Lionel James

What is a Redfish ?

March 14, 2023 by Lionel James

The redfish, also known as the red drum or channel bass, is a popular game fish found in the Gulf of Mexico and along the Atlantic coast of the United States. Its scientific name is Sciaenops ocellatus, and it is a member of the Sciaenidae family, which includes other species such as the black drum and the croaker.

The redfish gets its name from its distinctive red color, which becomes more pronounced as the fish matures. Adult redfish can grow up to 45 inches in length and weigh up to 60 pounds. Juvenile redfish, or “puppy drum,” can be caught at much smaller sizes, and are popular among anglers.

Redfish can be found in a variety of habitats, including estuaries, bays, and the Gulf of Mexico. They are often found around oyster beds, jetties, and other structure where they can hide and hunt for food. They feed on a variety of prey, including crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish.

Redfish are a popular game fish among anglers, and are caught using a variety of techniques. They can be caught on both natural and artificial baits, and are often caught using lures or flies. They are known for their strong fighting ability, and are considered a prized catch by many anglers.

Redfish are also highly valued as a food fish, and are considered a delicacy by many seafood enthusiasts. They have a firm, white flesh with a mild, sweet flavor. They are often grilled, blackened, or fried, and are also popular in soups and stews.

Overall, the redfish is a versatile and highly sought-after species for both anglers and seafood enthusiasts alike. Its strong fighting ability, distinctive color, and delicious flavor make it a popular choice for those who love the outdoors and good food.

It’s also important to mention that red fish also commercially and recreationally important species, they’re a good indicator of the health of the ecosystem, as they are often found in large schools. Overfishing and habitat destruction can have a negative impact on their populations, so it’s important to practice sustainable fishing and conservation efforts to ensure the continued survival of this species.

Flounder Fishing in Destin, Florida

March 15, 2022 by Lionel James

Despite the winter months bringing in a cycle of one cold front after another, the fishing industry in Destin, Florida is anything but slowed down during this season. In fact, species such as the flounder and sheepshead, are actually more concentrated and easier to catch during late fall and early winter. For this reason, it is an excellent strategy for Destin, Florida fishing charters to learn the trends of flounder migration to optimize their shallow water expeditions.

The Migration Cycle of Flounders

Flounders tend to aggregate in the bayous systems of the Gulf of Mexico and through both manmade and natural reefs between October and January to spawn, typically peaking during the months of November and December. During this time, rod and reel fishing is typically successful off the harbor and docks of Destin, Florida.

When the temperature drops and a cold front arises in the Fort Walton Beach area, the flounders accept this natural queue and begin migrating to offshore breeding grounds, where they can be found in water with depths from 30 to 75 feet near sandbars and shoreline beaches in the gulf.

During this time flounders can be surprisingly easy to catch, especially due to the high number of manmade reefs off the beaches of Destin, Florida that make flounder gigging accessible for all anglers. So, whether you’re a seasoned professional or if you want to learn how to catch fish for beginners, this is a great place to start.

How to Catch a Flounder

There are many ways to catch a flounder that can be adjusted based on the personal preference of the fisherman. The first strategy we recommend is to utilize an old-fashioned Carolina rig with live shrimp or bull minnow as bate – typically this will do the job every time. Another suggestion when fishing off a boat would be to use a bucktail jig, which can allow you to catch more fish than when using live bait because the jig allows the anglers to cover more ground in less time.

Flounders typically congregate in large groups, most likely down current as they are waiting for food to drift by. Using this knowledge to your advantage, you can use the tactic of dropping a few baits at your fishing ground upon arrival. If you don’t get a bite within 14 minutes, drift back 20-30 yards and repeat the process until you get a bite. Once you have hooked a fish, you have found your spot! There should be several more fish in that area, so make sure to stay put if you find success in any area.

Unlike the warmer months when you must have your rod in the lake before the sun comes up to stand a chance, wintertime fishing allows you to start your day as slowly as you please while still taking advantage of the optimal flounder fishing conditions. So even though the winter months can be crisp, take advantage of the cool winter weather in Destin, Florida, and catch yourself a flounder today!

A Sincere Thank You From Lion’s Tale Adventures

February 28, 2022 by Lionel James

2021 was our most incredible year yet, and we couldn’t have done it without you.

In the modern era of unpredictability, nothing is more satisfying than persevering through hardships and succeeding in ways that a past version of yourself would’ve never thought was possible.

