Redfish spawn

[Basspro*]

Does anyone know when redfish (red drum) spawn in the panhandle area
of Florida or nearby areas? I have spotted several bull reds (over
40") in the sound and bay near my house and wonder if they are
spawning because I usually don't spot redfish that large in the area.

[licker]

Down here in Louisiana, the redfish spawn in October. We like to call it
Red October. Redfishing has been super since late August. I went three
weeks ago and caught a limit (5) of redfish in the 23 to 25 inch range in
less then 45 minutes. I went today and caught another limit with a dozen
specks for good measure. The reds were caught in a little less then an
hour. The information below may explain.

Red drum, like many other members of the drum family, spawn in high salinity
waters in areas of high tidal current flow, such as areas near barrier
island passes. Spawning usually takes place over an 8 or 9 week period from
mid-August to mid-October. During this period, male red drum stake out, in
large numbers, the prime spawning areas in and near the passes, being ready
to spawn virtually every night. There they form large schools at night,
called drumming aggregations, because of the drumming sound that they make
with their air bladders to attract females. Females on the other hand, tend
to appear at these areas only when immediately ready to spawn, which seems
to be once every 2 to 7 days. This means that the large majority of redfish
taken during this time by recreational fishermen are males, rather than
females. While the 2-month spawning period is less than half that for
spotted seatrout, the spawning potential of an individual redfish is truly
stupendous. At an average of 1.5 million eggs per spawn, and a spawning
every 2 to 4 days, the average female can be expected to produce 20-40
million eggs per season.


Sarge

[Basspro*]

Sarge, Thanks for the info. That really helps. I haven't been able to
find facts about the spawn of redfish. There is a book out that I'm
trying to locate called THE REDFISH BOOK by Frank Sargeant that is
supposed to be very good. Are you familiar with it?

"licker" > wrote in message >...
> Down here in Louisiana, the redfish spawn in October. We like to call it
> Red October. Redfishing has been super since late August. I went three
> weeks ago and caught a limit (5) of redfish in the 23 to 25 inch range in
> less then 45 minutes. I went today and caught another limit with a dozen
> specks for good measure. The reds were caught in a little less then an
> hour. The information below may explain.
>
> Red drum, like many other members of the drum family, spawn in high salinity
> waters in areas of high tidal current flow, such as areas near barrier
> island passes. Spawning usually takes place over an 8 or 9 week period from
> mid-August to mid-October. During this period, male red drum stake out, in
> large numbers, the prime spawning areas in and near the passes, being ready
> to spawn virtually every night. There they form large schools at night,
> called drumming aggregations, because of the drumming sound that they make
> with their air bladders to attract females. Females on the other hand, tend
> to appear at these areas only when immediately ready to spawn, which seems
> to be once every 2 to 7 days. This means that the large majority of redfish
> taken during this time by recreational fishermen are males, rather than
> females. While the 2-month spawning period is less than half that for
> spotted seatrout, the spawning potential of an individual redfish is truly
> stupendous. At an average of 1.5 million eggs per spawn, and a spawning
> every 2 to 4 days, the average female can be expected to produce 20-40
> million eggs per season.
>
>
> Sarge

[Bill Kiene]

http://www.flaredfish.com/

You might email the Robinson Brothers Guide Service in Apalachicola from
their web site above?

--
Bill Kiene

Kiene's Fly Shop
Sacramento, CA
www.kiene.com

"Basspro*" > wrote in message
om...

> Does anyone know when redfish (red drum) spawn in the panhandle area
> of Florida or nearby areas? I have spotted several bull reds (over
> 40") in the sound and bay near my house and wonder if they are
> spawning because I usually don't spot redfish that large in the area.

[licker]

No, I am not familiar with that book. I retrieve some of information on
what you were asking from living in Louisiana all my life. The exact
description of the spawning process came from a web site that I visit quite
often. www.rodnreel.com Since you live in Florida there is also a site for
Florida it is http://www.fl.rodngun.com/ From what I can tell both links
take you back to the same information.

There is a section on fish identification. It list sal****er fish by common
names and scientific name.

You may also want to try and get a book called Sport Fish of Florida by Vic
Dunaway. It has some good pictures of fish and information on habitat, food
and if it is edible. It actually covers fish in the entire Gulf of Mexico.

I did some quick research for you and Barnes and Nobles is showing the book
in the used category. You may also want to try these
http://www.sanibel-online.com/store/fish2.htm
http://www.weekend-sportsman.com/book_pages/booksfishingSW_24.html

I hopes this helps out.

