Big Redfish

First Keeper Snook!

2008-03-04T21:15:00.000-08:00

Me and my buddy were suppose to go out and try and get some snook but when he ditched I brought the girlfriend along. We got a couple of hits but missed most until she hooked one (thank god for circle hooks) that she couldnt wind. Ended up being a great night with a fat 32 incher!

Looking for Sheepshead

2008-02-18T11:25:00.000-08:00

We went out the other day try in hopes of finding sheepshead along some of our local docks. But instead we found Some really nice Drums

This is a picture of Dayne holding his first big Red.

Day in the new boat!

2008-02-15T15:55:00.001-08:00

First real good fishing trip in the new boat. Went a little off shore and hooked up on a few undersize groupers and ran into a nice school of Mackrel.

Redfish Tackle

2008-01-26T15:22:00.000-08:00

Redfish are one of the best light to medium tackle saltwater gamefish in the South Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico, attracts millions of fishermen of all persuasions. The fish, also known as channel bass or red drum, can be taken on heavy bait rigs in the pounding surf, on jigs and other lures in channels and inlets, and on flies in the grassy flats. They grow to tremendous proportions-the world record, taken in North Carolina in 1984, weighed 94 pounds 2 ounces-but a 5-pound redfish on an 8-weight fly rod or a 12-pound-test spinning outfit will put up a dogged, determined fight that you won't always win.
Luckily, anglers can still take advantage of this fine fishery. This wasn't always the case; in fact, redfish were once in trouble-big trouble.
The Redfish BattleThe Gulf of Mexico red drum fishery nearly collapsed-twice in the past quarter century-because of brazen, unapologetic commercial overharvest. Reds demonstrated remarkable resilience to that adversity, however, and responded positively to conservationists' efforts on their behalf.
About 20 years ago, almost two dozen Texans met in a Houston tackle shop to discuss commercial abuses in local waters and map out a solution. Veteran Field & Stream contributing editor Bob Brister, an avid sport fisherman as well as a shotgunning expert, was at that meeting. (Brister's September 1981 story in Field & Stream, "Winning the War on Netters," was among the first to shed national light on the dangers to redfish.) He was there, too, four years later, when the fledgling Gulf Coast Conservation Association (now the Coastal Conservation Association, or CCA; 713-626-4222) broke word that a GCCA-backed bill to grant gamefish status to reds had been signed into state law. Gill nets and other devastating gear types would no longer be allowed for redfish harvest.
Conservationists helped redfish again in the early 1980s, when a recipe for seared or "blackened" redfish by New Orleans chef Paul Prudhomme became popular in thousands of restaurants, creating a huge demand for spawning-class reds. It was only when spotter planes and purse seines had nearly wiped out critical brood stocks, fish as old as 30 years, that federal managers listened to conservationists' pleas and enacted rules to shut down that relentless haul.
Strict recreational limits and severely restricted commercial harvest have helped the redfish recover. The creation of hatcheries-built with help and generous financial support from CCA-to supplement natural production also aided the cause. In Texas, two such facilities produce 30 million-plus redfish fingerlings and many times more fry every year for release in state water. Many are lost to predators. Some, within a few short years, are caught by sportsmen. A few reach full maturity and find their way eventually into the open Gulf, where they become integral parts of this ongoing success story.
Following are updates on the major redfish fisheries in the U.S.
TexasThe 10-gallon brag along Texas' 700-plus miles of coastline is that you "can't throw a rock without hitting a redfish." Bold talk. Make that rock a live shrimp, however, and you might have a chance-fishing has been that good.
While all of the state's major bay systems, inlets, and Gulf beaches can be highly productive, Texas boasts three classic shallow-water venues. From north to south (and with due respect for "fishy" water around every other launch ramp from the Sabine River to the Rio Grande), they are Port O'Connor, Rockport, and Port Mansfield.
Look hard enough, and you can find deep holes and channels at any of these three ports, but the majority of fishing for reds at each takes place over traditional, grassy flats or along protected shorelines where scattered oyster shell interrupts expanses of pale-sand bottom. Wading, drifting, and poling are equally effective, although locals have developed a strong preference for getting out of the boat and stalking these hard-fighting fish on foot.
Overall, redfish action usually is better in the morning hours, before wind whips up a chop and clutters the surface with lure-snagging strands of grass.
Soft plastics and gold spoons are the foundation on which every redfish tackle box is built. Any color plastic might draw fire, but a half dozen each of strawberry/white and pearl/chartreuse tails-with an appropriate stash of 1Ú4- and 1Ú8-ounce jigheads-will suffice often as not.
Alongside the spoons and jigs in most boxes now rest as many floating plugs, such as the Top Dog, Super Spook, Ghost, Chug Bug, and Spittin' Image. Surface lures didn't see much redfish duty in the past; anglers had no patience for or confidence in aiming high-riding lures at bottom-feeding fish. True to their body styling, big reds lack the predatory surface accuracy of a snook or speckled trout. However, redfish will knock a topwater lure several feet into the air-which often triggers an even more violent hit when the lure splashes back down.
