
How old do you think this Red Fish is? Submitted
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.
I recently spoke with a long time resident of Everglades City at relates it to the freeze we had last January. A freeze could produce more Redfish? How is that possible? Well here is the theory…….. As many of you know we had below freezing temperatures last January that resulted in one of the largest fish kills the area has ever experienced. 10 days in January went below 32 degrees each night. There were bays down here in the Everglades National Park that were full of dead Snook, Goliath Grouper, Snapper, Ladyfish, Jacks, Catfish, and many other species that could not survive in such cold water.
One species

So how old is a 12” redfish? Well it is know that Redfish typically spawn from Mid August through Mid October. Each female can lay 20 – 40 million eggs in just one season! They are aggressive eaters and experience their most rapid rate of growth during their first year, which puts them right around 13” at the age of 12 months.
This is an interesting theory that makes sense to me. It sounds like we should be catching more and more legal size redfish over the next few years. Mother Nature works in mysterious ways.
Tight Lines, and remember to make someone giggle today!
Capt Pete Rapps
Hailing out of Chokoloskee Island Park Marina, Chokoloskee, FL, Capt Rapps has been fishing the Chokoloskee area for just over 20 years. He offers expert guided, light tackle, near shore, and backwater fishing trips in the Everglades National Park, and is happy to accommodate anyone from novice to hardcore seasoned pro. Pete is extremely patient and loves to teach. You can book a charter right online 24/7. See his online availability calendar, booking info, videos, recipes, seasonings, and first class web site at www.CaptainRapps.com
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