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Caught a trophy Redfish Inshore in Weeki Wachee
Redfish Inshore in Weeki Wachee
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The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus) is one of Florida's premier inshore gamefish, prized by anglers for its powerful fights and reliability as a target species. Also known as Red Drum, these fish belong to the Sciaenidae family (same as Black Drum and Spotted Seatrout) and are instantly recognizable by their copper-bronze coloration and distinctive black spot near the tail. - Adult Redfish typically measure between 30-61 inches and weigh 10-45 pounds. - They thrive in shallow coastal waters including flats, backcountry areas, and nearshore environments. - Redfish are opportunistic feeders, consuming crustaceans, small fish, and mollusks.
Fishing Guide by Guide Tim Stout in August
Meet your Guide Tim Stout
- Seize the Bay with the best Fishing Charter!
Summary
Sunday July fishing in Weeki Wachee delivered exactly what we were hoping for—monster Redfish action! Our 6-hour inshore fishing charter from Bayport Park Boat Ramp put us on some serious fish, including that incredible 103-inch Redfish that made the day unforgettable. The clear weather made for perfect sight fishing conditions as we mixed techniques between live bait and topwater action. Whether you're an experienced angler or just getting started, our Weeki Wachee fishing charters provide all the gear and expertise you need for a productive day on the water. We've been finding consistent Redfish, Spotted Gar, and Spanish Mackerel throughout the summer, making now an ideal time to book your trip with Seize The Bay Fishing Charters.
Fishing Charter with Tim Stout – Rates & Booking
Guide Tim Stout of Seize The Bay Fishing Charters on Sunday July offers 6-hour guided fishing trips in the Weeki Wachee and Homosassa waters. These inshore trips are perfectly designed for anglers targeting Redfish, Cobia, Snook, and Sharks. All bait, tackle, and fishing equipment is provided, so you can focus entirely on the experience while receiving expert guidance. This trip accommodates up to 2 guests and provides ample opportunity for various fishing techniques including live bait fishing, sight fishing, and exciting topwater action. As a licensed guide with extensive local knowledge, Tim knows exactly where to find the fish biting in these productive inshore waters.
Highlights of 6-Hour Guided Trip in Weeki Wachee – Target Cobia, Snook & Sharks
This 6-hour inshore fishing charter delivers exceptional fishing experiences in the productive waters around Weeki Wachee. Setting out from Bayport Park Boat Ramp, you'll have access to prime inshore spots that consistently produce quality catches. Recent trips have yielded impressive results, including monster Redfish measuring up to 103 inches, along with Spotted Gar, Longnose Gar, and Spanish Mackerel.
Captain Tim employs a variety of effective techniques tailored to the conditions and target species. From sight fishing in clear waters to exciting topwater action that produces explosive strikes, you'll experience the full range of inshore fishing approaches. The charter is suitable for anglers of all skill levels, with all necessary gear provided so you can focus entirely on the fishing experience.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish in Weeki Wachee's inshore waters offer some of Florida's most exciting fishing opportunities. These powerful fish thrive in the shallow flats and backwater areas accessible from Bayport, where they're often found tailing in just 1-4 feet of water during summer months. Their distinctive copper color and black tail spot make them easily identifiable when sight fishing.
During summer months, we typically target Redfish using a combination of live bait fishing with pinfish or shrimp, and artificial lures like gold spoons or topwater plugs during early morning hours. The thrill of watching a big Redfish explode on a topwater lure is unmatched in inshore fishing. The 103-inch monster Redfish mentioned in our recent trip report demonstrates the trophy potential in these waters. For the best results, we focus on oyster bars, grassy flats, and mangrove shorelines during moving tides when these fish are actively feeding.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
When joining us for a 6-hour inshore fishing charter in Weeki Wachee, you'll want to arrive at Bayport Park Boat Ramp about 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time. The boat comfortably accommodates up to 2 guests with ample fishing space. We provide all fishing tackle, rods, reels, and bait needed for a successful day on the water.