This topwater-lure craze led to flyfishing, and all three ports offer tremendous potential for the long rod. Pack a box with small poppers, Clousers, and an assortment of imitation shrimp in several colors.
Sight-casting to reds is about as good as inshore fishing gets in Texas. Kneel low, and you can spot the upturned tails of fish rooting through the grass for tiny crustaceans and baitfish. Stand tall on a casting platform, and you can pick out the torpedo shapes of reds idling on the edges of sand holes in the grass beds.
Whether you can see them or not, the redfish are there. So long as you're on the water in Texas, cast with confidence.
Louisiana- Theophile Bourgeois looked his client right in the eye, and with his best guide's squint, painted a picture of the redfishing action south of Lafitte.
"Let me tell you, when the fish came up, the water just turned copper for a couple hundred yards," he said. "Nothing but backs and tails of redfish everywhere you looked."
A scene from the good old days? Yes-but the good old days are occurring right now in southeastern Louisiana. By almost any measure the resource in Louisiana has approached historical highs. Ground zero for the redfish explosion has been the southeastern coast including the Barataria-Terrebonne estuary west of the Mississippi River, and the Lake Borgne-St. Bernard parish marshes on the east side of the river. The area represents a vast wetlands complex of shallow interior lakes, lagoons, bays, and bayous. On high tide, juvenile reds-from the 16-inch minimum to hefty 25-inchers-feed in the shallow, grass-filled ponds. On low tide, reds pour out of the ponds to chase schools of mullet in the deeper lakes, bayous, and bays. The limit is five fish per day, but most anglers have little trouble catching and releasing many more.
Fishermen pursue them with light tackle or fly rods, sight-casting topwater baits and poppers for unforgettable action on fish between 3 and 15 pounds. Grubs such as plastic "cockahoe" minnows and gold weedless spoons also work well.
Mississippi- When Mississippi anglers decide to chase redfish, they often head across Mississippi Sound for Louisiana, where the marsh is bigger and the reds more plentiful. But Bay St. Louis is often a good reason to stay home. The northern reaches of the bay hold the small but beautiful Jourdan River marshes, a classical coastal marsh system, featuring winding bayous, shallow ponds, and lagoons-the kind of habitat that attracts reds. The fall and winter months can be excellent with reds feeding along grassy shorelines of the river or the Catfish Bayou.
Bring medium or light tackle and cast gold weedless spoons, topwater baits such as the Top Dog and Jumpin Minnow, and plastic touts such as the cockahoe or sparkle beetle.
Alabama- Redfishing in Alabama can be a pretty dependable thing-as long as the wind is down, and you can get to the Dixey Bar. The long, sandy shoal off Fort Morgan Point on the eastern approach to Mobile Bay attracts a permanent army of reds, from feisty 5-pounders to tackle-busting 30-pound bulls. Most anglers simply drift with the tide over the bar, floating live croakers behind the boat. Gold spoons, cut baits, fresh shrimp, and plastic touts will also work. If the south wind kicks up, fish the Dauphine Island bridge. Just anchor off one of the bridge supports, then drop the live croaker, fresh shrimp, or minnow to the bottom-and hold on.
Florida- The only part of this state's coastline that has very few redfish is the east coast from Palm Beach to Key West. On the other hand, the wide, shallow, protected saltwater rivers and lagoons in the Cape Canaveral area-right in the shadow of NASA rockets-have the best sight fishing for red drum in the 30- to 50-pound-plus range in the world. Like the rest of the Sunshine State, the fishing is good all year except during extreme cold spells.
The best shallow-water fishing for school-size redfish also takes place around Cape Canaveral, as well as in the flats in Florida Bay and such Gulf Coast areas as Pine Island Sound west of Ft. Myers, the mouths of the Homosassa and Crystal Rivers, and the startlingly clear bays of the Panhandle west of Apalachicola.
Georgia- The lower third of Georgia's short coastline, from St. Simons to Cumberland Island, gets the best rating for both "bull" reds (to 40 pounds or more) and "puppy" drum (under 20 pounds). The biggest fish show up in the surf during fall, from mid-September through mid-November. But redfish under 20 pounds are around all year (except during extreme cold spells), mostly in the marshy creeks and inlets, and in the shallows where they can be sight-fished during warmer weather.
South Carolina- While red drum of up to 40 pounds or more can be encountered in the surf and around the coastal inlets of South Carolina, perhaps the most exciting news of all is that in the last decade more and more shallow-water populations of 5- to 15-pound reds have been "discovered" inside the marshes, where they can be sight-fished for with light spinning, baitcasting, and fly tackle-just like in Florida Bay and Texas. While this occurs along most of the coast, the most popular area seems to be around Hilton Head Island.
North Carolina- The largest red drum of all, 50 pounds and up, are most likely to be encountered in the surf along North Carolina's Outer Banks. The center of this activity is from the tip of Cape Hatteras to Ocracoke Inlet, and the peak seasons are from April through June and again from November until cold weather finally arrives. Large numbers of puppy drum are around in the surf, inlets, and sounds of the entire state from March or April until late December.

