Redfish fishing
in Boca Grande.
Everyone knows Boca Grande Pass. Far fewer know about the redfish fishery in the expansive grass flats just behind it. Gasparilla Sound and the adjacent Turtle and Bull Bays hold some of the largest schools of redfish on the Gulf Coast — and in the fall, the schooling behavior here is something to see. This is quiet, technical flats fishing right next to one of Florida's most famous passes.
Redfish fishing in Boca Grande, Florida centers on Gasparilla Sound and the adjacent Turtle and Bull Bays — the protected backwater behind the famous pass. It's a year-round sight-fishing flats game, with peak action in fall when massive schools of bull reds push across the grass flats. Fly anglers use an 8-weight with crab, shrimp, and baitfish patterns. RescueFly Charters poles these flats on dedicated redfish days.
Updated April 2026 · Captain Stuart Behrens
Redfish on the fly.
We pole the turtle-grass flats of Gasparilla Sound on a push pole and look for V-wakes, pushing water, and the bronze flash of a cruising school. Polarized lenses are essential — these are sight-casting conditions on clear, shallow water. Crab and shrimp patterns on the fly side; weedless gold spoons and soft plastics on spin. When a school of 30 bull reds is pushing across a flat, the presentation window is narrow — you get one or two good casts and then they're gone.
Why Boca Grande for reds?
Charlotte Harbor — of which Gasparilla Sound is a major arm — is one of the largest estuary systems in Florida and the single most productive redfish nursery on the Gulf Coast. Protected by Gasparilla Island on the west and opening into the deep harbor on the north, the flats here stay clear, the grass stays healthy, and the bait stays plentiful. Add the fall schooling phenomenon and you have one of the best pure redfish fisheries anywhere.
Redfish in Florida have an 18–27 inch slot limit and a one-fish daily bag with seasonal closures on the Gulf Coast. RescueFly Charters runs primarily catch-and-release for reds — we release bull reds (36+ inches) every fall.
Current rules: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission →
About redfish fishing in Boca Grande.
- Where do you fish redfish out of Boca Grande?
- Gasparilla Sound, Turtle Bay, and Bull Bay — the protected flats system behind Gasparilla Island. On a full day we might pole five miles of grass flats looking for schools. None of these waters are fished at the intensity the pass is.
- When do the fall bull redfish schools show up?
- Mid-September through November is the window. Cool fronts set it off — the first real drop in water temperature triggers schooling behavior, and by October the flats can hold schools of 30 to 100 fish. It's the most visually dramatic redfishing of the year.
- Can we do tarpon and redfish in the same day in Boca Grande?
- In May and June? Absolutely. Fish the pass at first light for tarpon, then slide into Gasparilla Sound for redfish as the sun gets up and the sight-fishing window opens. It's one of the best mixed-bag days in the state.
Other species we chase in Boca Grande.
Chase reds at these locations too.
Ready to chase reds in Boca Grande?
Limited dates each season. Reach out to lock in your charter.