REDFISH
If this slippery, hard hitting fighter is called a redfish,
then how come it sparkles with copper?

     The answer is, and this is something to remember about all fish, most scales are transparent. The color comes from the pigment in the skin beneath the scales. The red fish, channel bass, and red drum (same fish, different names), have this coppery or bronze skin color, which shines thru the scales. They are truly beautiful fish and they have one or more black spots on their body near the tail. By the way, for those who don't know, all redfish are identified by the spots and bronze color.

THE BIG ONES LIVE OFFSHORE!
 The lifespan for the largest redfish caught in Florida, was over 30 years old, and it weighed 90 pounds. The physical size of that nonstrosity must have been something else to see. Incidentally, redfish under 15 pounds are called "puppy drum." My-my! Isn't that a cute expression? I wonder what the big fat daddy weighting 90 points was called. How about "lunker" the same name that is attached to very large bass, or "mister bull"? Come to thind of it, they are called "bull reds." But, just call them "reds" and Florida will know what you mean.

The average weight of a 27-inch red is approximately 8 pounds. Most redfish, when hooked, swim for the bottom and fight like their only purpose is to pull you into the water with them. The large ones will surprise you with their strength and endurance. Catch these "Bull reds"in the shallows on shrimp, bait fish, and lures, such as spoons and plugs. To spot these beauties, watch for surface movements that are different from the surrounding water, ripples running the wrong way, or swirls and tips of tails breaking the water.


It makes your whole body tingle with excitement when you make the first cast into those swirling waters.

YOU GOT ONE; he goes right, then left, then straight at you, and then decides to go around and under the boat. Away he goes again, straight out, and you notice he can be slowed down this time. Reel in, pull up, pole down, reel in, pull up, pole down, reel in again, and take it easy, he's near the boat, don't pull hard, take it easy, guide him to the boat. Lift that red gently into the boat. You will know if you can keep that bronze beauty by measuring him and checking the State Regulations for size.

Have a nice day fishing and relaxing in nature's playground. Perhaps, it's time to think about the famous words "fresh fish is the best fish" and prepare some fish chowder!