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Caught a trophy Redfish Inshore in Sarasota
Redfish Fishing in Sarasota
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus) is one of Sarasota's most prized inshore gamefish, known for its strong fights and distinctive copper coloration. These powerful fish typically measure between 30-61 inches and weigh anywhere from 10-45 pounds when fully grown. - Redfish are identified by their characteristic spot (or spots) near the tail, which resembles an eye. - They thrive in Sarasota's shallow flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines, making them accessible to anglers year-round.
Fishing Charter by Captain Dakota Moore in December
Meet your Captain Dakota Moore
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Summary
Join Captain Dakota Moore for an action-packed day on the water with Fish Moore Charters in Sarasota, FL. This Wednesday April inshore fishing charter delivered exactly what we were after—some fantastic Redfish action in Sarasota's productive waters. Launching from Centennial Park early in the morning under clear conditions, we mixed up our approach using live bait, sight fishing, and drift fishing techniques. The result? A solid 15-inch Redfish that put up an impressive fight, plus some bonus Snook and an enormous 144-inch Crevalle Jack that became the highlight of our day. Whether you're after Redfish, Snook, or hoping to tangle with a massive Jack, our 6 to 8 Hour Nearshore Fishing Adventure provides the perfect opportunity to experience the best of Sarasota's inshore fishery.
Fishing Charter with Dakota Moore – Rates & Booking
Captain Dakota Moore of Fish Moore Charters offers Wednesday April fishing trips that consistently deliver results. Our 6 to 8 Hour Nearshore Fishing Adventures accommodate up to 4 guests, making this perfect for small groups or families looking to experience Sarasota's renowned inshore fishing. All necessary fishing equipment is provided, along with the expert guidance needed to put you on the fish. We launch from Centennial Park in Sarasota, with convenient morning departure times that get you on the water during prime feeding hours.
Fish Moore Charters combines local knowledge with versatile fishing techniques, ensuring an exciting day regardless of your experience level. Whether you're targeting Redfish in the shallows or hoping to hook into a monster Crevalle Jack, Captain Dakota's expertise will maximize your chances for success in these productive waters.
Highlights of Full Day Fishing Trip In Sarasota, Florida - Cobia, Mackerel And More
Our Sarasota inshore fishing charters focus on action and variety. The shallow waters around Sarasota Bay offer excellent opportunities for Redfish, with clear conditions making sight fishing particularly effective. We'll employ multiple techniques including live bait fishing and drift fishing, constantly adapting to what's working best that day.
The 6-8 hour duration gives us plenty of time to explore different fishing spots, from protected backcountry areas to more open water where larger predators like Crevalle Jack patrol. This extended time on the water significantly increases your chances of connecting with quality fish and experiencing the diverse marine environment that makes Sarasota such a popular fishing destination.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus) thrive in Sarasota's inshore waters, particularly around oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and grass flats. These bronze-colored gamefish with their distinctive tail spot are prized for both their fighting ability and table quality. In Sarasota, we target Redfish year-round, but spring and fall typically offer the most consistent action when water temperatures are moderate.
For tackle, medium spinning gear with 15-20lb test line works perfectly. Live bait like pinfish, shrimp, or cut mullet produces consistently, while artificial lures including gold spoons, soft plastics, and shallow-running plugs can be equally effective when worked slowly along bottom structure. Look for "tailing" Redfish in shallow water during low tide periods, when their tail breaks the surface as they feed head-down on crustaceans in the substrate—this offers an exciting visual fishing experience unique to these inshore gamefish.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
For your day with Fish Moore Charters, dress in layers with sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), and bring any personal snacks and drinks you prefer. Our boat comfortably accommodates up to 4 guests with all fishing equipment provided—high-quality rods, reels, tackle, and live bait as conditions dictate. We'll handle your catch, including cleaning and bagging your fish if you want to keep your legal limit for dinner.