Amberjack and Barracuda...

2007-07-28T18:40:00.001-07:00

Amberjack and Yellow Tailed Snapper
Gag Grouper
Barracuda

Went out on a 23' Contender today for a good twelve hours of pure FISH! Well is was quite fish the whole time. I caught three Amberjack, a Gag Grouper, and a couple blue fish. My brother in law caught a decent size Barracuda (and still has all his fingers) and the owner of the boat caught a beautiful Yellow Tailed Snapper. Overall it was a great day of fishing, what more can you ask for!

Snook Regulations...

2007-07-20T16:29:00.000-07:00

Regulations:

Not less than 27” or more than 34”

Dec 15 - Jan 31 statewide;
June, July, Aug – Atlantic;
May, June, July, Aug - Gulf;
Monroe County, Everglades Nat. Park

2 per person per day-Atlantic;
1 per person per day- Gulf, Monroe County, Everglades Nat. Park

Snook permit required when saltwater license required. State regulations apply in federal waters. Illegal to buy or sell snook.

Redfish Regulations...

2007-07-20T16:22:00.000-07:00

Regulations:

Slot limit of not less than 18" or more than 27"; no closed season; one Redfish per person per day limit.

Rainy Day of Redfish...

2007-07-17T11:46:00.000-07:00

It was looking like a terrible day to go fishing be we were determined to get out there. Made it half way and it was like a hurricane hit us there were cars that were under water. We even saw a roof in the middle of the road from a trailer house. So we went to play pool for awhile and surprisingly it cleared up and we got out there. Wow, was it nice, like glass and no wind. Ended up hooking up with some not bad size redfish!

