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Caught a 31inch Redfish on Steinhatchee Flats
Redfish Fishing in Steinhatchee
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Redfish are among Florida's most popular inshore gamefish, thriving in the shallow grass flats and oyster bars around Steinhatchee. These copper-colored drums feed aggressively on crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish in water less than four feet deep. - Redfish can live over 40 years and reach weights exceeding 50 pounds. - They use their powerful tails to root through soft bottom, creating visible mud trails. - Peak feeding occurs during moving tides when baitfish are most active.
Fishing Charter by Captain Chris Davy in December
Meet your Captain Chris Davy
- A trip worth remembering - 1 rule: just have fun!
Summary
Captain Chris Davy of Southern Fried Charters guides anglers through Steinhatchee's productive redfish flats, where shallow water fishing produces consistent action year-round. The Nature Coast's grass flats and oyster bars create ideal habitat for trophy redfish, with recent catches including impressive 31-inch specimens. This fishing charter combines local knowledge with proven techniques, targeting the backcountry waters that make Steinhatchee a premier redfish destination. Whether sight fishing the flats or working structure near the river mouth, these guided trips offer excellent opportunities for both novice and experienced anglers seeking Florida's most popular inshore gamefish.
Fishing Charter with Captain Chris Davy – Rates & Booking
Captain Chris Davy of Southern Fried Charters brings years of local experience to Steinhatchee's redfish waters, guiding anglers to the most productive flats and structure. These fishing charters include all necessary tackle, bait, and safety equipment, with trips typically running 4-6 hours depending on conditions and target species. The shallow draft boat allows access to skinny water flats where redfish feed actively, particularly during moving tides. Licensed and insured, Captain Davy provides instruction for all skill levels while maintaining focus on safety and fish conservation practices.
Highlights of Steinhatchee Redfish Fishing
Steinhatchee's expansive grass flats create perfect redfish habitat, with fish ranging from slot-size specimens to oversized bulls exceeding 30 inches. The area's mix of shallow flats, oyster bars, and deeper channels provides diverse fishing opportunities throughout the tidal cycle. Recent success includes landing impressive redfish in the 28-32 inch range, demonstrating the quality of fish available in these Nature Coast waters.
The Steinhatchee River system and surrounding flats offer year-round redfish action, with peak activity during spring and fall months when baitfish concentrate in the shallows. Sight fishing opportunities abound during calm conditions, allowing anglers to spot tailing and cruising redfish in water less than three feet deep.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish thrive in Steinhatchee's shallow grass flats and oyster-studded backcountry, where they feed aggressively on crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish. These copper-colored gamefish use their powerful tails to root through soft bottom areas, often creating visible mud trails that alert observant anglers to their presence. The Nature Coast's year-round warm water temperatures keep redfish active in all seasons, though they tend to move to deeper water during extreme cold fronts. Trophy specimens like the recent 31-inch catch demonstrate the exceptional growth potential in these nutrient-rich waters, where abundant forage and minimal fishing pressure allow redfish to reach impressive sizes.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Southern Fried Charters provides a fully equipped shallow water boat designed for navigating Steinhatchee's grass flats and tight creeks. All fishing gear, tackle, and bait are included, along with safety equipment and fish cleaning services. Trips accommodate up to four anglers comfortably, with early morning departures typically producing the best results when redfish are most active in shallow water. Captain Davy adjusts fishing locations based on tide, wind, and seasonal patterns to maximize success rates throughout the day.
