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Caught a monster redfish in Weeki Wachee
Redfish Fishing in Weeki Wachee
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Redfish (Sciaenops Ocellatus) are one of Florida's most popular inshore gamefish, prized by anglers for their strong fighting ability and excellent table fare. These beautiful copper-colored fish with their distinctive tail spot are commonly found in the shallow flats and backcountry waters around Weeki Wachee. - Redfish typically measure between 30 and 61 inches in length. - They can weigh anywhere from 10 to 45 pounds when fully grown. - They prefer shallow water habitats including flats, backcountry areas, and nearshore zones.
Fishing Guide by Guide Tim Stout in August
Meet your Guide Tim Stout
- Seize the Bay with the best Fishing Charter!
Summary
Our Friday August fishing charter in Weeki Wachee delivered an incredible day on the water targeting redfish. Launching at sunrise gave us perfect conditions for sight fishing the flats, with partly cloudy skies providing relief from the summer heat. The morning tide set us up for productive fishing around Spring Hill, where we focused on specialized flats fishing techniques. The highlight was landing an absolute beast of a redfish measuring 82 inches - a true trophy catch that put up an impressive fight! Whether you're an experienced angler or new to inshore fishing, these Weeki Wachee waters offer some of Florida's best redfish action. Seize The Bay Fishing Charters provides all the gear you need, with local knowledge that puts you on fish consistently throughout the season.
Fishing Charter with Tim Stout – Rates & Booking
Guide Tim Stout of Seize The Bay Fishing Charters on Friday August offers half-day morning trips that are perfect for anglers wanting to experience the exceptional redfish action in Weeki Wachee. Our trips typically launch around sunrise to take advantage of the best fishing conditions and cooler temperatures. All fishing gear, licenses, and tackle are included so you can focus on the experience. Our "The best experience" package is designed to give both seasoned and novice anglers access to the incredible fishing our local waters have to offer. Weather conditions are carefully monitored to ensure your safety and comfort while on the water.
Highlights of this Weeki Wachee Fishing Trip
This trip featured some exceptional sight fishing opportunities on the flats around Spring Hill. We specifically targeted redfish using specialized techniques that work perfectly in these shallow water environments. The highlight was landing an 82-inch redfish - a true monster catch that made for an unforgettable experience!
The partly cloudy conditions provided perfect visibility for spotting fish while giving us breaks from the August heat. Our early morning start time allowed us to take advantage of the best tidal movements and increased fish activity before the midday heat set in.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish in the Weeki Wachee area thrive in the shallow flats and backcountry waters. These powerful fighters are known for their distinctive spot near the tail and copper-bronze coloration. During summer months, they can often be found tailing in shallow water during the morning hours.
The most effective techniques for targeting these fish include sight fishing with artificial lures and live bait presentations. Redfish respond well to soft plastic jigs worked slowly across the bottom and to live shrimp or pinfish when available. Their aggressive strikes and powerful runs make them a favorite among anglers visiting Florida's Nature Coast.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
For your fishing trip with Seize The Bay Fishing Charters, plan to arrive about 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Wear comfortable clothing, non-marking shoes, and bring sun protection including a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. We provide all fishing gear, but you're welcome to bring your own if preferred. A small cooler for beverages is recommended, and don't forget your camera to capture your trophy catch! Our boats are equipped with comfortable seating, shade options, and all necessary safety equipment for a day on the water.
Fishing in Homosassa: Redfish
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, belongs to the Sciaenidae family within the order Perciformes. This iconic gamefish is immediately recognizable by its copper-bronze coloration and the distinctive black spot near its tail. In Weeki Wachee waters this August, anglers specifically target these powerful fighters for their strong runs and challenging battles.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are one of the most sought-after inshore gamefish along the Gulf Coast of Florida. Their popularity stems from their accessibility to anglers fishing from boats, kayaks, or even wading, as well as their reputation for putting up a tremendous fight when hooked. Their copper-bronze backs transitioning to white bellies make them visually striking, and the one or more black spots near their tails serve as their signature identifying feature.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
These adaptable fish thrive in various coastal habitats including shallow flats, oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and seagrass beds. In the Weeki Wachee area, redfish are commonly found in water ranging from 1 to 4 feet deep, particularly around structure that provides both food sources and protection. They tolerate a wide range of salinities, allowing them to move between freshwater rivers, brackish estuaries, and full saltwater environments based on seasonal patterns and food availability.
