%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F1745%2Fimages%2Fimageedit_7_2053500424.png&w=1200&q=100)
Trophy Redfish Weeki Wachee Inshore Success
Redfish Inshore in Weeki Wachee
5.0
18 Reviews
- 5
100% - 4
0% - 30%
- 20%
- 10%
%2F%2Fusers%2F16e4cbbf-2b3b-40f1-9b99-f61d554c6393%2Fimages%2Fbest-fishing-weeki-wachee-fl-5675.png&w=1200&q=75)
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus) is one of Florida's most prized inshore gamefish, known for its copper-bronze coloration and distinctive black spot on the tail. These powerful fighters can reach lengths of 30-61 inches and weights of 10-45 pounds, though most caught inshore are in the 18-27 inch range. - Redfish thrive in shallow flats, oyster bars, and backcountry areas of Weeki Wachee. - Their tail spot is thought to confuse predators by mimicking an eye. - Redfish are known for their strong initial runs when hooked, testing both tackle and angler skill.
Fishing Guide by Guide Tim Stout in December
Meet your Guide Tim Stout
- Seize the Bay with the best Fishing Charter!
Summary
Join Tim Stout of Seize The Bay Fishing Charters for a productive Tuesday August morning on the pristine waters of Weeki Wachee, FL. This 4-hour AM inshore fishing adventure provides everything you need to target the area's famous redfish. Launching from Bayport Park Boat Ramp as the summer sun rises, you'll experience a mix of fishing techniques including live bait fishing and sight casting on the flats. Whether you're a beginner or experienced angler, this Weeki Wachee fishing charter offers the perfect opportunity to hook into quality gamefish with personalized guidance from a local expert who knows exactly where the fish are biting.
Fishing Charter with Tim Stout – Rates & Booking
Guide Tim Stout of Seize The Bay Fishing Charters on Tuesday August offers a 4-Hour AM Adventure perfect for anglers looking to experience the best inshore fishing Weeki Wachee has to offer. This morning charter accommodates up to 2 guests, making it ideal for solo anglers, pairs, or small groups wanting personalized attention. All fishing tackle, live bait, and licenses are provided—just bring your enthusiasm and maybe a camera to capture your catch. This trip launches from Bayport Park Boat Ramp, where the water conditions are often prime for targeting redfish, cobia, snook, and sharks.
Highlights of Morning Inshore Fishing Charter Homosassa Redfish & Black Drum
This action-packed morning trip focuses on quality fishing experiences rather than just numbers. On a recent charter, a client battled and landed a beautiful 27-inch redfish—exactly the kind of memory-making catch you might experience. Tim employs various productive techniques throughout the trip, including live bait fishing, sight casting, and exploring different flats areas to maximize your chances of success.
The 4-hour format is perfectly timed to take advantage of the best morning bite while avoiding the potential afternoon storms common during Florida summers. Whether you're after the powerful pull of redfish or hoping to hook into other inshore species like snook or sharks, this charter delivers a focused, hands-on fishing experience with expert guidance every step of the way.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish are the signature inshore species of Florida's Nature Coast and a prime target in Weeki Wachee waters. These copper-colored bruisers with distinctive tail spots can be found year-round cruising the shallow flats and oyster bars of Bayport and surrounding areas. Summer months offer excellent opportunities for sight fishing as redfish push into shallow waters during high tides to feed.
The techniques Tim employs—from live bait presentations to sight casting on the flats—are specifically tailored to the seasonal patterns of these fish. Redfish put up a memorable fight, making strong initial runs that test your gear and skill. The 27-inch specimen landed on a recent trip demonstrates the quality of redfish available in these waters, providing both an exciting battle and a potential photo opportunity before a careful release.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your 4-hour morning adventure begins early at Bayport Park Boat Ramp, taking advantage of the cooler morning temperatures and active feeding periods. The charter boat is well-equipped with quality fishing tackle, live bait, and safety equipment. Comfortable seating and shade options ensure you can focus on fishing rather than comfort concerns.