Indian Beach...

2007-07-15T18:16:00.000-07:00

Went fishing for a couple hours with my nephew (his first time fishing). He might be a little young but he liked the beach. Anyways I was using a silver spoon across some flats out there and to my surprise I got a hit within my first five cast. So I kept at it and within ten minutes I got a nice Redfish on...but he let go, tough luck I guess. I have never had good luck with spoons, I don't know whether or not I don't know the right technique or what, but this time it worked out fairly good!

More Snapper!

2007-07-12T17:17:00.000-07:00

We also caught three more really nice size snapper. One of them was around 14". Snapper sure put up a good fight and they'll eat about anything you can get on a hook!

Snook, Snooky, Snook!

2007-07-12T17:06:00.000-07:00

Went out today with my brother, Dad, and friend. Caught two really nice snook, too bad its not season. My brother's beat mine by an inch, his was 27" and mine was 26". Freeline them shinners! Its the only way to go.

Snapper Regulations

2007-07-11T21:37:00.000-07:00

Regulations :
10" minimum size limit for Gray (Mangrove), 8" minimum size limit for Lane, 16" minimum size limit for mutton, 15" minimum size limit (Gulf side) and 20" minimum size limit (Atlantic side) for Red, 12" minimum size limit for Yellowtail; no closed season; 10 per person per day aggregate limit of all snapper species with these exceptions: no more than 5 of the 10 snapper per person per day can be gray snapper, lane snapper harvested in the Gulf of Mexico are not subject to aggregate limit. more exceptions the snapper bag limits

A Day at the Spot...

2007-07-11T21:06:00.000-07:00

We went out for a couple hours around 6:00 and did the normal routine, caught some shinners with the net and went at it. My buddy hooked a nice redfish and missed it. Even worse than that later in the day he hooked a huge snook and lost it right before we snapped a picture of it! We both went home with some nice looking snappers.

Redfish Recipe...

2007-07-10T22:19:00.000-07:00

Blackened Redfish Recipe

Prep Time::
Less than 15 minutes

Cook Time:
Less than 15 minutes

Cooking Method:
Sauted

Meal Type:
Entree

Main Fish:
Redfish
Ingredients
6 8 oz redfish fillets -- (8 to 10)
3/4 pound Unsalted butter -- melted
Seasoning Mix:
1 tablespoon Sweet paprika
2 1/2 teaspoons Salt
1 teaspoon Onion powder
1 teaspoon Garlic powder
1 teaspoon Ground cayenne pepper
3/4 teaspoon Ground white pepper
3/4 teaspoon Ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon Dried thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon Dried oregano leaves

Directions:
Fish fillets (preferably redfish, pompano or tilefish) cut about 1/2 inch thick. Redfish and pompano are ideal for this method of cooking. If tilefish is used, you may have to split the fillets in half horizontally to have proper thickness. If you can't get any of these fish, salmon steaks or red snapper fillets can be substituted. In any case, the fillets or steaks must not be more than 3/4 inch thick. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over very high heat until it is beyond the smoking stage and you see white ash in the skillet bottom (the skillet cannot be too hot for this dish), at least 10 minutes. (FT - this recipe is *NOT* for the faint of heart) Meanwhile, pour 2 Tablespoons melted butter in each of 6 small ramekins; set aside and keep warm. Reserve the remaining butter in its skillet. Heat the serving plates in a 250F oven. Thoroughly combine the seasoning mix ingredients in a small bowl. Dip each fillet in the reserved melted butter so that both sides are well coated; then sprinkle seasoning mix generously and evenly on both sides of the fillets, patting by hand. Place in the hot skillet and pour 1 teaspoon melted butter on top of each fillet (be careful, as the butter may flame up). Cook, uncovered, over the same high heat until the underside looks charred, about 2 minutes (the time will vary according to the fillet's thickness and the heat of the skillet). Turn the fish over and again pour 1 teaspoon butter on top; cook until fish is done, about 2 minutes more. Repeat with remaining fillets. Serve each fillet while piping hot. To serve, place one fillet and a ramekin of butter on each heated serving plate.

