
Happy Redfish Fishermen.
Capt. Pete Rapps
The past two years we have been hearing about it. Local fishermen in the 10,000 islands and the Everglades National Park have been reporting record catches of small “Rat Reds” in the 12”-20” range. It’s not unusual to hear of catches of 15 or 20…… or even more in a single morning. They are hitting everything from artificials like DOA Shrimp, to natural baits like live or frozen shrimp, cut mullet, or cut ladyfish. You can usually find them on the last part of the incoming tide around the barrier island mangrove roots and oyster bars. I honestly can’t remember a time when we had so many of these little guys around.
The question here is “why are there so many more around now than in previous years?”
Well, there are a few theories floating around that could make sense. Some mention ideas like tighter regulations by Florida Fish and Wildlife, net bans, more anglers practicing “Catch and release”, and the list goes on. They all make sense and I certainly believe that this is all working. But to have so many little reds appear in last few years, something else must be happening.
I recently spoke with a long time resident of Everglades

Brittany with a Redfish. PHOTOS BY capt rapps
One species that I did not see dead anywhere from the freeze was Redfish. They can take cold water for longer periods of time than most other local fish. Because of this the species survived and is now thriving….. but that’s not the complete theory. The theory is that all fish eat fish to survive. Some more than others. Without all of those big mouth Snook, Goliath Grouper, and Catfish prowling around eating all the small Redfish fry after that freeze of 2010, there could be a boom in the Redfish population.
So how old is a 12” redfish? Well it is known that Redfish typically spawn

Josh with a pair of Reds.
This is an interesting theory that makes sense to me. It sounds like we could be catching more and more slot size redfish over the next few years. Mother Nature works in mysterious ways.
Capt. Pete Rapps
Capt. Rapps Charters and Guides
239-571-1756
Captain Rapps’ Fishing Charters offers expert guided, light tackle, near shore, and backwater fishing trips in the 10,000 Islands of the Everglades National Park. Capt. Rapps’ top notch guides accommodate men, women, & children of all ages, experienced or not, and those with special needs. Between their vast knowledge & experience of the area, and easy going demeanors, you are guaranteed to have a great day. Book your charter 24/7 using the online booking calendar, and see Capt Rapps’ first class web site for Booking info, Videos, Recipes, Seasonings, and more at www.CaptainRapps.com
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