Throughout the ups and downs that we all inevitably face in life, we’ve come to realize that the most important task you can do is to take the time to reflect and express gratitude for the journey you’ve taken so far.

When it comes to offering thanks, it is challenging to piece words together to describe the significant impact you and this community have created for Lion’s Tale Adventures this past year.

In 2021, we were fortunate enough to achieve so many “wins” that seemed impossible after the challenges that began in 2020.

One of the milestones we are most proud of is the growth of our digital presence and social media platforms.

In particular, we were so excited to have the opportunity to partner with Waypoint TV to create Lion’s Tale: The Digital Series.

Thanks to you and your incredible support, Lion’s Tale: The Digital Series is more successful than we ever could’ve dreamed!

Our passion for sharing our love of the water through our Destin Florida Charter Fishing Experience has allowed us to expand and reach the hearts of more lives than we could’ve ever dreamed of, and that is all thanks to the viewers at home who tune in.

We are so excited that because of your support, we will be releasing more episodes soon in which you can gather further insight into the realities of life on the water as a charter fisherman in Destin, Florida.

Our goal has always been to share our love of connecting with the natural world and providing opportunities for others to embark on a water-bound adventure of their own, so we are incredibly grateful for the continual growth that allows us to share our passion with as many people as possible.

With the additional attention on Fort Walton Beach fishing charters, we are humbled to already be booking out for upcoming adventures this spring and summer.

Every excursion offers an environment where you can learn, grow, and find meaning in the steps we take each day, and we are grateful to be considered amongst the top 10 things to do in Destin, Florida.

We also are passionate about inclusion, so we are happy to offer one of the top 5 dolphin tours in Destin if you adore the outdoors but going fishing isn’t your thing.

A captain is nothing without his crew, so we truly appreciate every one of you who chose to support Lion’s Tale Adventures in 2021 and who continues to support us into 2022.

So, to our Lion’s Tale Adventure family, thank you.

Thank you for following us on social media and engaging with our journey.

Thank you for joining us on charter fishing adventures and exploring the outdoor world.

Thank you for believing in us and making it all possible.

Keep up with all of Captain Lionel’s adventures on YouTube and if you’re interested in booking an adventure, check out Lion’s Tale Adventures for more details.

Women’s Fly Casting Class | Destin Florida Fly Fishing

May 9, 2021 by Lionel James

With a vision and a goal to get more women into fly fishing, the first Women’s Fly Casting class in Destin Florida was a HUGE success! 12 women were introduced to the sport through a casting class held at The Gulf Restaurant on Okaloosa Island. Bottomless mimosas were served as the ladies were first shown the fly rods, how to assemble them, and what the different fly line means.

They then got to learn the basics of fly casting in the lawn where they could feel the rod, throw the line, and have some one on one guidance to get a better feel for the sport. After a few throws of line, they all got to catch their first (cardboard) fish! The Gulf was a great location as it had large grassy areas plus a water line that the girls could practice casting into.

After casting, the ladies stayed for brunch to network, mingle and enjoy the atmosphere of the day. The consensus among the group was overwhelming — It was exciting, fun, and now they’re looking forward to casting at some REAL fish.

It was the perfect lead in — Lion’s Tale Adventures is now offering fly fishing trips in Destin Florida! We have three options: Offshore Saltwater Fly Fishing on board the Pathfinder, Skinny Water Fly Fishing on a Skiff for a single angler with Captain Kolt, or our newest Electric Bike Fishing Adventure where you can ride the beaches sight fishing for schools of fish. Step 2 after the casting class is to go on a fly fishing adventure to practice your newfound skill set.

The event was a sell out, and such a success that Captain Lionel is planning more to come the rest of this year. Through this event, Lion’s Tale Adventures was able to donate over $400 to the Shelter House, a domestic violence safe haven here in Fort Walton Beach. If interested in participating in a future class, send us an email and we will add you to the list to be notified once the next dates are announced!

Huge thanks to our sponsors, Moonshine Rods and To Do in Destin – and of course to our instructors, as we could not have done this without you! We look forward to hosting the next Fly Casting Class in Destin Florida and want you to be a part of it.

What’s The Rush

April 4, 2021 by Lionel James

Even after years of guiding and taking clients out, I still really enjoy going fishing on my own. Mostly, I enjoy being outside. I love that my office is in nature, the gulf breeze on my face, dolphins playing around the boat.

It’s not often that I get to go fishing for myself this time of year, but I still find that same love and enjoyment though taking people fishing.

