Multi-spotted Redfish

Multi-spotted Redfish are occasionally caught and can win a fishing tournament if you catch a keeper at the right time.

I picked up this small multi-spotted redfish on a DOA shrimp fished in about three feet of water outside of the Whale's Tail grass flats.

This section of the Mosquito Lagoon has respectable fishing almost any time of the year.

This fish didn't qualify as a "Bull" redfish like some in this area; but on a tournament fishing day, it could possibly win you a nice prize.

Being out on the lagoon on a nice day just makes one happy to be alive in central Florida.

Hope you get to enjoy the same some day.

LUCK to you all and Tight Lines!

Haulover Canal Bull Redfishing

The Bull Redfish in the pics below were caught in Central Florida's Haulover Canal.
The first fish measured over 44 inches in length, and since I had no scale with me, I have no idea of the weight. You be the judge.

It was caught on a Tournament surf rod and Okuma Coronado Saltwater Spinning Reel spooled with 60# power pro braid.

A 5/0 circle hook on 30# florocarbon on a sliding sinker rig finished off the tackle.

I used a 13 inch ladyfish for bait, with the tail cut off to prevent spinning.

I have found that any very large live or fresh dead bait works well in the canal. Live pin fish or croaker are especially good during the heat of summer.

This fish put up about a 30 minute battle on the heavy gear, and provided several good runs (actually more like one extended bulldog run) before giving up.

After reviving and releasing the bruiser, I hooked a clone to this fish on my other surf rod, rigged with 30# tackle and a finger mullet for bait.

That fish put up a slightly longer fight with the same results. The Bull Redfish was totally played out and I had to spend little more time reviving her. I try not to play my fish too long, especially in warmer water.

The porpoises in the canal will quickly pounce on anything injured or remotely acting like a meal.
Summertime in central Florida is great fishing if you know how and when to fish. The flats are great to fish very early in the mornings, however, the bite usually subsides before 10 o'clock.

Evenings are also good fishing until about 10 or 11 o'clock, if you can stand the mosquitos.

I also like mid-day fishing in deeper waters, like the canal, for the really large fish that love the cooler waters of the depths.

The best time to fish is late afternoon, or when the tide in the canal changes.

The best baits, in my opinion are large live pin fish or any really large chunk of dead bait. I favor larger baits for larger fish. I intensely dislike unhooking catfish and rays that attack the small stuff. When I get a bite.....it's usually worth the wait.

Hope my experiences help with your success.

Tight lines to all...