Sarge

[Basspro*]

Thanks for the reference info. I actually have another book of Vic
Dunaway's called Baits, Rigs, and Tackle. Great book for reference of
fishing live bait. He's a great author and I'll check into the book.
On another note, do you have much success in November fishing for
redfish in LA? I've heard live bait is the way to go this time of
year, although I'm partial to artificials like Yo-Zuri's, Zara Spooks,
and Mirrolures.

"licker" > wrote in message >...
> No, I am not familiar with that book. I retrieve some of information on
> what you were asking from living in Louisiana all my life. The exact
> description of the spawning process came from a web site that I visit quite
> often. www.rodnreel.com Since you live in Florida there is also a site for
> Florida it is http://www.fl.rodngun.com/ From what I can tell both links
> take you back to the same information.
>
> There is a section on fish identification. It list sal****er fish by common
> names and scientific name.
>
> You may also want to try and get a book called Sport Fish of Florida by Vic
> Dunaway. It has some good pictures of fish and information on habitat, food
> and if it is edible. It actually covers fish in the entire Gulf of Mexico.
>
> I did some quick research for you and Barnes and Nobles is showing the book
> in the used category. You may also want to try these
> http://www.sanibel-online.com/store/fish2.htm
> http://www.weekend-sportsman.com/book_pages/booksfishingSW_24.html
>
> I hopes this helps out.
>
> Sarge

[WMHJ]

I just got back home from Venice, La. last Friday. We had a great trip.
Fished three days and caught a limit of 18-24" fish two of them. On
Wednesday we got into a school of large reds at Southwest Pass. We caught
over 30 35-44" fish in just over an hour. It was incredible. The fishing
is good this Nov. Don't know how long it will last. But it has been great
so far.
Copper
"Basspro*" > wrote in message
om...
> Thanks for the reference info. I actually have another book of Vic
> Dunaway's called Baits, Rigs, and Tackle. Great book for reference of
> fishing live bait. He's a great author and I'll check into the book.
> On another note, do you have much success in November fishing for
> redfish in LA? I've heard live bait is the way to go this time of
> year, although I'm partial to artificials like Yo-Zuri's, Zara Spooks,
> and Mirrolures.
>
> "licker" > wrote in message
>...
> > No, I am not familiar with that book. I retrieve some of information on
> > what you were asking from living in Louisiana all my life. The exact
> > description of the spawning process came from a web site that I visit
quite
> > often. www.rodnreel.com Since you live in Florida there is also a site
for
> > Florida it is http://www.fl.rodngun.com/ From what I can tell both
links
> > take you back to the same information.
> >
> > There is a section on fish identification. It list sal****er fish by
common
> > names and scientific name.
> >
> > You may also want to try and get a book called Sport Fish of Florida by
Vic
> > Dunaway. It has some good pictures of fish and information on habitat,
food
> > and if it is edible. It actually covers fish in the entire Gulf of
Mexico.
> >
> > I did some quick research for you and Barnes and Nobles is showing the
book
> > in the used category. You may also want to try these
> > http://www.sanibel-online.com/store/fish2.htm
> > http://www.weekend-sportsman.com/book_pages/booksfishingSW_24.html
> >
> > I hopes this helps out.
> >
> > Sarge

[licker]

I hardly use live bait at this time of the year. I usually purchase live
shrimp in the spring and summer. At this time of the year I usually switch
to artificial. However due to the lack of cold weather I picked up on some
live shrimp the last two trips out. I don't just target reds when I fish.
I go after both specks and reds.

What works here in Louisiana may not work as well in Florida. I have caught
reds on artificial, live shrimp, market shrimp (dead), gold spoon, top water
lures, and live cocohoe minnow. In Louisiana the water is never clear
enough to see them swimming near the boat. You can see their fin sticking
out the water in the flats near the shore line or see the swirl of the water
as they work the shore line.

My favorite bait is probably the gold spoon. I usually go into a pond with
two foot of water or less and work the shore line. If there is an oyster
reef in the area, I will work that area with a Deadly Dudly lure or just
market shrimp under a Cajun popping cork If the tide is falling I will
work the bayous and canals for the reds and trout. Uf the tide is rising, I
will work the bays and lakes at the mouth of the bayous and canals. I throw
my lure into the opening of the bayou and pull back to the lake.

Limiting out on redfish in November is usually not much of a problem.

The trout still seem to be in their summer pattern due to the warm weather.
They are scatter amongst the bays and lakes. The reds are all over.

