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Caught a trophy redfish in Weeki Wachee
Redfish Fishing in Weeki Wachee
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The Sciaenops Ocellatus belongs to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. These impressive gamefish typically measure between 30 and 61 inches in length, with a weight range from 10 to 45 lbs. - Found in habitats including onshore waters, flats, backcountry, and nearshore areas. - Distinguished by their copper-red coloration and black spot near the tail.
Fishing Guide by Guide Tim Stout in August
Meet your Guide Tim Stout
- Seize the Bay with the best Fishing Charter!
Summary
Friday July brought Dylan and me out on the water for an exciting Half Day Trip with Seize The Bay Fishing Charters in Weeki Wachee. We set out early morning under partly cloudy skies, perfect conditions for sight fishing on the flats. The redfish were active, and we managed to land a nice 25-inch red using a combination of sight fishing and topwater techniques. Summer is prime time for redfish action in these waters, with the partly cloudy conditions actually playing in our favor by reducing glare and making it easier to spot fish. If you're looking to experience the thrill of catching these hard-fighting reds in the beautiful inshore waters around Weeki Wachee and Spring Hill, now's the time to book your trip.
Fishing Charter with Tim Stout – Rates & Booking
Guide Tim Stout of Seize The Bay Fishing Charters on Friday July offers Half Day Trips focusing on redfish and other inshore species. As a licensed guide with extensive local knowledge of Weeki Wachee waters, Tim provides all the gear you'll need for a productive day on the water. Morning trips (AM) are particularly productive during summer months, when redfish are most active on the flats. Our charter accommodates small groups, making it perfect for families or friends looking to experience the thrill of sight fishing for redfish. Booking is simple - just select your preferred date and time, and we'll handle the rest.
Highlights of this Fishing Charter
This Half Day Trip (AM) in Weeki Wachee offers excellent opportunities for sight fishing, which adds an exciting visual element to your fishing experience. You'll get to see the redfish before casting, making each catch more rewarding. The flats around Spring Hill are teeming with redfish during summer months, and our local knowledge ensures you'll be in the right spots.
We specialize in multiple fishing techniques including sight fishing, live bait, and topwater action. This versatility allows us to adapt to changing conditions and fish preferences, maximizing your chances for success. The 25-inch redfish we landed is typical of the quality fish available in these waters - hard-fighting and providing an excellent angling challenge for both experienced fishermen and newcomers alike.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish in the Weeki Wachee area thrive in shallow flats ranging from 1-4 feet deep. During summer months, they're particularly active during morning hours when water temperatures are cooler. These bronze-colored gamefish with their distinctive tail spots put up an impressive fight, making them a favorite target for inshore anglers.
When targeting redfish in these waters, sight fishing is particularly effective - scanning the flats for their copper-colored bodies or spotting their tails as they feed in shallow water. Topwater lures work exceptionally well during summer mornings, creating explosive strikes that get your heart racing. Live bait such as pinfish or shrimp is also highly effective, especially when the fish are being selective. The partly cloudy conditions we experienced actually enhanced visibility on the water, making it easier to spot these prized gamefish.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Our Half Day Trips typically start early morning to take advantage of the best fishing conditions. We provide all necessary fishing equipment including quality rods, reels, and tackle suited for inshore fishing. You'll want to bring sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather, and a camera to document your catch. Our boat is well-equipped for flats fishing, with a shallow draft that allows us to access productive areas where larger vessels can't go. Light snacks and water are provided, but feel free to bring additional refreshments if desired. We practice catch-and-release for most species, ensuring the sustainability of our local fishery, but can clean and package keeper fish if regulations allow.
