Redfish Fishing in Florida
Florida is the perfect vacation destination for any angler, who’s looking for a wide range of fish species to catch. A favorite catch in this area, especially for saltwater anglers, are redfish.
Buying a License
Before you start fishing, you must purchase a fishing license from the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission. Fishing licenses are most often valid for one year and can be obtained at most bait and tackle shops, as well as online.
Where to Fish for Redfish
The most popular areas for redfish fishing include the inshore bay, inter-coastal waters, and passes. Specifically, anglers particularly find redfish are mangrove shorelines, oyster bars, creek mouths, and shale-shell bars.
Redfish Tackle
Redfish are usually quite big, often ranging from 5 to 10 pounds in size. An ideal choice of tackle for redfish fishing is one consisting of a spinning rod and a conventional reel, with 15-pound monofilament line. When choosing a lure for redfish fishing, some top choices include jigs, soft plastics, and spoons.
Tips for Redfish Fishing
When fishing for redfish, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Use a circle-hook to help reduce the mortality rate, and avoid using a treble whilst fishing with live bait.
- Keep the bait away from the boat, as redfish will generally stay away from noise.
- Stay patient and cast often, as the fish are semi-nomadic and move around a lot.
- Fish with a partner or friend, as it’s safer and more fun.
Fishing for redfish in Florida can be a great experience for all. With the right gear and knowledge, anyone can have a successful and memorable outing.
Where is the best place to go redfish fishing in Florida?
The best place to go redfish fishing in Florida is typically the Mosquito Lagoon in the Merritt Island area. The lagoon is located near the central east coast of Florida and is known as one of the best areas to fish for redfish on the east coast. It offers abundant shallow flats, tidal creeks, and mangrove shorelines that provide cover for the fish. In addition to a great fishing environment, the Mosquito Lagoon provides spectacular scenery and wildlife watching opportunities.
Where is the best place for deep sea fishing for redfish in Florida?
The best places for redfish fishing in Florida are the Florida Keys and the Gulf Coast of Florida. The Florida Keys are home to some of the best deep sea fishing spots offering tranquil waters, ideal for trolling deep for huge redfish. Areas like Tampa Bay, Homosassa, Steinhatchee, and Fort Pierce are also some great spots for redfish fishing, as they offer calm waters and have plenty of magroves and sandy edges. Along the Gulf Coast, the coast of Panhandle provides plenty of options for offshore fish, with some stretches of coast yielding large catches of redfish.
Where can I go deep sea fishing for redfish in Florida?
The best places for deep sea fishing for redfish in Florida are the Nearshore Gulf Coast for saltwater fishing off the coast of Bradenton, St. Petersburg, Clearwater Beach, and lower Tampa Bay, as well as the bayside mangrove estuaries of Ft. Myers, Boca Grande and Everglades City. For offshore fishing, the Florida Keys and the waters of Tampa Bay and Homosassa are great spots. Additionally, there are plenty of offshore sites to catch large redfish, such as Tampa Bay and the Gulf Coast of Pensacola, Panama City, Destin, and the Broward County coast in southern Florida.
Where is the best place to go deep sea fishing for redfish in Florida?
The best place to go deep sea fishing for redfish in Florida is in the Gulf of Mexico, near the West Coast Islands. The eastern panhandle of Florida and the Gulf of Mexico from Pensacola to Tampa Bay are especially well known for their redfish fishing. Offshore reefs, and barrier islands such as Sanibel and Captiva islands, are also great redfish spots. Additionally, the Mosquito Lagoon, near the Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, is known as one of the best spots to fish for redfish in Florida.
What is the best time of year to go deep sea fishing for redfish in Florida?
The best time of year to go deep sea fishing for redfish in Florida is during the spring months (March-early May). During this time of year, redfish are highly active, making them easier to catch. In addition, the water temperature is ideal for casting and working your baits. The late summer months (July-September) are also excellent for redfish fishing, as the predators are just starting to move into shallower waters.
What type of bait should I use for deep sea fishing for redfish in Florida?
Depending on the time of year, a variety of live and artificial bait can work well. Live baits such as shrimp, mullet, menhaden, pinfish, and hogfish can all be effective when deep sea fishing for redfish in Florida. Artificial baits such as soft plastic jigs, jerkbaits, and topwater plugs can also work well when targeting redfish in deeper waters.
What type of line should I use for deep sea fishing for redfish in Florida?
For deep sea fishing for redfish in Florida, you should use a medium to heavy weight line with a fluorocarbon leader. A braided, monofilament, or fluorocarbon line should be chosen depending on the water conditions and the type of bait you are using. For leaders, fluorocarbon is generally best for redfish as it is tougher and more abrasion-resistant than monofilament.