I would love to give you another report for today but unfortunately I have
tow problems. First someone rammed my boat motor damaging the lower unit.
Still waiting to get it fixed. Second, I worked overtime last night and
just got off. I also have to work overtime tonight and my regular shift
Wednesday and Thursday nights. So fishing is out of the question right now.
Hopefully, the deer hunting will be good next weekend.

Sarge

[Basspro*]

You mentioned that you like gold spoons the best. I have a few but
hate to throw them because they twist my line so bad (even with a
swivel). Is there a technique that helps keep line twist to a minimum?

"licker" > wrote in message >...
> I hardly use live bait at this time of the year. I usually purchase live
> shrimp in the spring and summer. At this time of the year I usually switch
> to artificial. However due to the lack of cold weather I picked up on some
> live shrimp the last two trips out. I don't just target reds when I fish.
> I go after both specks and reds.
>
> What works here in Louisiana may not work as well in Florida. I have caught
> reds on artificial, live shrimp, market shrimp (dead), gold spoon, top water
> lures, and live cocohoe minnow. In Louisiana the water is never clear
> enough to see them swimming near the boat. You can see their fin sticking
> out the water in the flats near the shore line or see the swirl of the water
> as they work the shore line.
>
> My favorite bait is probably the gold spoon. I usually go into a pond with
> two foot of water or less and work the shore line. If there is an oyster
> reef in the area, I will work that area with a Deadly Dudly lure or just
> market shrimp under a Cajun popping cork If the tide is falling I will
> work the bayous and canals for the reds and trout. Uf the tide is rising, I
> will work the bays and lakes at the mouth of the bayous and canals. I throw
> my lure into the opening of the bayou and pull back to the lake.
>
> Limiting out on redfish in November is usually not much of a problem.
>
> The trout still seem to be in their summer pattern due to the warm weather.
> They are scatter amongst the bays and lakes. The reds are all over.
>
> I would love to give you another report for today but unfortunately I have
> tow problems. First someone rammed my boat motor damaging the lower unit.
> Still waiting to get it fixed. Second, I worked overtime last night and
> just got off. I also have to work overtime tonight and my regular shift
> Wednesday and Thursday nights. So fishing is out of the question right now.
> Hopefully, the deer hunting will be good next weekend.
>
> Sarge

[joe]

In article >,
(Basspro*) wrote:

> You mentioned that you like gold spoons the best. I have a few but
> hate to throw them because they twist my line so bad (even with a
> swivel). Is there a technique that helps keep line twist to a minimum?

I will chime in on this as well. I use the silver spoon rather than the
gold and usually have an outfit with a spoon when fishing the flats. As
for line twist, you have to use a good swivel. What a 'good' swivel is
can be hard to say. I prefer the ball bearing swivel.

The best way to reduce the affect of line twist is to use a bait caster.
Normally I have 4 to 6 outfits and 2 or three are baitcasters. The only
real weakness is the wind. If the position of the fish is upwind it can
be difficult. I still use a spoon on a spinning outfit often as well and
have little problems with line twist.

regards,

atljoe
--
"Atlanta Joe" aka Joe Webb
Flats fishing is Flat Fun!
Visit my site at http://flatsfisher.com

[licker]

Here are a few tips to prevent line twist.

First,

No matter if it is a baitcaster or a spinning reel, the line must be loaded
on to the reel correctly. Spinning type reels must be filled with the side
plate of the line-spool facing the front of the reel's spool. The line
coming off the line-spool must be coming off in the same direction as it is
going onto the reel. For baitcasters reels the line should come off the
spool directly, with the line on the spool facing the line on the reel. If
you pull out some line and it twist around the eyelets it is not loaded
correctly. This can be corrected without throwing the line away.

Second,

You need to use a swivel. The biggest cause of line twist while using a
swivel is because the swivel does not swivel. This is usually caused by
using too large of a swivel. As a rough but good guide, the diameter of the
wire used to make the swivel should match the diameter of the main line you
are using and not the leader. If the swivel is to big there is not enough
torque in the main line to swivel the swivel.

Third

When using a spinning reel and you are playing a fish, stop winding when the
fish starts pulling line of the reel. If you continue to wind the line
while line is being pulled off the reel, every turn of the reel handle will
place, on average, five twists in the line.


How to get line twist out.

First remove anything attached to the end of the line. Then if in a boat
slowly pull off while feeding the line from the spool. After about fifty
feet stop for a few minutes and let the line straighten itself out. Then
slowly take off pulling another 50 feet. Do this until the entire line is
empty of the spool. Then reel spool the line.