While summer conditions can bring pop-up storms in the afternoon, morning trips typically enjoy clear skies and ideal water conditions. It's recommended to bring sun protection, a camera, and any personal snacks or drinks you might want. The shallow-water capability of the boat allows access to prime redfish habitat that larger vessels simply can't reach, giving you a fishing advantage throughout your trip.
Fishing in Homosassa: Redfish
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), belonging to the Sciaenidae family and order Perciformes, is one of the most sought-after gamefish along Florida's Nature Coast. Distinguished by its copper-bronze coloration and characteristic black spot near the tail, this species creates memorable battles for anglers visiting Weeki Wachee waters, especially during summer months when they're actively feeding on the flats.
Redfish Overview
Redfish, also called Red Drum, are renowned among anglers for their fighting ability and table quality. These fish are highly adaptable predators that thrive in diverse inshore environments, from shallow grass flats to deeper channels. Their popularity stems from both their sporting qualities and their accessibility to shore-based and boat anglers alike.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
These versatile fish inhabit coastal waters from Massachusetts to Mexico, but are particularly abundant along Florida's Gulf Coast. In Weeki Wachee specifically, redfish favor shallow flats, oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and seagrass beds. During summer, they often push into extremely shallow water during high tides to feed, making them ideal targets for sight fishing.
Redfish Size and Weight
Adult redfish typically measure between 30 and 61 inches in length and weigh between 10 and 45 pounds. In the Weeki Wachee area, most inshore catches range from 18-30 inches (known as "slot-sized" fish), though larger "bull reds" can be encountered, especially around passes and deeper structure.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders, primarily consuming crustaceans, small fish, and mollusks. They often feed by tilting their bodies downward (tailing) to root through bottom sediment for prey. This behavior creates visible signs that experienced anglers look for when sight fishing. Redfish tend to be most active during morning and evening hours, though they will feed throughout the day when conditions are favorable.
Redfish Spawning Season
Spawning typically occurs from August through October in nearshore waters, when mature fish form large schools. During this period, redfish often move from inshore habitats toward coastal passes and beaches. Even during spawning season, many juvenile and sub-adult redfish remain in the inshore waters of Weeki Wachee, providing year-round fishing opportunities.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
The most productive methods for targeting Weeki Wachee redfish include sight casting with light tackle on the flats, fishing live bait around structure, and working soft plastic lures along mangrove shorelines. In August, anglers around Weeki Wachee find success using live pinfish, finger mullet, or shrimp around oyster bars during the incoming tide. Gold spoons, white bucktail jigs, and weedless soft plastics in natural colors are also highly effective artificial options.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish is excellent table fare, prized for its mild, sweet flavor and medium-firm white flesh. The meat has a unique flaky texture that holds up well to various cooking methods, with blackening and grilling being particularly popular preparations. Redfish is also nutritious, providing a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and various vitamins and minerals with relatively low mercury content compared to some other sport fish.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish in Weeki Wachee?
A: Live shrimp, pinfish, finger mullet, and cut mullet are all excellent natural baits for redfish in Weeki Wachee waters. For artificial lures, gold spoons, white bucktail jigs, and soft plastics in natural colors like gold, brown, or white consistently produce results.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Weeki Wachee?
A: Redfish in the Weeki Wachee area are commonly found around oyster bars, grass flats in 1-4 feet of water, mangrove shorelines, and creek mouths. During summer months, they often push up onto extremely shallow flats during high tides.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish is considered excellent table fare with a mild, sweet flavor and medium-firm white flesh that works well with various cooking methods. It's particularly delicious when blackened, grilled, or baked.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish in Weeki Wachee?
A: While redfish can be caught year-round in Weeki Wachee, many anglers consider early morning during the summer months (June through September) and the fall transition (October and November) to be prime times. Incoming tides generally provide the best feeding activity.
Q: What size redfish can you keep in Florida?
A: Florida regulations typically allow harvest of redfish between 18-27 inches total length, with a daily bag limit of one or two fish per angler (depending on region). Always check current Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regulations before harvesting any fish.
Q: Do redfish put up a good fight?
A: Absolutely! Redfish are known for their strong initial runs when hooked and their dogged fighting ability. Even medium-sized redfish will put your tackle and angling skills to the test, making them one of Florida's most sporting inshore species.