Early morning departures (typically around sunrise) often yield the best fishing results, though afternoon trips can be productive as well. Dress appropriately for the weather, bring sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), and consider bringing your own snacks and drinks to stay energized throughout the trip. Don't forget your camera to capture your trophy catches before release!
Fishing in Homosassa: Redfish
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), belonging to the Sciaenidae family in the order Perciformes, is one of Florida's most sought-after inshore gamefish. Known for its distinctive copper-red color and black spot near the tail, this species thrives in the shallow waters of Weeki Wachee during summer months, providing exciting fishing opportunities for anglers targeting these hard-fighting fish.
Redfish Overview
Redfish, also called Red Drum, are prized for their strong fights and excellent table fare. These powerful fish are known for their ability to strip line and make powerful runs, especially around structure. In Weeki Wachee waters, Redfish are among the most reliable year-round targets, with summer offering particularly good opportunities as they feed actively in shallow waters.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
These versatile fish inhabit various coastal environments including shallow flats, oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and grass beds. In the Weeki Wachee area, Redfish are frequently found in water depths from 1-4 feet, particularly around Bayport and nearby flats. They prefer areas with good tidal flow where baitfish concentrate, and often hunt near structure that provides both cover and feeding opportunities.
Redfish Size and Weight
Adult Redfish typically measure between 30-61 inches in length and weigh anywhere from 10-45 pounds. Trophy-sized specimens, like the 103-inch fish mentioned in recent trip reports, represent exceptional catches that demonstrate the quality of fishing available in Florida's Gulf Coast waters.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders that primarily consume crustaceans (crabs and shrimp), small baitfish, and mollusks. They often give themselves away by "tailing" - raising their tails above the water surface while feeding on bottom-dwelling organisms in shallow water. They're most active during moving tides when baitfish and prey are being pushed around by water movement.
Redfish Spawning Season
In Florida waters, Redfish typically spawn from late summer through fall (August to November), often gathering in large schools in nearshore waters and passes. During this time, mature fish may move from inshore waters toward coastal areas with good water flow. Water temperature plays a critical role in triggering spawning behavior, with 70-75°F being ideal.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Several techniques prove effective for Redfish in Weeki Wachee waters. Live bait fishing using pinfish, shrimp, or cut mullet works exceptionally well when fished near bottom structure. Gold spoons, soft plastic jerkbaits, and weedless-rigged soft plastics are top artificial choices. In July around Weeki Wachee, early morning topwater fishing produces exciting visual strikes when targeting fish feeding in shallow water. Sight fishing during clear conditions allows anglers to spot fish by their copper coloration or tailing activity.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish is highly regarded as table fare, offering white, flaky meat with a mild, sweet flavor that's not overly fishy. It's versatile in preparation - excellent blackened, grilled, or baked. Nutritionally, Redfish provides lean protein and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids while containing relatively low mercury levels compared to many other saltwater species. Most anglers prefer eating "slot-sized" fish (within legal harvest limits) as larger specimens may have coarser meat.
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. For artificial lures, gold spoons, soft plastic jerkbaits rigged on weighted hooks, and topwater plugs during early morning hours produce consistent results.
Q: Where can I find Redfish near Weeki Wachee?
A: Focus on the shallow flats around Bayport, oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and grass beds in 1-4 feet of water. Areas with good tidal movement typically hold more feeding fish, especially during moving tides.
Q: Is Redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, Redfish is excellent table fare with white, flaky meat and a mild, sweet flavor. It's versatile for cooking and provides healthy protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Q: When is the best time to catch Redfish in Weeki Wachee?
A: While Redfish can be caught year-round, summer through fall offers particularly good fishing. Early morning and evening hours during moving tides typically produce the best action. In July, focus on early morning topwater fishing and sight fishing opportunities as water clarity allows.
Q: What tackle should I use for Redfish?
A: Medium action spinning gear with 15-20 lb test line works well. A 7-foot rod provides good casting distance while maintaining enough backbone to handle these powerful fish. When fishing around structure, 30-40 lb fluorocarbon leader is recommended.
