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Difficult but not impossible at Redfish University-September 23, 2010

Guided Mr. Mike Hancock this morning. We were a bit concerned with last night’s full moon and this morning’s very little water movement which is usually a sign of tough conditions. Today was no exception but thankfully the stiff east wind helped us produce some fish. I’m very happy that I was able to postpone yesterday’s guide trip as Wednesday would have been a real struggle. Started with topwater baits at first light and stuck some heavy speckled trout but the redfish were uncooperative with only a few followers and swing and misses. We did have one fish toy with the bait for about thirty feet and finally suck the bait but unfortunately it was lost at the boat. Made a long run and switched to Johnson Gold Spoons and Gulp! Ghost Shrimp. Lots of fish that probably dined all night! Ended up getting four and five redfish between 15-22″ but found the larger fish very stubborn. Naturally, these small redfish are more aggressive in difficult conditions and usually take a bait before the bigger fish. Our theory was proven a few times as most of the small redfish were accompanied by mid-slot and upper length fish. Not even a well-placed Gulp! Shrimp, Crab or 1/8oz. Johnson Gold Spoon could pull one of these fish off of a hooked redfish. Most unusual! We were pleased to catch some fish and I think we did as well as we could possibly do today. Conditions will no doubt change in the coming days and we’ll see huge catches of redfish and speckled trout follow. Book now to experience Redfish University. Please click an image to enlarge and view...

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Awesome morning of Redfish, Speckled Trout and more at Redfish University-September 17, 2010

Another full week of guiding trips has come to an end and I’m ready for another quiet weekend! Guided Lloyd and Malanae Taylor this morning for some redfish and trout action. The plan was to catch a bunch of fish to be prepared at Aegean Breeze this evening. Started at first-light with some topwater action and really got into some nice trout. Switch over to some sub-surface baits and they produced even more. Malanae was the big winner with the trout and even found a big lost Spanish mackerel in the mix.  Travelled a short distance to find some big redfish on a flat and Malanae stuck the first monster and it was game on. She got the 17# fish to the boat with a huge grin on her face. Caught a few more redfish and took off to get some redfish to eat. We quickly found plenty of redfish to take Johnson Gold Spoons sight fished and blindcast. These fish are very easy to catch when you see them as it seems they receive zero pressure and are very comfortable. Most fish released and some will be blackened and Aegean-style over at Aegean Breeze this evening. Book now to experience Redfish University! E Holstman Please click an image to enlarge and view...

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Another Five Hour Tour of Pensacola Bay and Santa Rosa Sound at Redfish University-September 16, 2010

Guided Mr. Todd Stevenson this morning for a tour of productive fishing areas in Pensacola Bay and Santa Rosa Sound. Started a little later today as we weren’t going to fish at all today. That’s right, we didn’t bring any rods! Instead, our focus was detailed maps of our area waters and a Sharpie pen. All morning, we cruised Santa Rosa Sound, Pensacola Bay, Escambia Bay, East Bay and Blackwater Bay where I showed Todd exactly where to be, at what time of year, on which tides, what he will catch , what to look for and which baits to throw. Todd was supplied with detailed descriptions of each area for the four seasons of the year.  At morning’s end, the maps were completely marked and Todd was absolutely set on inshore fishing throughout the year. Redfish University is a great investment for the beginning, new resident, weekend or even skilled local angler. At this price, the trip pays for itself extremely quickly!! I’m looking forward to hearing Todd’s awesome fishing reports in the future! Good luck...

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Great morning of Redfish, Trout and Flounder at Redfish University-September 15, 2010

Guided long-time client and one of my favorite anglers to fish with, Mr. Bob Willice, this morning. Hit the water very early and actually had about 15 minutes to wait once we arrived at our area due to darkness and one small rain shower. Started launching topwaters at first light and produced quite a few speckled trout of all sizes. We had some big redfish blowups but no hookups. That’s okay, we knew what to do! Found the large schools of mullet and bait and began to stick very good quality redfish in the 23-27″ range. Great looking orange, fat fish. Very slow-rolled 1/4oz. Johnson Gold Spoons were the bait of choice with all the loose grass on the surface and they performed nicely. Took off and fished some sand and grass mix to grab some more quality redfish. They were pretty aggressive all morning. Total: 15 great Redfish(23-27″), lots of trout, a grouper and a flounder. All fish released including the two beasts in the livewell back at the ramp. Please click an image to enlarge and view...

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Plenty of redfish at Redfish University-September 14, 2010

Guided Mr. Chris Vail and Mr. Randy Hamilton this morning for some shallow water redfish and speckled trout. Met at the ramp at 530am and raced to some productive areas to the east. Started with topwaters and never changed baits all morning. Today, unlike yesterday, the bite was very steady and very often. We actually got more redfish than speckled trout which is highly unusual in these specific areas.  Found several redfish between 22-27″ all over the place(dropped 4-5 after hookup or near the boat(topwaters) and we produced some unbelievable surface strikes. You know how you see them wake like a torpedo and pound the living crap out of the bait? Like that. The guys also found some quality speckled trout in the same area but the real draw in this area is the redfish. Bad decision yesterday, great decision today regarding areas to fish. Doesn’t happen often but will happen nonetheless even with designated prefishing days! Most fish released but three perfect redfish made it in the cooler for the grill. Please click an image to enlarge and view...

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