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Weeki Wachee Trophy Redfish with Tim Stout
Redfish Fishing 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 fights and distinctive copper coloration. These powerful fish typically measure between 30-61 inches and weigh 10-45 pounds when fully grown. They're easily identified by the black spot near their tail. - Redfish thrive in shallow coastal waters, especially around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines. - They're opportunistic feeders, consuming crustaceans, small fish, and marine invertebrates. - In Weeki Wachee waters, they can be found year-round but are particularly active during summer and fall months.
Fishing Guide by Guide Tim Stout in August
Meet your Guide Tim Stout
- Seize the Bay with the best Fishing Charter!
Summary
Sunday July on the water with Seize The Bay Fishing Charters delivered exactly what Weeki Wachee inshore fishing is famous for—trophy Redfish action. Launching from Bayport Park Boat Ramp, we spent 6 hours targeting the flats and backwaters where these copper-colored fighters patrol. The morning conditions were perfect for sight fishing, with clear water and light winds letting us spot those telltale tails in the shallows. We mixed techniques between live bait fishing and some exhilarating topwater action, resulting in solid catches including that monster 103-inch Redfish that made the day unforgettable. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to tangle with these powerful fish or a family wanting to experience what makes Florida inshore fishing so special, our guided trips provide everything you need for a productive day on the water.
Fishing Charter with Tim Stout – Rates & Booking
Guide Tim Stout of Seize The Bay Fishing Charters offers Sunday July trips targeting the prime inshore waters around Weeki Wachee. Our 6-hour guided fishing trips include all the necessary tackle, live bait, fishing licenses, and ice for your catch. We provide everything needed for a successful day on the water, allowing you to focus entirely on the fishing experience. The charter accommodates up to 2 guests, making it perfect for solo anglers, couples, or small groups wanting personalized attention. Departing from Bayport Park Boat Ramp, we'll put you on prime fishing spots throughout the Bayport area where Redfish, Cobia, Snook, and Sharks are frequently found.
Highlights of 6-Hour Guided Trip in Weeki Wachee – Target Cobia, Snook & Sharks
Our inshore fishing charters focus on the most productive fishing grounds in the Weeki Wachee area. Using a variety of techniques including live bait fishing, sight fishing, and topwater action, we consistently put clients on quality fish. Summer fishing in this region is particularly exciting, with Redfish, Gar, and Spanish Mackerel providing non-stop action. We know where the fish are holding and how to entice them to bite, regardless of conditions.
The highlight for many anglers is targeting the powerful Redfish that patrol these waters. These copper-colored bruisers put up an incredible fight, especially when hooked in shallow water. We also encounter other exciting species like Longnose Gar, Spotted Gar, and Spanish Mackerel, ensuring a diverse fishing experience. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to fishing, our 6-hour trips offer plenty of time to learn techniques and land impressive catches.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus) thrive in the diverse inshore waters around Weeki Wachee. These powerful fish prefer shallow flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines where they feed on crustaceans, baitfish, and small marine life. During summer months, they can be found tailing on shallow grass flats during high tides and retreating to deeper channels and potholes when the water recedes.
The most productive techniques for Redfish include casting live bait (particularly pinfish and shrimp) near structure, working soft plastic lures along drop-offs, and sight fishing with weedless presentations when conditions allow. Early mornings and late afternoons typically provide the best bite, especially around moving tides when these fish actively feed. Their distinctive copper color and black tail spot make them easily identifiable when spotted in clear water, creating exciting visual fishing opportunities.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
For your day on the water, we recommend bringing sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), weather-appropriate clothing, food and drinks (coolers provided), and a camera to document your catches. Our boat is fully equipped with quality rods, reels, and tackle suited specifically for the species we target. We provide live bait when conditions warrant, though artificial lures often produce the most exciting strikes.
Trips typically begin early morning (around 7:00 AM) to take advantage of prime feeding periods, though we can adjust start times based on tides and weather conditions. We focus on comfort and safety while maximizing your fishing opportunities, moving between productive spots throughout the day. Bathroom breaks can be arranged when needed, and we're happy to accommodate special requests with advance notice.