Early morning departures typically yield the best fishing, but Captain Dakota can arrange flexible scheduling based on tides and conditions. Be sure to bring a camera to document your catches, especially if you're planning to release them for conservation. For booking questions or special requests, Captain Dakota is happy to accommodate wherever possible to ensure your Sarasota fishing adventure exceeds expectations.
Fishing in Sarasota: Redfish
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, belongs to the Sciaenidae family of the order Perciformes. This iconic gamefish is instantly recognizable by its coppery-bronze coloration and the distinctive black spot near its tail—an adaptation believed to confuse predators by creating a false "eye." In Sarasota waters this spring, these fish provide consistent action for anglers targeting the flats and backwaters.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are one of Florida's most sought-after inshore gamefish, prized for both their fighting ability and table fare. They're known for powerful runs when hooked, often stripping line and testing both angler and equipment. Their adaptability to various habitats makes them accessible to different fishing techniques throughout the year.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
These fish thrive in diverse environments including shallow flats, oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, seagrass beds, and occasionally nearshore reefs. In Sarasota, Redfish particularly favor shallow water ranging from 1 to 4 feet deep, especially around structure that provides both cover and feeding opportunities. They adapt well to varying salinity levels, allowing them to move between coastal waters and estuaries depending on conditions and life stage.
Redfish Size and Weight
Typical Redfish in the Sarasota area range from 30 to 61 inches in length, with weights varying between 10 and 45 pounds for mature specimens. The 15-inch Redfish mentioned in our trip report represents a younger "slot-sized" fish, while trophy "bull reds" exceeding 30 inches are occasionally encountered in deeper channels and passes, particularly during spawning aggregations.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders, primarily consuming crustaceans (crabs, shrimp), small baitfish, and mollusks. Their feeding behavior is distinctive—often creating visible "wakes" or showing their tails above water ("tailing") when feeding head-down in shallow water. They typically feed most actively during dawn and dusk, though tidal movement often dictates peak activity more than time of day.
Redfish Spawning Season
In the Sarasota region, Redfish typically spawn from late summer through fall (August to November), when water temperatures range between 70-75°F. During spawning season, larger breeding adults often move to nearshore waters and passes, forming aggregations. The distinctive drumming sound made by males (giving them the "drum" name) is used to attract females during this period.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Several productive methods work well for Sarasota Redfish. Sight fishing with light tackle is particularly exciting in clear shallow water, using gold spoons, weedless soft plastics, or shallow-running plugs. Live bait fishing with pinfish, pilchards, shrimp or cut mullet produces consistently when worked slowly near structure. In April, Sarasota anglers find Redfish gathering around emerging seagrass beds and warming flats, particularly during rising tides when they move in to feed on newly accessible areas.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offers excellent table fare with mild, sweet white flesh that flakes easily when cooked. It's versatile in preparation—blackened, grilled, or baked—and holds its moisture well. Nutritionally, it provides lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids while being relatively low in mercury compared to many other gamefish. In Florida, regulations typically restrict harvest to slot-sized fish, preserving both juvenile and breeding stock.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Redfish in Sarasota?
A: Live shrimp, pinfish, and cut mullet consistently produce Redfish in Sarasota waters. For artificial lures, gold spoons, scented soft plastics (particularly in gold/copper or white), and shallow-running plugs in natural colors work best, especially when retrieved slowly along bottom structure.
Q: Where can I find Redfish near Sarasota?
A: Sarasota Bay's grass flats, especially areas with potholes or adjacent to deeper channels, are prime Redfish territory. The mangrove shorelines around Longboat Key, oyster bars throughout the bay system, and the flats near Big Sarasota Pass all hold good populations of Redfish throughout the year.
Q: Is Redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, Redfish is excellent table fare with a mild, sweet flavor and medium-firm texture. The white fillets are versatile for various cooking methods, with blackening and grilling being particularly popular preparations that complement the fish's natural flavor.
Q: When is the best time to catch Redfish in Sarasota?
A: While Redfish can be caught year-round in Sarasota, spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) typically offer the most consistent action. Early morning and evening periods around moving tides (particularly incoming) generally produce the best bite, regardless of season.
