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Weeki Wachee Redfish Tim Stouts Local Expertise
Redfish Inshore in Weeki Wachee
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The Redfish (Sciaenops Ocellatus) is one of Florida's most prized inshore game fish, known for its strong fighting ability and distinctive copper-bronze coloration. These fish typically measure between 30 and 61 inches in length, weighing anywhere from 10 to 45 pounds when fully grown. Their most recognizable feature is the black spot near the tail, which helps anglers identify them. - Redfish prefer shallow waters around 1-4 feet deep, including flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines. - They feed primarily on crustaceans, small baitfish, and shrimp. - The best time to target redfish in Weeki Wachee is during incoming tides when they move onto the flats to feed.
Fishing Guide by Guide Tim Stout in August
Meet your Guide Tim Stout
- Seize the Bay with the best Fishing Charter!
Summary
Sunday June proved to be an excellent day for inshore fishing in Weeki Wachee. I took William and his crew out for a productive 6-hour fishing charter, launching from Bayport Park Boat Ramp. The conditions were perfect—clear skies and calm waters—ideal for targeting the active redfish in the area. We used a variety of techniques including live bait fishing and bottom fishing, which paid off as we hooked into several nice redfish throughout the day. The inshore waters around Bayport are consistently productive, offering plenty of action for anglers of all skill levels. Despite some afternoon clouds rolling in, the fishing remained steady right until the end of our trip.
Fishing Charter with Tim Stout – Rates & Booking
Guide Tim Stout of Seize The Bay Fishing Charters on Sunday June offers 6-hour guided fishing trips in Weeki Wachee, FL. Our inshore charters focus on targeting redfish, cobia, snook, and sharks in the productive waters around Bayport. All fishing equipment, including rods, reels, tackle, and live bait, is provided so you can focus on the fishing experience. These trips accommodate up to 2 guests and are perfect for both experienced anglers and beginners looking to improve their skills. Bring along some snacks and drinks to keep your energy up during the day on the water.
Highlights of Inshore Fishing Charter Homosassa Redfish & Black Drum
Our 6-hour inshore fishing charters out of Weeki Wachee deliver consistent action in the scenic coastal waters of Florida's Nature Coast. The area is renowned for its healthy redfish population, which provides exciting catches throughout the year. We'll fish the productive inshore waters around Bayport, utilizing proven techniques like live bait fishing and casting lures to structure where redfish tend to congregate.
Beyond redfish, these waters are home to multiple game fish species including cobia, snook, tarpon, black drum, grouper, Spanish mackerel, spotted seatrout, sharks, and sheepshead. As your guide, I'll share local knowledge and fishing tips while ensuring you have the best chance at landing quality fish. Whether you're an experienced angler or trying inshore fishing for the first time, these trips offer a fun, engaging day on the water with plenty of action.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish in the Weeki Wachee area thrive in the shallow, grassy flats and oyster bars that characterize our inshore waters. These fish are particularly active during incoming tides when they move up onto the flats to feed. The most productive fishing technique involves sight casting with live baits like pinfish or cut mullet, or with artificial lures such as soft plastics and gold spoons. During summer months, look for schools of redfish tailing in very shallow water during early mornings. Their copper-bronze coloration and distinctive black spot near the tail make them easily identifiable when spotted. The fight of a redfish is memorable—they make powerful runs and put up an impressive battle on light tackle.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
For your day on the water, we'll meet at Bayport Park Boat Ramp in Weeki Wachee at the scheduled time (typically early morning for the best fishing conditions). The boat comfortably accommodates up to 2 anglers with plenty of casting room. Wear comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather, and don't forget sun protection—hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential even on cloudy days. I recommend bringing a small cooler with water, snacks, and lunch to keep your energy up throughout the trip. A camera or phone in a waterproof case is great for documenting your catches. The boat is equipped with all necessary safety equipment, and we'll go over safety procedures before heading out.
Fishing in Homosassa: Redfish
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, belongs to the Sciaenidae family within the Perciformes order. These distinctive fish are easily identified by their copper-bronze coloration and characteristic black spot near the tail—sometimes featuring multiple spots. In Weeki Wachee waters this June, redfish provide exciting opportunities for anglers targeting inshore species along Florida's Nature Coast.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are among the most sought-after inshore game fish in the southeastern United States, prized for both their fighting ability and table fare. Their popularity stems from their accessibility to anglers fishing from boats, kayaks, or even shore, and their tendency to put up a strong, determined fight when hooked.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
These adaptable fish inhabit a variety of coastal environments including shallow flats, oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and grass beds. Around Weeki Wachee, they're commonly found in the shallow backcountry waters, particularly around structure that provides both cover and feeding opportunities. Redfish can tolerate a wide range of salinities, allowing them to move between nearly fresh water estuaries and full saltwater environments.
Redfish Size and Weight
Adult redfish typically measure between 30 and 61 inches in length and can weigh anywhere from 10 to 45 pounds. In the inshore waters of Florida's Gulf Coast, most catches average between 3-8 pounds, though larger "bull reds" exceeding 20 pounds are occasionally caught, especially during fall spawning runs.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic predators that feed primarily on crustaceans, including shrimp and crabs, as well as small baitfish such as mullet and pinfish. They often reveal their presence by "tailing"—raising their tails above the water's surface while feeding head-down in shallow water. This behavior is most common during early morning or evening hours when the water is calm.
Redfish Spawning Season
Redfish typically spawn from August through November in Florida waters, with peak activity occurring in September and October. During this time, larger breeding adults gather in coastal passes and near inlets, forming schools that can contain hundreds of fish. These spawning aggregations often provide some of the most exciting fishing of the year.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
For successful redfish fishing around Weeki Wachee, consider these proven methods: Live bait fishing with pinfish, finger mullet, or shrimp works exceptionally well when fished near oyster bars or mangrove edges. Artificial lures like gold spoons, soft plastic jerkbaits, and weedless spoons are also highly effective when worked slowly along grass edges. In June, anglers around Weeki Wachee find redfish concentrated near deeper potholes in the flats during the heat of the day, moving to shallow water to feed during cooler morning and evening periods.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish is considered excellent table fare, offering white, flaky meat with a mild, sweet flavor that's not overly "fishy." It's versatile in preparation—blackened redfish became famous through Cajun cuisine, but it's equally delicious grilled, baked, or broiled. The meat is low in fat, high in protein, and provides beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. Most anglers prefer to harvest "slot-sized" fish (within legal harvest limits) as they tend to have the best flavor profile.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish in Weeki Wachee?
A: Live pinfish, cut mullet, and fresh shrimp are top natural baits in this area. For artificial lures, gold spoons, soft plastic jerkbaits in white or new penny colors, and shallow-running plugs are consistently productive.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Weeki Wachee?
A: Look for redfish around oyster bars, creek mouths, mangrove shorelines, and grass flats with potholes. The areas around Bayport and Hernando Beach hold good populations of redfish year-round.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish is considered excellent eating. The meat is white, flaky and mild-flavored. It's versatile for cooking methods including blackening, grilling, baking or frying.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish?
A: The most productive times are usually early morning and late afternoon, particularly during moving tides. Seasonally, spring and fall offer excellent fishing, but redfish can be caught year-round in Florida waters.
Q: What tackle should I use for redfish?
A: Medium-light to medium spinning tackle with 15-20 lb test braided line works well. A 7-foot rod provides good casting distance while maintaining enough backbone to handle larger fish.
Q: Are redfish and red snapper the same fish?
A: No, they're entirely different species. Redfish (Red Drum) are inshore game fish with a spot on their tail, while Red Snapper are offshore reef fish with distinctive red coloration and large eyes.
