Flounder, Sea Trout and Redfish The Panhandle Inshore Slam

Presented by Ron Barwick Service Manager, Half Hitch (850) 234-2621

Hosted by Bob Fowler (850) 708-1317

Marinemax.com halfhitch.com

1 IDENTIFICATION

Gulf Flounder – Paralichthys albigutta Note three spots forming a triangle

Southern Flounder – Paralichthys lethostigma Note absence of spots

Summer Flounder – Paralichthys dentatus Note five spots on the body near the tail

SIZE & BAG LIMITS 12 inch minimum overall length size limit all species 10 bag limit per person per day all species combined Southern flounder move out to the Gulf to spawn in September through November while Gulf flounder move into the Bay to spawn 6 types of flounder live in our bay 2 Rod Selection

Fast and Extra Fast action rods are best for jig

Medium or moderate action rods are preferred when using bait

Longer rods will increase casting distance while shorter rods provide more leverage and control

Be careful not to confuse Action and Power Look at Line ratings and Lure Weight

3 SPINNING vs. CASTING

Easiest to cast Poor leverage Better leverage Limited drag Best drag More difficult to cast Greater line control 4 Braid or Mono

Braid Mono •Zero Stretch •Reasonable priced •Small Diameter •Able to stretch •No memory •Multiple colors •Can not color, coat •Has memory only not able to die •Pricey •Very durable

5 Fluorocarbon Leader

• Great Leader – High abrasion resistance – Stiffer – Larger Diameter – Same density as saltwater – Carbon fleck stops light transmittal – Has UV inhibitors – last longer in sun – Very slick, passes through guides easily

6 Live Bait

Shrimp – all love Bull Minnow, #1 Founder bait

Finger – hardy good bait Pinfish (Choffer) – smaller the better

Menhaden – great bait, but hard to keep alive 7 Bait Rigs

Cork Rigs

Live Bait Mackerel

Flounder Rig

Flat Line Rig

Carolina Rig Double Dropper Rig 8 Spotted Seatrout

Family: , DRUMS, Cynoscion nebulosus

Appearance: Dark gray or green above, with sky-blue tinges shading to silvery and white below Numerous distinct round black spots on back, extending to the dorsal fin and tail No barbels and no scales on the soft dorsal fin 1 or 2 prominent canine teeth usually present at tip of upper jaw

Behavior: Spawning occurs inshore from March through November. Spotted Seatrout move into deeper, still waters during colder months. They feed on baitfish, mullet, and .

State & World Record: 17 lb. 7 oz., caught near Ft. Pierce

Fishing Tips and Facts: Free-line live shrimp or small pinfish or pigfish (grunts) near the bottom to entice trout out of grass-bed holes. Attaching a float will allow these baits to drift over the grass beds as you search for trout. Casting with soft-bodied jigs, top-water poppers and spoons can be effective. Trout are very delicate, so returning unwanted or illegal fish promptly to the water is necessary to maintain a healthy population. Spotted Seatrout are a good eating fish.

Slot Limit Size: Not less than 15 inches or more 20 inches. May possess no more than one over 20 inches

Daily Bag Limit: 5 per day per harvester in Northwest

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Redfish

Family: Sciaenidae, DRUMS, Sciaenops ocellatus

Appearance:

Copper-bronze body, lighter in clear waters 1 to many spots at the base of the tail Mouth, horizontal and opens downward Large scales

Habitat: In winter, Redfish are found in sea grass, over muddy or sand bottoms, or near oyster bars, Spring fed creeks and rain runoff drains

Behavior: Juvenile redfish are an inshore species until they reach roughly 30 inches (4 years). They then migrate to the near shore population.

Size: one of 27 inches weighs about 8 pounds.

State Record: 52 lb. 5 oz., caught near Cocoa (1996) World Record: 94lb. 2oz.

Fishing Tips and Facts: Red drum are one of Florida’s most popular sport fish and the state’s most widespread estuarine fish. Floating a live shrimp under a popping cork is a good way to fish for redfish. They also chase crabs, mullet, pinfish and killifish (mud minnows). Casting soft-bodied jigs, spoons and even top-water plugs will catch the attention of these powerful estuarine musicians. Redfish make great table fare.

Slot Limit Size: Between 18 to 27 inches

Daily Bag Limit: 2 per day per harvester in Northwest Florida 10 Lures

Zara Spook Top Dog Badonkadonk Skitter Pop

Mirror-dine Silver Minnow DOA Bait Buster Crystal Minnow Lure Color Selection Clear Water – Metallics in Silver, Gold or Copper CAL Shad Tail and Whites, Greens and Pearl Stained Water – Brighter opaque hues of Orange, Chartreuse and Red Muddy Water – Dark Red, Dark Blue and Black Sunny Sky – Silver and White Gulp Shrimp Overcast – Gold and Copper

Sometimes Red Hooks indicating an injured or bleeding fish enhance a lure’s effectiveness Jig Heads Trigger X Minnow 11 Gulp

• Best saltwater plastic bait ever made. Although not a true plastic. Available in all popular shapes & sizes. • Biodegradable • Leeches out scent as used, and when placed back in the container the bait will absorb the scent to regenerate the bait.

12 Increase Your Fishing Success

• Right Time – Right Place • Do your Homework, Check Maps, Tides (www.saltwatertides.com), Charts and Photos • Food, Comfort and Safety • Find a location that provides these three key elements that hold fish • Feeding Cycles • Check Solunar Tables (Moon Phases) • Because of the interaction between the many lunar and solar cycles, no two days, months or years are identical. • Weather • Barometric Pressure and Fronts • Lure and Bait Selection • Natural vs. Artificial – Matching the Hatch

13 FLOUNDER 3-8 ft water around docks, structure & sandy patches

Flounder camouflaged in sand Always try to gig in head

14 SOUTHERN STARGAZER

• Will bury in the sand and with his fan shaped pectoral fins appear to be a flounder • Can produce electrical shock

15 Fishing Newsletter

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