If near a river slowly feed the line into the river's current. Stop about
every fifty feet and let the line straighten itself out then feed another
fifty feet. Do this until the entire the reel is empty the reel in the
line.

If you prefer not to use a swivel you may want to try a knot called a King
Sling knot. It will make crankbaits more presentable.

Also remember to keep your rod tip up will keep the lure in the upper
portion of the water you are throwing in. Lower your rod tip will lower the
lure in the water. It will also change its presentation from fluttering up
then back down in between reels to a more pulling straight through the water
like a spinner bait. You may also want to try adding spinner in front of
the gold spoon or some type of flasher..

Sarge

[Basspro*]

Joe that makes sense about the ball bearing swivel. I'll give that a
shot. Also, how fast do you retrieve a spoon? I have noticed the
slower the retrieve the less the line twist, but if I retrieve to
slowly it sinks too fast. Also, do you ever use a trailer on the spoon
for redfish? Perhaps a grub tail or something similar? Would that help
reduce the twist also?

joe > wrote in message >...
> In article >,
> (Basspro*) wrote:
>
> > You mentioned that you like gold spoons the best. I have a few but
> > hate to throw them because they twist my line so bad (even with a
> > swivel). Is there a technique that helps keep line twist to a minimum?
>
> I will chime in on this as well. I use the silver spoon rather than the
> gold and usually have an outfit with a spoon when fishing the flats. As
> for line twist, you have to use a good swivel. What a 'good' swivel is
> can be hard to say. I prefer the ball bearing swivel.
>
> The best way to reduce the affect of line twist is to use a bait caster.
> Normally I have 4 to 6 outfits and 2 or three are baitcasters. The only
> real weakness is the wind. If the position of the fish is upwind it can
> be difficult. I still use a spoon on a spinning outfit often as well and
> have little problems with line twist.
>
> regards,
>
> atljoe

[licker]

Speed depends on conditions, Sometimes I like just fast enough to keep it
off the bottom and others I like bouncing it off the bottom. if the bottom.
If I was going to attach a trailer I would attach it to the last ring where
the hook attaches. I would make it about 12 to 18 inches. I f I was
attaching a flasher I would make it at the point where I attached the line
or at the hook location depending on the type of spoon.

I have several different type of spoons I throw. Some are weedless and some
are not. Some have more then one treble hook and others just one. I have
no preference on type of spoon. I just look at the type of bottom I might
be fishing in and choose if I want one designed to bounce of the bottom or
one that is suppose to be retrieved. If their is a lot of grass in the
water I will go weedless. I also fished the spoon under a cork in heavy
grass locations. Using the cork helps keep the spoon above the grass and
allows it to flutter up and down as you pop the cork.

Every wonder what your lure may look like going through the water try
throwing the lure in a swimming pool. Try different retrieve speeds and
methods. Try twitching your wrist while letting the lure settle on a bump
and retrieve method.

Satge

[Basspro*]

Licker, I use a gold spoon that is weedless with one fixed hook. I've
seen a bass fishing show once where the guy had a spoon the wobbled
from side to side but never 360 degrees (thus twisting). Is there any
spoon out there you are aware of that only turns side to side (180
degrees)? If so, this is the one I want. They seem more presentable
for the type of flats fishing I do for reds.

"licker" > wrote in message >...
> Here are a few tips to prevent line twist.
>
> First,
>
> No matter if it is a baitcaster or a spinning reel, the line must be loaded
> on to the reel correctly. Spinning type reels must be filled with the side
> plate of the line-spool facing the front of the reel's spool. The line
> coming off the line-spool must be coming off in the same direction as it is
> going onto the reel. For baitcasters reels the line should come off the
> spool directly, with the line on the spool facing the line on the reel. If
> you pull out some line and it twist around the eyelets it is not loaded
> correctly. This can be corrected without throwing the line away.
>
> Second,
>
> You need to use a swivel. The biggest cause of line twist while using a
> swivel is because the swivel does not swivel. This is usually caused by
> using too large of a swivel. As a rough but good guide, the diameter of the
> wire used to make the swivel should match the diameter of the main line you
> are using and not the leader. If the swivel is to big there is not enough
> torque in the main line to swivel the swivel.
>
> Third
>
> When using a spinning reel and you are playing a fish, stop winding when the
> fish starts pulling line of the reel. If you continue to wind the line
> while line is being pulled off the reel, every turn of the reel handle will
> place, on average, five twists in the line.
>
>
> How to get line twist out.
>
> First remove anything attached to the end of the line. Then if in a boat
> slowly pull off while feeding the line from the spool. After about fifty
> feet stop for a few minutes and let the line straighten itself out. Then
> slowly take off pulling another 50 feet. Do this until the entire line is
> empty of the spool. Then reel spool the line.
>
> If near a river slowly feed the line into the river's current. Stop about
> every fifty feet and let the line straighten itself out then feed another
> fifty feet. Do this until the entire the reel is empty the reel in the
> line.
>
> If you prefer not to use a swivel you may want to try a knot called a King
> Sling knot. It will make crankbaits more presentable.
>
> Also remember to keep your rod tip up will keep the lure in the upper
> portion of the water you are throwing in. Lower your rod tip will lower the
> lure in the water. It will also change its presentation from fluttering up
> then back down in between reels to a more pulling straight through the water
> like a spinner bait. You may also want to try adding spinner in front of
> the gold spoon or some type of flasher..
>
> Sarge