Fishing in Homosassa: Redfish
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), belonging to the Sciaenidae family and Perciformes order, is one of Florida's most iconic inshore game fish. Distinguished by its copper-bronze coloration and characteristic black spot near the tail base, this species is highly sought after by anglers visiting the Weeki Wachee area. In July waters, these powerful fighters provide some of the most exciting action available to inshore anglers.
Redfish Overview
Commonly known as Red Drum, these fish are prized for their strong fighting ability and excellent table fare. They're a cornerstone species for inshore fisheries throughout the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coasts, with Florida waters hosting healthy populations that draw anglers from across the country.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
These adaptable fish thrive in diverse coastal environments including shallow bays, estuaries, tidal creeks, oyster bars, and seagrass flats. Around Weeki Wachee, they're frequently found in water ranging from 1-4 feet deep, particularly around mangrove shorelines, oyster bars, and grass flats with potholes. Juvenile Redfish prefer protected backwaters while larger adults may venture into nearshore waters.
Redfish Size and Weight
In Florida waters, Redfish typically measure between 30-61 inches in length and weigh anywhere from 10-45 pounds. The average catch in the Weeki Wachee area tends to be in the 24-32 inch range, though trophy specimens exceeding 40 inches are encountered periodically, especially during certain seasonal runs.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
These opportunistic feeders primarily consume crustaceans (crabs and shrimp), small baitfish, and marine invertebrates. They often feed by rooting through bottom sediment or cruising flats with their backs and tails exposed (known as "tailing"). They're most active during moving tides when prey is more vulnerable, particularly during early morning and late evening hours.
Redfish Spawning Season
In Florida waters, Redfish typically spawn from August through November in nearshore waters and passes. During this period, they form large schools and can be found in greater concentrations around inlets and deeper channels. Water temperature plays a crucial role in triggering spawning activity, with 70-75°F being optimal for reproduction.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Several approaches prove effective when targeting Redfish in Weeki Wachee waters. Live bait fishing with pinfish, shrimp, or cut mullet produces consistent results, especially when fished on the bottom near structure. Artificial lures including gold spoons, soft plastic jerkbaits, and weedless swimbaits work well when sight casting to cruising or tailing fish. In July, anglers around Weeki Wachee find success working topwater plugs during early morning hours when Redfish are actively feeding on shallow flats.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish is highly regarded for its mild, sweet flavor and firm, white flesh that lends itself to various cooking methods. It's particularly delicious when prepared blackened, grilled, or baked. The meat is relatively low in fat but rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Smaller specimens (under 27 inches) generally offer the best eating quality, while larger fish may have slightly coarser meat.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Redfish in Weeki Wachee?
A: Live shrimp, pinfish, and cut mullet are top natural baits for Redfish in this area. For artificial lures, gold spoons, scented soft plastics, and shallow-running plugs consistently produce strikes.
Q: Where can I find Redfish near Weeki Wachee?
A: Focus on shallow grass flats (especially those with potholes), oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and creek mouths. During summer months, early mornings on flood tides often find Redfish tailing in extremely shallow water.
Q: Is Redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, Redfish is excellent table fare with mild, sweet white meat that works well with numerous cooking methods. Smaller specimens (slot size) generally provide the best eating quality.
Q: When is the best time to catch Redfish in Florida?
A: Redfish can be caught year-round in Florida, but fall (September-November) typically offers the most consistent action as they gather in larger schools for spawning. In summer months like July, early mornings and evenings provide the best opportunities.
Q: What tackle should I use for Redfish?
A: Medium spinning tackle with 15-20 lb test line is ideal for most Redfish situations. A 7-foot medium-action rod paired with a 3000-4000 series reel provides the perfect balance of casting distance and fighting power.
Q: Are there size regulations for Redfish in Florida?
A: Yes, Florida maintains a slot limit for Redfish. Always check current regulations before your trip as limits can change, but typically anglers can keep fish between 18-27 inches, with specific daily bag limits that vary by region.