Redfish Size and Weight
Redfish typically measure between 30 and 61 inches in length when fully mature, with weights ranging from 10 to 45 pounds. Bull reds (the larger, mature specimens) can grow considerably larger, with some exceptional catches exceeding 50 pounds. The 82-inch monster caught on this Weeki Wachee charter represents an exceptional specimen well above the average size.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders with a diverse diet including crabs, shrimp, small baitfish, and even small crustaceans. They often feed by tilting downward with their tails slightly exposed above the water surface (called "tailing") as they root through bottom sediment for prey. They're most active during early morning and evening hours, especially during moving tides when baitfish and crustaceans are more vulnerable.
Redfish Spawning Season
In Florida waters, redfish typically spawn from late summer through fall, with peak activity occurring in August and September. During spawning season, large schools of mature redfish gather in nearshore gulf waters and passes to reproduce. Water temperature plays a crucial role in triggering spawning behavior, with 70-75°F being ideal for reproduction. After spawning, juvenile redfish utilize estuaries and backwaters as nursery areas until reaching maturity.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
For targeting redfish in the Weeki Wachee flats, sight fishing is particularly effective, especially during calm morning conditions when you can spot their copper bodies or tailing activity. Gold spoons, soft plastic jerkbaits on lightweight jigheads, and weedless-rigged paddle tails all produce consistent results. Live bait options including pinfish, finger mullet, or shrimp under a popping cork can be deadly. In August, anglers around Weeki Wachee find redfish concentrated around the edges of flats adjacent to deeper water, where they move in with the incoming tide to feed.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish is highly regarded as excellent table fare, offering a mild, sweet flavor with medium-firm white flesh that holds together well when cooked. It's versatile in preparation methods - blackened redfish is a classic preparation, but it's equally delicious grilled, baked, or used in fish tacos. From a nutritional perspective, redfish provides high-quality protein and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids while maintaining relatively low mercury levels compared to larger predatory species.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish in Weeki Wachee?
A: Live shrimp, pinfish, and finger mullet are top natural baits for Weeki Wachee redfish. For artificial lures, gold spoons, soft plastic shrimp imitations, and 3-4 inch paddle tail soft plastics in natural colors (gold, brown, white) produce consistent results.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Weeki Wachee?
A: The shallow flats around Spring Hill and Weeki Wachee are prime redfish territory, particularly areas with mixed sand and grass bottom in 1-3 feet of water. Look for them around oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and creek mouths, especially during moving tides.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Absolutely! Redfish offers white, flaky meat with a mild, sweet flavor that's not overly fishy. It's versatile for cooking and considered one of the best-tasting inshore species. Slot-size redfish (18-27 inches in Florida) generally provide the best eating quality.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish?
A: Early morning and late afternoon typically provide the best redfish action, particularly during moving tides. In Weeki Wachee, spring and fall offer excellent fishing, though summer mornings can be productive before the heat intensifies. The two hours before and after tide changes often yield the best results.
Q: What size redfish can you keep in Florida?
A: In Florida, the slot limit for redfish is typically 18-27 inches total length, with a daily bag limit of one fish per person. Always check current regulations before fishing as limits may change and vary by region within the state.
Q: How do you identify a redfish?
A: Redfish are identified by their copper-bronze coloration, downturned mouth, and most distinctively, the black spot(s) at the base of their tail. Most redfish have one spot, but some may display multiple spots, especially larger specimens.