[licker]

Try the Gator LuresLLC weedless spoon.

Here is the description from a web site.

Features a unique patented design which allows a worm or a skirt to be
secured on the body of the spoon in such a matter that it acts as a fulcrum.
This increases spoon wobble and decreases complete rotations, substantially
reducing line twist. Made from the highest quality materials, a brass blade,
stainless weedguard and double strength hook.

Sarge

[joe]

In article >,
(Basspro*) wrote:

> Joe that makes sense about the ball bearing swivel. I'll give that a
> shot. Also, how fast do you retrieve a spoon? I have noticed the
> slower the retrieve the less the line twist, but if I retrieve to
> slowly it sinks too fast. Also, do you ever use a trailer on the spoon
> for redfish? Perhaps a grub tail or something similar? Would that help
> reduce the twist also?


The retrieve speed can make a difference but I notice very little line
twist with the swivel. I do typically use a braided line on my spinning
reels (PowerPro or TuffLine) and they are not really as susceptible to
line twist. I do have a couple of outfits with a hybrid mono that I may
tie a spoon on but again twist is minimal.

The retrieve speed varies. It depends on the fish and maybe the water
temps. If I am not getting hits when it is known that fish are present
or hits and no hook ups (nice thing about a spoon with a weed guard is
that you are pretty certain you had a hit if the guard is bent) I may
change the speed. I know that reds are supposed to have poor sight but I
have seen then in the shallows yak fishing run 20 feet to blast my spoon
on a fast retrieve.

The thing my buddy/mentor keeps reminding me is to let the spoon drop to
near the bottom before beginning your retrieve. I have to say though
that reds will surprise you and I have seen every kind of take on the
flats. Including undoing a slight bird's nest and having a fish that
apparently picked up the spoon off the bottom. Usually the aim is to
keep it near the bottom or at grass top.

In the winter, cooler water you may want to work the spoon slower. A
trailer works well for that. I have used a grub or the purpose maid
trailers. There is also a 'new' product originating in Florida called
'Fish Bites' that I have used. They have a 'crab scent' that is good for
reds. It will come off at some point unlike a plastic though. I have
used them on several occasions and they seem to make a difference but I
have no conclusive evidence. The trailer may help reduce twist as it
typically changes action a little. It will also allow a slower retrieve
which may be just the ticket for sluggish cool water fish.

Lastly, try the silver spoon. I know everyone says gold but I can show
you evidence otherwise; in the Tampa Bay area anyway.

good fishing,

joe
--
"Atlanta Joe" aka Joe Webb
Flats fishing is Flat Fun!
Visit my site at http://flatsfisher.com

[Basspro*]

Turns out Bass Pro Shops carries the Gator Lures LLC product line. We
have a new Bass Pro Shops in Destin, FL (about 20 minutes from my
house) so I'll head over there to grab some. Thanks for the advice. I
went to their website and you're right about it not twisting 360
degrees. They claim that this lure creates no line twist whatsoever.
Neat product.

"licker" > wrote in message >...
> Try the Gator LuresLLC weedless spoon.
>
> Here is the description from a web site.
>
> Features a unique patented design which allows a worm or a skirt to be
> secured on the body of the spoon in such a matter that it acts as a fulcrum.
> This increases spoon wobble and decreases complete rotations, substantially
> reducing line twist. Made from the highest quality materials, a brass blade,
> stainless weedguard and double strength hook.
>
> Sarge