July 2007 Fishing Lunar Table

2007-07-10T21:48:00.000-07:00

(Click To Enlarge) Lunar Tables are far more effective than "moon tables" because they take into account critical solar energies as well as lunar.

Some tips on their use:

The "Best Days" column is based on the ever-changing positions of the sun and the moon, rating each day on a scale of 0 to 100. The higher the number, the more solar/lunar influence that day is experiencing (see "Value" column or corresponding black bars).

The "Lunar Periods" section lists the times the moon is overhead and underfoot each day. The length of a lunar period can range from one hour to three-and-one-half hours, depending on a number of important lunar cycles, such as how close the moon is to the earth that day and how high its orbit is. Also, the section uses solar symbols (see key at bottom of each month) to alert you when a lunar period is occuring at the same time as a solar period (eg, dawn, high-noon and dusk).

Fish Facts on the Redfish...

2007-07-10T21:40:00.000-07:00

Redfish

Science Name: Sciaenops ocellatus

Other Names: Red Drum, channel bass, bull red, rat red

Ideal Temp: 70 to 90

World Record: 94 lbs. 2 oz, NC

Environment: inshore, coastal

Techniques: light tackle, surf fishing, fly tackle

Bait Strategies: Fresh Dead Crab, Hook and Sinker Live Shrimp, Freeline Shiner/Greenback

Other Tips:

At the bay, there are white sand spots. Using a hogie with a neon tail, cast into the spots over and over until you get a hit. You'll be sure to load up in a matter of minutes!

In the grassie marsh look for shallow water pockets that go up into the grass. Cast a gold or silver spoon by the opening, if you see movement cast again in the same spot, it is likely that will get a red fish.

With a #2 hook and a small mullet, hooked in the back and the tail cut off, Reds will keep you busy all morning.

Big Redfish and How To Catch Them!

2007-07-10T16:22:00.000-07:00

One look at a big redfish and you know it's built for brute strength. With its blunt face and broad-shouldered look-it's a fish with a fight even before it's hooked. Unlike the speckled trout with its long, sleek look and ability to throw hooks, the redfish is honed to test your tackle and strength. So to many anglers, the redfish rules the marsh.

As with anything, the more you know, the more likely you'll succeeded. The rule is just as applicable with fishing. Yet as popular as the big redfish is, it is surprising to know that Gulf Coast anglers know little about the species. But don't take that personally, this is partially due to new research by biologist. One main factor contributing to this revised knowledge is the participation of many anglers in the tag-and-release programs.

In Louisiana, the mighty redfish has made a comeback. Fishery authorities attribute this to stricter regulations since the 1989 freeze. Consider this: In 1983, when size limits were not yet instituted and the limit was 50 fish per person, anglers caught 2.5 million redfish averaging only 1.63 Ibs. per fish. Between 1987-1992, five years under current regulations, anglers boated 2.2 million big redfish. But here's the clincher: the average fish weighed four pounds.

Dan Lambert, 40-year-veteran angler and professional guide of the Point A Hache area, is one fisherman that's noticed the improvement since stricter limits. "'In the Point A La Hache area where I fish, the average redfish was 8 or 9 lbs.; but now, 10 to 20 lb. redfish are not uncommon,"' he said.

Ironically, Lambert was referring exclusively to inside-marsh fishing. "'There're many days that we've got to watch our 27 in. size limit. We've caught one in May that went 22 lbs. ... all caught in the marsh,"' Lambert exclaimed.

Obviously, the rule is clear: conservation and stricter limits equate to more quality fish!

