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Caught a nice redfish Inshore in Weeki Wachee
Redfish Inshore in Weeki Wachee
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The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus) is one of Florida's most popular inshore gamefish, prized by anglers for both its fighting ability and table fare. This distinctive fish features a copper-bronze back that fades to white on the belly, with one or more characteristic black spots on the tail. Redfish inhabit the shallow coastal waters of Weeki Wachee, particularly around oyster beds, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines. - Redfish typically measure between 30-61 inches and weigh 10-45 pounds when fully mature. - They feed primarily on crustaceans, small fish, and mollusks found in shallow water. - The species is known for its strong runs when hooked, making it a favorite target for light tackle enthusiasts.
Fishing Guide by Guide Tim Stout in December
Meet your Guide Tim Stout
- Seize the Bay with the best Fishing Charter!
Summary
Join a morning inshore fishing charter in Weeki Wachee, FL with Seize The Bay Fishing Charters. Tuesday August is prime time for targeting redfish in the flats around Bayport Park. Captain Tim Stout provides expert guidance, all necessary tackle, and local knowledge to put you on the fish. This 4-hour trip is perfect for anglers looking to experience the thrill of hooking into quality redfish while exploring the beautiful Nature Coast waters. Whether you're sight casting on the flats or working live bait in productive spots, this guided fishing experience offers the perfect mix of action and instruction. The morning departure maximizes your chances with the best fishing conditions before afternoon storms roll in.
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 targeting cobia, snook, sharks and redfish. This inshore fishing trip provides a perfect opportunity to experience Weeki Wachee's productive waters. The charter includes all necessary fishing equipment, live bait, and expert guidance to help you land quality fish. The trip accommodates up to 2 guests, making it ideal for solo anglers or pairs looking for personalized attention from an experienced local guide.
Launching from Bayport Park Boat Ramp at sunrise, this morning charter takes advantage of optimal fishing conditions when fish are most active. Captain Tim's local knowledge ensures you'll visit the most productive spots based on tide, weather, and seasonal patterns. His expertise particularly shines when targeting redfish - a local favorite that provides excellent sport on light tackle.
Highlights of Morning Inshore Fishing Charter Homosassa Redfish & Black Drum
This action-packed morning charter offers the perfect blend of fishing variety and focused technique. During the 4-hour trip, you'll experience multiple fishing approaches including live bait fishing, sight casting, and exploring productive flats. The shallow waters around Weeki Wachee provide ideal habitat for redfish, which are known for their strong fights and distinctive copper color with signature tail spots.
Your guide Tim Stout brings extensive local knowledge of Homosassa and Weeki Wachee waters, helping you target not just redfish but potentially cobia, snook, and sharks depending on seasonal patterns. The morning departure timing maximizes your chances, letting you experience the pristine waters as the summer sun rises before potential afternoon storms develop. All gear is provided for a hassle-free experience so you can focus entirely on the fishing action.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish thrive in Weeki Wachee's shallow flats and backcountry areas, making this location perfect for targeting them. These copper-colored gamefish with their distinctive tail spot prefer waters 1-4 feet deep and are often found near oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and grass flats during summer months. When targeting redfish in Weeki Wachee, sight fishing during clear conditions offers an exciting visual experience as you spot their coppery bodies or tailing behavior in shallow water.
Live bait like pinfish, shrimp or cut mullet works exceptionally well, though artificials like gold spoons, soft plastics, and weedless jigs also produce consistent results. Summer fishing particularly shines as redfish pattern predictably around structure during morning hours before seeking deeper water as temperatures rise. The 27-inch redfish caught on this trip demonstrates the quality of fish available in these waters - a solid specimen offering both great sport and excellent table fare if harvested within regulation limits.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
For your 4-hour morning charter, plan to arrive at Bayport Park Boat Ramp about 15-20 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Wear comfortable clothing suitable for the weather, polarized sunglasses, and sun protection (hat, sunscreen, light long sleeves recommended). While all fishing gear, tackle and bait are provided, you're welcome to bring your favorite rod if preferred.