Fishing in Homosassa: Redfish
Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, are among the most sought-after gamefish in Florida waters. These members of the Sciaenidae family within the order Perciformes are easily identified by their distinctive copper-bronze coloration and characteristic black spot near the tail base. In Weeki Wachee waters this July, redfish provide exciting action for anglers looking to test their skills against one of inshore fishing's most prized opponents.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are robust, powerful gamefish that thrive in shallow coastal environments. Anglers prize them for their strong fights, accessibility from shore or small boats, and their willingness to take a variety of baits and lures. Their popularity has made them a cornerstone species for inshore fishing guides throughout Florida and the Gulf Coast.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
Redfish inhabit various coastal environments including flats, mangrove shorelines, oyster bars, and seagrass beds. They range from Massachusetts to Mexico, with the Gulf Coast of Florida including Weeki Wachee offering prime habitat. Juveniles typically prefer the protection of estuaries and backwater areas, while larger adults may venture into nearshore waters, especially during spawning season.
Redfish Size and Weight
These impressive fish typically range from 30 to 61 inches in length and can weigh anywhere from 10 to 45 pounds. Trophy specimens exceeding 40 inches are often called "bull reds" and are particularly sought after by anglers looking for a challenging fight. The average catch in the Weeki Wachee area tends to be in the 20-30 inch range, providing excellent sport on light tackle.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders, primarily consuming crustaceans, small fish, and mollusks. They often feed by tilting downward, with their tails occasionally breaking the water surface (known as "tailing") – a sight that gets any angler's heart racing. They tend to be most active during morning and evening hours, especially around moving tides when baitfish and crustaceans are more vulnerable.
Redfish Spawning Season
Spawning typically occurs in late summer and fall when mature fish gather in coastal waters. During this period, large schools of breeding redfish can be found in deeper channels and passes, often creating a distinctive drumming sound that gives them their alternative name of Red Drum. After spawning, the fertilized eggs drift with currents until they hatch in shallower nursery areas.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Several techniques prove effective for redfish in the Weeki Wachee area. Sight fishing the flats with gold spoons, weedless soft plastics, or shrimp imitations works well during clear conditions. When visibility is limited, scented soft plastics like Gulp! baits fished slowly along bottom structure can trigger strikes. In July, anglers around Weeki Wachee find topwater lures particularly effective during early morning hours when redfish are actively feeding in shallow water. Live bait options like pinfish, pilchards, or fresh cut mullet are consistently productive when worked around mangrove shorelines and oyster bars.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offer excellent table fare with a mild, sweet flavor and medium-firm white flesh. They're best prepared blackened, grilled, or baked, and their meat holds up well to bold seasonings. Nutritionally, redfish is high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids while remaining relatively low in mercury compared to other larger gamefish. Many anglers practice catch-and-release with larger specimens, as these are typically breeding females that help sustain the population.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish?
A: Live or fresh cut pinfish, pilchards, mullet, and shrimp are top natural baits. Artificial lures like gold spoons, soft plastic shrimp imitations, and weedless jerkbaits are also highly effective in the Weeki Wachee area.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Weeki Wachee?
A: Focus on shallow flats with mixed bottom (sand and grass), mangrove shorelines, oyster bars, and creek mouths. During summer months, early morning fishing on the flats offers the best opportunities before fish move to deeper water as temperatures rise.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish has a mild, sweet flavor with medium-firm white meat that works well with various cooking methods. Smaller "slot-sized" fish (within legal harvest limits) generally offer the best eating quality.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish?
A: In the Weeki Wachee area, redfish can be caught year-round, but summer through fall offers peak action. Early morning and evening hours, especially during moving tides, typically produce the best results.
Q: What tackle should I use for redfish?
A: Medium-light to medium spinning tackle with 10-20 lb test line works well. A 7' rod offers good casting distance for flats fishing, while 3000-4000 size reels provide adequate drag for fighting these powerful fish.
Q: What's the daily bag limit for redfish in Florida?
A: Florida regulations for redfish are subject to change and vary by region. Always check current FWC regulations before your trip, as Weeki Wachee falls within specific regional management zones with their own slot limits and bag restrictions.