When we talk about redfish, fall seems to be the primary season that comes to mind. Thus, it has been said that redfish come inside during this season. The simple fact is big redfish have been inside the whole time. The reason for thinking otherwise is that during summer months, when tides are often high, redfish migrate into shallow ponds off the beaten path. As a rule, how many anglers do you know that fish these areas during that time?

On the other hand, north winds force tides lower during the seasons of fall and winter, consequently causing big redfish to move out into deeper channels, bayous and canals. Here redfish are more accessible to most anglers, leading them to believe that they have "'moved in."'

In regard to "'inside"' redfishing, perhaps the furthest season from your mind is summertime, particularly if you're a marsh angler. This is because most anglers would much rather be out on the breezier, open bays and beaches in pursuit of fish. But according to professionals like Lambert, redfish can be easy targets even during summer months, if you know where to look. "'During the summer months, you're going to find them in the marsh, over the reefs, in shallow ponds and out in Black Bay at the rigs where I fish,"' Lambert authoritatively stated.

However, among renowned redfish anglers, it is an established fact that limits can be had in the months of July and August just as commonly as October or November. But the choicest months for those in the know are May or June when the weather is more moderate in comparison to wintertime. This is when there's a lot less wind and a lot more redfish to be found, as many big redfish enthusiast can attest to.

As a rule, redfish are predictable to weather changes. In comparison to trout, redfish are much more tolerable of very cold weather. Hence, during such conditions redfish continue to feed in their usual haunts, while trout and other species head for deeper waters with lockjaw.

This, of course, doesn't mean that redfish are impervious to weather changes. Such things as cold temperatures, dirty water and low salinity levels can cause redfish to react either favorably or not.

To underscore the point, redfish are known to bite like there's no tomorrow a day before a front, and even while a front is moving through. The opposite, though, occurs a day after the front when high pressure starts to build. This the dreaded time when redfish get a bad case of lockjaw, and you would swear that the marsh is devoid of them--only to be made a fool of as they show off their backs in shallow water.

To avoid such harassment, follow the rule of the pros: it is best to fish for redfish the second day after a front passes, when the tides are returning water to the bays. This is the time to look for the first good falling tide after a front. During such conditions be at your favorite spot early, and you can be assured the redfish will have your arms throbbing.

Any redfishing veteran is well aware that severe cold fronts can be an angler's most welcomed delight. This is when redfish compact into tight schools, and not necessarily in very deep water. A good example of this is what takes place in dead end canals in very cold weather. The water in these areas are frequently less than eight feet in depth, yet numerous redfish are caught in this relatively shallow water when temperatures plummet.

Another condition that will bring redfish together for easy target is an extremely low tide that flushes them into deeper spots in the marsh. Once the school is located, a redfishing extravaganza can take place.

This was exactly what took place several years ago when fishing inside Buras, Louisiana. For several hours we fished a marshy bank area on a severely low tide. When I say bank area, I mean as close as the water would allow us to fish since the actual marsh grass was set back away from the dry bank. We reasoned that we caught big redfish the previous week under similar conditions in the same spot, so we would try it again; but to no avail.

Out of frustration I made a cast toward the middle of the canal and worked the bottom with a 3/4 oz. jig head and queen-sized minnow lure-not to catch redfish, but to try for trout. Using a stiff rod I was able to work the lure with an up-pop method, feeling the lure contact the bottom on each rebound. To my surprise, I hooked a ten-pound redfish. Soon after, we repositioned the boat and everyone aboard was into redfish.

The question was, "'What was the difference between the two weeks?"' It was the tide. The previous week we fished a falling tide. This particular day the tide had already fallen, forcing the fish out to the middle of the canal where all the bait was congregated. The fish finder also verified this, as we could see fish (streaks) passing through bait fish (cloud images).

