Red Fish Fishing Charters Tampa Bay
Redfish, also known as Red drum, are one of Florida’s most popular fish. They are named after the drumming sound it makes during spawning and when taken out of the water.
Redfish can be caught in shallow water using a variety of bait. Redfish are targeted year round in the bays and inlets of the Tampa Bay area. Always a good fight and surely good to eat, these hearty fish are always a fan-favorite.
Redfish are beautiful fish with a reddish tint and gold between the scales. There is also no mistaking a redfish with any other fish because a redfish has a distinct spot near the tail. Some fish have multiple spots. No two redfish have the exact markings. They also have a beautifully colored tail with a vibrant blue on the ends.
Redfish can be found in numerous places inshore traveling in schools around islands in Tampa Bay and its many inlets and canals. They can be seen feeding in the flats on a low tide. The shape of a redfish’s head and where its mouth is positioned is ideal for finding crustaceans hiding in the sand. When they feed like this their tails and dorsal fins stick out of the water and it is called “tailing.”
Redfish are also found hiding in the roots of mangrove trees. Beneath the water is a maze of roots that provide food and shelter for these fish. The best way to catch redfish in the mangroves is by casting a live shrimp with a bobber right at the edge of the mangrove. The live shrimp lures the redfish from its hole and fish on!
The Spanish Sardine has a seven foot tower that allows Captain Rafael to spot the “copper cloud” from a distance. Once the fish are spotted all you have to do is cast live or cut bait in front of the school. Redfish put up a great fight and are a great fish to eat.
Florida regulations allows one fish per person in the range from 18-27 inches. Anything bigger is considered a breeder and must be returned to the water unharmed. Redfish can reach 45 inches in length and over 50 pounds. The largest redfish on record was caught off the coast of North Carolina in 1984. It was 94 pounds, 2 ounces. Let’s see what size fish you can catch when you book a charter with Spanish Sardine Fishing Charters.
The Right Fishing Tackle
Guests on the Spanish Sardine Fishing Charter are provided top-of-the-line Star Fishing Rods and Penn Fishing Reels to use during their fishing excursion. This quality equipment assures you the best fishing action while offering reliable and easy operation for every level of angler. You are also welcome to bring your own fishing gear if you’d like. We’ll put you on the fish either way.