Destin-Fort Walton Beach, in collaboration with the Coastal Conservation Association Florida (CCA), released 30,000 juvenile redfish into the Choctawhatchee Bay on Nov. 12 at Lion’s Park in Niceville.
This multi-year collaborative effort seeks to address the issue of declining redfish populations across Northwest Florida fisheries and enhance the population with stocking initiatives for one of Florida’s most popular inshore fish species.
“This species is very important to the health of the Choctawhatchee Bay, benefitting the overall quality of the estuary and providing additional fishing opportunities for the future,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Paul Mixon. “We look forward to future partnerships with CCA Florida and to see how this work will contribute to the abundance of the redfish population.”
The redfish were about three to four inches in length and can take about three years to reach 26-inches in length. Redfish, also known as red drum, spottail, red bass, and channel bass can live up to 40 years.
“We are thrilled to return to Choctawhatchee Bay for our second redfish release in collaboration with Okaloosa County,” CCA Florida Executive Director Brian Gorski said. “This event is a great example of what can be achieved when partners share the same goal – to support the health and sustainability of Florida’s iconic fisheries for generations to come.”
Panhandle fishing regulations for redfish include:
Season: Open year-round
Slot Limit: Not less than 18” and no more than 27” total length
Daily Bag Limit: 1 fish per person per day; 4 fish vessel limit
Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)
The CCA was founded in 1977 after drastic commercial overfishing along the Texas coast decimated redfish and speckled trout populations. One of 19 state chapters, CCA Florida became the fifth state chapter in 1985. A 501(c)3 non-profit, the purpose of CCA is to advise and educate the public on the conservation of marine resources. Through habitat restoration projects, water quality initiatives and fisheries advocacy, CCA Florida works with its over 18,000 members including recreational anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to conserve and enhance marine resources and coastal environments. Join the conversation on Facebook or learn more at ccaflorida.org.
View a video of the release at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpLvGUinfa4.
