Lion's Tale Adventures

Destin, Florida Fishing Charter

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What is a Redfish ?

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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.

redfish in Destin Florida

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.

Detin florida fishing

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

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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!