For the 2021 season, we’ve moved to 5 hour minimum trips, for a few reasons. Why?

First and foremost: I don’t want to get off the water! For some that are stuck in the office all day, this is your time to let go. For me, I know that feeling very well coming from a job where I was stuck inside all the time. As a former fire fighter, being on call 48 hours at a time, inside the station, was the norm. One that had me looking forward to the days where I could be on the water where I most felt at home.

Like you, I feel the cabin fever. Winter is bare; you’re isolated, and it’s cold. When it’s cold I only want to be inside in two places: the gym or my house (but, really haha). Once we are outside on the water, what’s the rush to get back inside?

Destin, Florida is a beautiful place with a lot to offer. To start the trip off, we hit up one fishing spot to see what’s biting. From there, if you want we can find some dolphins, and then go back to fishing. Whether it’s bottom fishing on one of the reefs, or sight fishing for redfish on the beach, playing with blue fish on light tackle, we are still out there to fish. After we have caught a few of those, the water is beautiful – lets jump in.

These last several trips have been just that. We have been enjoying the nearshore reefs and the fish that come with, moving on to the beach and finishing with a few dolphin sightings.

A 4 hour charter just wasn’t ample time to experience all the Gulf has to offer, in terms of fishing, dolphin tours, and an all-around good time. 5 hours gives us a little more time, without rushing, to ensure you and your family have a trip to remember.

At the end of the day, you’ve come all this way to get on a boat just to rush back to the dock? Let’s enjoy our time on the water.

” Stay Solid To your Self and 100 In your heart” – Lionel James

Sight Fishing Redfish on Destin Florida Beaches

January 15, 2021 by Lionel James

The summer months in Destin, Florida can be a challenging time for any angler, whether seasoned or novice. The heat that comes with it can make it hard to get any fish to bite, let alone get out of the comfort of your Air-conditioned home to tackle the heat!

Whats Biting?

Sight Fishing Redfish on Destin Florida Beaches is one of the most popular species to fish for and is easily one of our favorites.

Our team has several group trips every year of anglers coming to Destin, Florida in search of some pretty water and doing some red fishing while they’re down on the Emerald Coast. We are a team of guides looking to ensure the best possible experience for our guests and with that, both Capt. Sean and I thought…. “lets go find them on the beach!” We are able to also find sharks, lady fish, and blue fish ensuring a good day and tight lines here in Destin.

Typically we begin our trips around 6am, but in order to sight fish, we need the sun to be high enough in the sky to cast through the water. This time of year we push our start times to 7am, catch bait the first hour and spend the rest of the trip sight fishing redfish on Destin Florida beaches.

With the Gulf of Mexico being an enormous body of water, the temperatures typically rise slower than the shallow flats. Whether its caused by a sea-breeze, waves or current, water movement is almost always constant on the beach making it the perfect place for bait and predator fish like Redfish, sharks and blue fish to hang out. Like in the bay when the water gets hot, these fish move into deeper (lets say 6-8 feet) water where they can be out of your casting range if fishing from shore. These fish can still be seen in 6-8 feet of water due to the clarity of the water on the emerald coast of Destin, Florida.

How do we catch Redfish on Destin Florida beaches?

There are many, many ways to fish and catch Redfish off the beach; however we believe when fishing multiple boat trips that simplicity is key – do more with less. The beaches of the Emerald Coast stretch for miles and miles and we will have better chance of catching fish by covering more water than staying in one spot waiting for a bite. Whatever point we deem to be point A and point B, Capt and Sean and I will choose one and meet in the middle, covering more water. With constant communication, once one of us find the school we notify the other.

Destin, Florida has some of the most transparent water I’ve ever seen. Because of this, our must have to catch these fish is the Seaguar’ “Gold Label” Fluro-carbon line from 15lb test to 30/40 will suffice. The 30/40lb are more or less for the blue fish and their sharp teeth. With both of us making long cast to the fish we need any and all advantages we can get and having Seaguar’s “Gold Label” gives us just that!

Don’t let the summer heat keep you from catching a Redfish of a lifetime. Beat the heat with a Lion’s Tale Adventure fishing charter! Chase some Redfish and then dive into the beautiful emerald waters after catching a few!

If you’re in the northern panhandle part of Florida and you’re looking to catch a redfish or get out in the gulf, checkout our team of guides that will be sure to give you the fishing adventures of a lifetime: one of our very own guides.

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