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Caught a Trophy Redfish Inshore in Sarasota
Redfish Inshore Fishing in Sarasota
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The Sciaenops Ocellatus belongs to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. It typically measures between 30 and 61 inches in length, with a weight range from 10 to 45 lbs. Habitat: onshore, flats, backcountry, nearshore. - Redfish are also known as Red Drum and are prized game fish. - They can be identified by distinctive eyespots near the tail. - These fish have red-colored backs that fade to white bellies.
Fishing Charter by Captain Josh Harris in February
Meet your Captain Josh Harris
- Sarasota Fishing With A Reel Charter Captain!
Summary
Captain Josh Harris of Reel Knowledge Fishing on Wednesday February offers expert-guided inshore fishing charters targeting redfish, snook, and speckled trout in Sarasota's productive backcountry waters. This full-day charter fishing experience includes all gear, live bait, and Florida fishing licenses while focusing on sight fishing, drift fishing, and live bait techniques across the flats and mangrove maze. Sarasota's inshore waters provide year-round action for anglers of all skill levels, with clear conditions and diverse structure creating ideal habitat for multiple species. The charter accommodates up to two guests and delivers personalized guidance from an experienced local captain who knows the best fishing spots and proven techniques. Whether you're targeting trophy snook in the mangroves or sight fishing for redfish on the flats, this professional fishing charter provides everything needed for a productive and educational outing on Sarasota's scenic coastal waters.
Fishing Charter with Captain Josh Harris – Rates & Booking
Captain Josh Harris of Reel Knowledge Fishing on Wednesday February leads full-day inshore fishing charters targeting redfish, snook, and speckled trout in Sarasota's backcountry waters. This six-hour professional charter includes all necessary equipment, live bait, and Florida fishing licenses, accommodating up to two anglers of any skill level. Captain Harris provides expert guidance on sight fishing, drift fishing, and live bait techniques while sharing local knowledge of prime fishing spots throughout Sarasota's flats and mangrove systems. Book online to secure your spot with this experienced local guide who delivers personalized instruction and ensures a productive day on the water.
Highlights of Professional Inshore Fishing Charter Sarasota – Target Redfish, Snook, and Trout
This charter focuses on three premier inshore species using proven techniques across Sarasota's diverse coastal habitat. Redfish provide exciting sight fishing opportunities on the flats, while snook lurk in the mangrove maze offering structure-based action. Speckled trout respond well to live bait presentations in the backcountry waters, creating consistent action throughout the day.
Captain Harris tailors the fishing approach based on conditions and guest preferences, utilizing the area's variety of structure and abundant baitfish populations. The charter provides educational value alongside the fishing experience, with guests learning techniques they can apply on future outings while enjoying Sarasota's scenic coastal environment.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish thrive in Sarasota's shallow inshore waters, particularly around the flats and backcountry areas where they feed on crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish. These copper-colored drum are perfectly suited to the 1-4 foot depths common throughout the area, using their keen eyesight to hunt in clear water conditions. February offers excellent redfish action as these fish remain active in Florida's mild winter temperatures, often found tailing in shallow water during morning hours. Captain Harris targets them using sight fishing techniques, watching for their distinctive bronze backs and black spots while poling the flats, making for an exciting visual fishing experience that keeps anglers engaged throughout the charter.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
The charter provides all necessary fishing equipment including rods, reels, tackle, and live bait, along with Florida fishing licenses for all guests. Captain Harris operates from Sarasota's inshore waters, focusing on the flats and mangrove systems that produce consistent action for redfish, snook, and speckled trout. The six-hour trip accommodates up to two anglers and includes personalized instruction on local techniques, ensuring both beginners and experienced fishermen can maximize their success on the water while enjoying the scenic beauty of Sarasota's coastal environment.
Fishing in Sarasota: Redfish
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, belongs to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. This prized game fish is found along the Atlantic Ocean coastlines of the United States and can be identified by one or more distinctive "eyespots" near the tail and a red-colored back that fades to a white belly. In Sarasota waters this February, redfish provide exciting sight fishing opportunities for anglers targeting the shallow flats and backcountry areas.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are highly valued by anglers for their fighting ability and light, flaky flavor when prepared as table fare. These copper-bronze colored drum are perfectly adapted to shallow coastal environments, using their keen eyesight and sensitive lateral line system to hunt effectively in clear water conditions.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
Redfish prefer very shallow water ranging from 1 to 4 feet deep, making them ideal targets for sight fishing in Sarasota's extensive flats system. They inhabit onshore waters, flats, backcountry areas, and nearshore environments where they can easily access their preferred prey of crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish.
Redfish Size and Weight
Adult redfish typically measure between 30 and 61 inches in length, with weights ranging from 10 to 45 pounds. Slot-sized fish in the 18-27 inch range are most commonly targeted by inshore anglers, while larger "bull" redfish over 27 inches provide trophy fishing opportunities.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders that primarily consume crabs, shrimp, mullet, and other small fish. They often feed by "tailing" in shallow water, where their tail fins break the surface as they root for prey in the bottom sediment. This behavior makes them excellent targets for sight fishing, particularly during morning and evening hours when they're most active.
Redfish Spawning Season
Redfish spawn in nearshore waters during late summer and fall months, typically from August through November. During this period, large schools of adult fish gather in deeper water to reproduce, while juvenile fish remain in the protective shallow water nursery areas throughout the year.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Successful redfish techniques include sight fishing with live shrimp or crabs, casting spoons and soft plastics to tailing fish, and drift fishing with cut bait over grass flats. In February around Sarasota, anglers find them actively feeding on the flats during warmer afternoon periods, making them excellent targets for both spinning and fly fishing presentations.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offer excellent table fare with mild, sweet flesh that's high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids while remaining relatively low in mercury. The meat has a firm texture that works well grilled, blackened, or prepared as fish tacos, making slot-sized redfish a popular choice for anglers who enjoy eating their catch.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish?
A: Live shrimp, crabs, and cut mullet are top choices, though artificial lures like spoons, soft plastics, and topwater plugs also produce excellent results when sight fishing.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Sarasota?
A: Sarasota's extensive flats system, backcountry waters, and mangrove shorelines provide ideal redfish habitat, particularly in 1-4 feet of water where they actively feed.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, slot-sized redfish (18-27 inches) offer excellent eating with mild, sweet flesh that's perfect for grilling, blackening, or preparing as fish tacos.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish?
A: Early morning and late afternoon provide the best action, though redfish can be caught throughout the day, especially during cooler months when they remain active in shallow water.
