I HAVE FISHED THE LAST FEW YEARS AROUND THE REEFS AND WRECKS OFF THE COAST OF SC AND HAVE LANDED QUITE A FEW 3O PLUS INCHES SPOTTAIL BASS. THE LAW ALLOWS ONLY 15 TO 23 INCHERS, SO THEY ARE ALL RELEASED. WITH ALL THE "BIG MAMA'S" I'VE SEEN, I HAVE NEVER CAUGHT ANY LEGAL SPOTTAILS AT THE REEFS OR WRECKS. ANY COMMENTS?
In Louisiana an angler is allowed 5-redfish per day . Anglers are allowed only 1- OVER 27"(considered "Bull red") as a part of the total 5- . Min. size is 16". Reds are a migratory species. In Louisiana no Redfish may be taken in Federal waters but are legal in State waters. So this species is sought by the inland marsh and beach fisherman.. Certain times of the year bull reds can be easily taken from beaches and passes to the Gulf. It's not uncommon for fish to reach 30-40lbs. Prized for their fighting and long runs most folks simply release the brood stock. Larger fish over about 40" flesh changes from a flaky consistancy to a tougher meat one where it is not as good eating. Although we have countless structures most reds are taken inland -around runouts from ponds into bays and around grass/canes. The only thing we seem to catch around structures are sheepshead feeding on barnacles -hardheads-gafftops. Inland reds are smaller but do get up to 30" quite often. It's a real challenge and rush when you hook one in 5" of water to stop it with the water exploding as it runs. I use 30# powerpro most often. Plastics under a cork or on a plain leadhead jigheads work great.
Florida allows slot fishing for reds. 1 fish per day between 18 and 27 inches. lots of times it is hard to catch one small enough to keep. And from a Kayak it is a real hoot !!!
When ever I get to go visit my mom in Fl. I go out every chance I get. I don't eat fish, so I go for the bull reds. I like using blue crab or hand picked shrimp along the edge of a channel. We get them off the jetties with buck-tails and pinfish. I got this guy on a live blue crab about 4 inches wide.
