.
The most productive technique for targeting local redfish involves sight fishing with artificial lures or live bait. Look for pushing water, tailing fish, or shadows on the flats. These fish respond well to a variety of presentations including soft plastic jerkbaits, weedless spoons, and live shrimp or pinfish. The flats around Spring Hill consistently produce quality redfish action throughout the summer, making Weeki Wachee a premier destination for anglers seeking these hard-fighting inshore gamefish.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Our fishing charters include all necessary tackle, licenses, and ice for your catch. We recommend bringing sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, a hat, water, and snacks for your comfort. Morning trips typically begin around sunrise and run for approximately 4-5 hours, allowing us to target fish during their most active feeding periods.
Our boats accommodate up to two anglers comfortably, ensuring personalized attention and plenty of casting opportunities. Dress in layers during cooler months and lightweight, quick-dry clothing during summer. For the best experience, let us know your fishing preferences and skill level in advance so we can tailor the trip to your expectations.
Fishing in Homosassa: Redfish
Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, belongs to the Sciaenidae family and Perciformes order. These distinctive copper-bronze colored fish are immediately recognizable by their characteristic black spot(s) near the tail, which serves as a defense mechanism by creating the illusion of an eye to confuse predators. In Weeki Wachee waters this August, these powerful gamefish provide exceptional angling opportunities as they patrol the shallow flats in search of prey.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are one of Florida's most sought-after inshore gamefish, prized for both their fighting ability and table fare. They're known for their powerful runs and ability to test an angler's skill and equipment. These fish are adaptable predators that thrive in various coastal environments from extremely shallow flats to deeper channels and passes.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
Redfish inhabit coastal waters along the Atlantic seaboard and throughout the Gulf of Mexico. They prefer onshore, flats, backcountry, and nearshore environments with structure such as oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, seagrass beds, and shallow mud flats. Around Weeki Wachee, they're commonly found in water ranging from 1-4 feet deep, especially during rising or falling tides when they move onto the flats to feed.
Redfish Size and Weight
Adult redfish typically measure between 30 and 61 inches in length and weigh between 10 and 45 pounds. Bull redfish (larger mature specimens) can exceed 40 pounds in some regions. The 27-inch redfish caught during our trip represents a quality example of the species found in Florida's inshore waters.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders that primarily consume crustaceans, small baitfish, and mollusks. They often feed by tilting downward with their tails breaking the water's surface (known as "tailing"), creating a distinctive sight for observant anglers. They're most active during morning and evening hours, and their feeding patterns are heavily influenced by tidal movements.
Redfish Spawning Season
Redfish typically spawn from late summer through fall in nearshore waters. During August in Florida, many mature redfish begin moving toward passes and deeper water to prepare for spawning aggregations. Water temperature plays a crucial role in triggering spawning behavior, with 70-75°F being ideal for reproduction.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
For consistently catching redfish in Weeki Wachee, sight fishing with light tackle is extremely effective. Gold spoons, soft plastic jerkbaits rigged weedless, and weedless jigs with soft plastic tails all produce results. Live bait options like finger mullet, pinfish, or shrimp are nearly irresistible when presented properly. In August, anglers around Weeki Wachee find them gathering near deeper edges of flats during midday heat, moving shallow during cooler morning hours.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offers excellent table fare with a mild, sweet flavor and medium-firm white flesh that holds up well to various cooking methods. They're particularly delicious when prepared blackened, grilled, or baked. Nutritionally, redfish provides high-quality protein and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. Smaller "slot-sized" fish (typically 18-27 inches depending on local regulations) generally offer the best eating quality.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish in Weeki Wachee?
A: Live pinfish, finger mullet, and shrimp are top natural baits. For artificial lures, weedless gold spoons, soft plastic jerkbaits, and scented soft plastics like Gulp! shrimp produce consistent results on the flats.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Weeki Wachee?
A: Focus on shallow grass flats, particularly areas with potholes or sandy patches, during rising or falling tides. Mangrove shorelines, oyster bars, and creek mouths are also productive, especially during tidal movement.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish is excellent to eat with a mild, sweet flavor that's not overly "fishy." The white flesh is medium-firm and works well with various cooking methods, particularly blackening, grilling, or baking with herbs.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish in Weeki Wachee?
A: Early morning and late afternoon provide the best sight fishing opportunities, especially on rising tides. Summer months (June through September) offer consistent action, with August being particularly productive as fish feed aggressively in preparation for their fall spawning season.
Q: What tackle should I use for redfish?
A: Medium-light to medium spinning tackle with 10-20 lb braided line works well. A 7' rod provides good casting distance while maintaining accuracy. For leaders, 20-30 lb fluorocarbon offers a good balance of stealth and abrasion resistance.
Q: Are redfish catch and release only in Florida?
A: No, but there are specific harvest regulations. Florida currently allows one redfish per person per day within the slot size (generally 18-27 inches, but check current regulations). Some areas may have special regulations, so always verify current fishing rules before keeping any fish.