Redfish seem to feed best on falling tides; but redfish take feeding on low tides to an extreme. Ideal tides are those at normal stage or a slight bit below normal high that just starts to fall. As the water leaves these marshy, interior ponds it is noticeably clean. Near the end of the falling tide the water becomes murky as the lower parts of the ponds drain, reaching their muddy bottoms. As a rule, then, to give the redfish the best shot at your offering, be at your favorite pond or drainage opening when the tide first starts to fall.

Ideal places to fish are at the mouths of cuts where waters empty into larger areas, such as lakes, lagoons and bayous. As a rule, redfish prefer to position themselves right down stream from the openings. As the waters pass through, redfish have at their disposal an assortment of delectable items: crabs, minnows, and much bait fish-including your bait.

Fish the shorelines of canals, marsh ponds, lakes and anywhere the water is as shallow as six inches in depth. Redfish often pursue crabs and minnows that lurk around these grassy, shoal areas.

During periods of low tides or when the weather is very cold, look for deep holes near shallow water which make for excellent territory to try.

Many successful marsh redfish anglers prefer using live minnows when available, or second choice, artificial plastic minnows. The live bait is either fished under a popping cork or sliding sinker rig. The latter is mostly preferred when fishing brisk moving tides in deeper water.

Though live minnows work very well in catching redfish, biologist that have surveyed redfish stomach samples, most frequently find small crabs as part of their main diet. This is not unusual, they claim, as the shallow marshes are nursery grounds for such like crustaceans, and redfish are masters at locating and feasting on them.

Naturally, when fishing for redfish, choose artificial baits that best mimic the real thing that they're feeding on. Some of the most well respected redfish anglers, like Lambert, use nothing but artificial baits. One of his favorites is a 1/2 oz. gold spoon (not weedlees) with a Mr. Wiffle trailer. "'I slide a baby chartreuse Mr. Wiffle (curly-tailed, minnowlike lure) on the hook of the gold spoon, and this gives the spoon a much better action or wobble. My theory,"' Lambert continued, "'is that this gold spoon is imitating a crab, and this is one of the favorite foods of a redfish."'

With new data coming in on redfish and their migratory patterns, biologist have had to revise certain rules about the species. For instance, LDWF marine biologist Harry Blanchet said, "'Redfish begin their spawn about the end of August and runs until November, with a peak in late September or October."'

Basically the spawn is routine: after the eggs are released and the males fertilize them, they become buoyant. Then, they develop into larvae and are carried by tidal currents into coastal marshes.

"'It maybe as early as two years, but it can be as late as eight years...typically about three to five years,"' Blanchet said in regard to the spawning age of redfish. During this time they'll move toward the open Gulf and will join the spawning schools.

Through their first winter they remain in the shallow marsh. Around the following June they may attain six inches in length. By springtime a rapid growth spurt takes place, as the interior marsh becomes abundant with food. "'On the average, they'll reach approximately fourteen inches by the first year,"' Blanchet said.

Their rapid growth will continue for the next three years where they will stay within two miles of their home territory. The only thing that will prompt them to move beyond this range are environmental conditions, such as a severe salinity drop, hard freeze, hurricanes, etc. However, while biologist believe that the actual time for migration beyond their territorial range varies with each fish, they are conclusive in the theory that by the age of seven they have moved offshore.

But in the meantime, head for the marsh and find out why the redfish rules!

Big Redfish Report: July 2007

2007-07-10T16:03:00.000-07:00

(Hope for one like this!)

July is the beginning of some fantastic fishing. You can expect Big Redfish in the Mosquito lagoon area of the Indian River Lagoon.
Dock fishing is at a peak right now, and that's where the Snook are. As well as slot Redfish and some monster Trout.
Just off the beach, what we call nearshore fishing, Kingfish and Tarpon can be caught just off the beach.

Big Redfish...

2007-07-10T15:35:00.000-07:00

Caught this big redfish just the other day out on Siesta Key Beach. About 3 or 4lbs and around 24". Put up a hell of a fight on my ultra-light with 10lbs test!