The boat comfortably accommodates up to 2 guests and provides storage for small personal items. Consider bringing water, snacks, a camera, and any personal medications you might need. Morning charters typically run from around sunrise until mid-morning, allowing you to experience prime fishing time while avoiding the afternoon heat and potential storms common in summer months. Captain Tim maintains all required safety equipment and licensing so you can focus entirely on the fishing experience.
Fishing in Homosassa: Redfish
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, belongs to the Sciaenidae family within the order Perciformes. This popular gamefish is instantly recognizable by its copper-bronze coloration and distinctive black spot(s) near the tail. In Weeki Wachee waters this August, anglers target these hard-fighting fish as they patrol the shallow flats in search of crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are one of Florida's premier inshore gamefish, known for their strong fights and excellent table fare. They're highly adaptable predators that can thrive in varying salinities from nearly fresh water to full-strength ocean water, making them accessible to anglers fishing various coastal environments.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
These fish primarily inhabit shallow coastal waters, preferring areas with oyster bars, grass flats, mangrove shorelines, and marsh edges. In Weeki Wachee and surrounding areas, redfish can be found in water depths ranging from 1-4 feet, especially during morning hours when they actively feed in the shallows before seeking deeper water as temperatures rise.
Redfish Size and Weight
Mature redfish typically measure between 30 and 61 inches in length and weigh between 10 and 45 pounds. The 27-inch redfish caught on this trip represents a quality fish for inshore waters. Trophy-sized "bull reds" exceeding 40 inches are occasionally caught in deeper nearshore waters, particularly during spawning season.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
These opportunistic feeders primarily consume crustaceans (crabs and shrimp), small baitfish, and mollusks. They often reveal their location by "tailing" - raising their tails above the water surface while feeding on bottom-dwelling organisms in shallow water. Redfish are most active during morning and evening hours, making early departures ideal for targeting them.
Redfish Spawning Season
Redfish typically spawn from late summer through fall in Florida waters, with peak activity usually occurring from August through October. During this period, larger breeding fish often gather in coastal passes and deeper nearshore waters. The summer months around Weeki Wachee provide excellent opportunities to target both resident fish in the shallows and potentially larger specimens as they begin moving toward spawning areas.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
For shallow water sight fishing, a gold spoon, soft plastic shrimp imitation, or weedless jerkbait worked slowly across grass flats produces great results. Live bait fishing with pinfish, shrimp, or cut mullet near structure is highly effective, particularly during summer months. In August around Weeki Wachee, focus on fishing moving tides around oyster bars and grass flat edges during early morning when water temperatures are cooler and fish are most active.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offers excellent table fare with firm, white, mild-flavored meat that adapts well to various cooking methods. It's particularly delicious when prepared blackened, grilled, or baked. The meat is high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids while remaining relatively low in mercury compared to many other saltwater species. Be sure to check current size and bag limits as regulations protect this valuable sportfish.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish in Weeki Wachee?
A: Live shrimp, pinfish, finger mullet, and cut mullet chunks are all excellent natural bait choices. For artificial lures, gold spoons, soft plastic shrimp imitations, and weedless jerkbaits in natural colors work consistently well.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Weeki Wachee?
A: Focus on shallow grass flats, particularly those adjacent to deeper water, oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and creek mouths. The areas around Bayport Park offer excellent redfish habitat, especially during moving 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. It's versatile and can be prepared numerous ways, with blackening, grilling and baking being particularly popular methods.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish in Weeki Wachee?
A: Early morning hours, particularly on a moving tide, provide the best opportunity. Summer through fall offers consistent action, with August being an excellent month as fish begin transitioning toward their fall patterns and feeding actively.
Q: What tackle should I use for redfish?
A: Medium-light to medium spinning tackle with 10-20 lb braided line and a 20-30 lb fluorocarbon leader works well for most inshore redfish situations. A 7-foot rod provides good casting distance while maintaining sensitivity for detecting subtle strikes.
