Fishing Glossary

The premier inshore species of the Gulf Coast. Redfish are copper-colored, hard-fighting fish found in shallow bays and grass flats. In Florida, the slot limit is 18–27 inches and the bag limit is 1 fish per person per day. They spawn offshore in fall, but juveniles spend their first few years in estuaries like Choctawhatchee Bay — making them a year-round target.

One of the most popular inshore species in the Florida Panhandle. Speckled trout prefer grass flats and are best targeted with popping corks, soft plastics, and live shrimp. They are fragile fish — handle quickly and release carefully to ensure survival.

A flat, bottom-dwelling ambush predator that buries itself in sandy or muddy bottoms to surprise prey. Flounder are highly prized table fish. In fall, they migrate from the bay through passes to spawn offshore — creating excellent fishing opportunities along the Choctawhatchee Bay passes.

A black-and-white striped fish with strong, human-like teeth designed for crushing barnacles and crustaceans. Sheepshead congregate around bridge pilings, docks, and structure. They are notoriously difficult to hook — hence the saying 'set the hook before they bite.' Fiddler crabs are the top bait. A great winter species in the Bay.

A close relative of the redfish, black drum are large, powerful fish that love structure — oyster bars, bridge pilings, and channel edges. They are a year-round species in Choctawhatchee Bay and can grow to 50+ pounds. Smaller 'puppy drum' (under 15 lbs) are the best eating.

A fast, pelagic (open-water) species that moves into nearshore Gulf waters in spring and summer. Spanish mackerel are aggressive feeders that strike silver spoons and fast-moving lures. They put up a blazing fight and are excellent table fare.

Often called the 'poor man's tarpon,' ladyfish are acrobatic, hard-fighting fish that are extremely common in Choctawhatchee Bay. They are catch-and-release only (not great eating) but are perfect for beginners and kids learning to fight fish.

One of the most highly prized table fish in Florida. Pompano are found over sandy bottoms in the Gulf and bay passes, especially in spring and fall. They are fast, strong fighters and command top dollar at restaurants. Catching a pompano is always a treat.

Fishing inside bays, estuaries, tidal creeks, and shallow coastal waters — generally under 30 feet deep. Inshore fishing targets species like redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and sheepshead. This is exactly what Rising Son Expeditions specializes in on Choctawhatchee Bay.

Fishing in the open Gulf of Mexico, typically 30+ miles from shore, targeting species like grouper, snapper, mahi-mahi, and tuna. This is not what Rising Son does — we are an inshore specialist. We define it here so visitors understand the difference when comparing charter options.

Using lighter rods, reels, and line (typically 10–20 lb test) for a more sporting, hands-on experience. Light tackle makes even smaller fish feel like a real fight and is the preferred approach for inshore species.

A specialized technique using a weighted fly line to cast an artificial fly lure. Fly fishing for redfish and speckled trout is a growing pursuit along 30A and Choctawhatchee Bay. The clear, shallow flats make for ideal sight-casting conditions.

Visually spotting fish in clear, shallow water and making a precise cast to them. This is one of the most exciting forms of inshore fishing and a specialty of Choctawhatchee Bay on calm, sunny days. Polarized sunglasses are essential.

Presenting bait near or on the bottom to target species that feed there. Bottom fishing is the primary technique for sheepshead, flounder, and black drum — all of which hug structure and the bay floor.

Using surface lures that splash, pop, or walk across the water to trigger explosive strikes from fish below. Topwater bites are some of the most visually exciting moments in fishing — and they make incredible video content. Redfish and speckled trout are the primary topwater targets in the Bay.

Using live shrimp, mullet, pinfish, or other baitfish to attract and hook target species. Live bait is highly effective in Choctawhatchee Bay and is a go-to technique for clients of all skill levels. Rising Son captains know exactly where and how to fish live bait for maximum results.

The most common and beginner-friendly fishing setup. A spinning reel hangs below the rod and uses a fixed spool, making it easy to cast and manage line. Most inshore fishing — including all Rising Son charters — uses spinning tackle.

A float with a concave top that makes a loud 'pop' sound when the rod is jerked. The noise mimics feeding fish and attracts redfish and speckled trout from a distance. A shrimp or jig is suspended below the cork at a set depth. One of the most productive inshore rigs.

A weighted hook paired with a soft plastic body, bucktail, or other material. Jigs are one of the most versatile inshore lures — they can be bounced along the bottom for flounder, hopped through grass for redfish, or swum through the water column for trout.

The adjustable resistance system on a fishing reel. When a fish pulls hard enough, the drag allows line to slip out rather than breaking. Proper drag setting is critical — too tight and the line snaps; too loose and you can't control the fish.

The motion of pulling the rod tip up sharply to drive the hook point into the fish's mouth when you feel a bite. A proper hook set is the difference between landing a fish and losing it. Technique varies by species — sheepshead, for example, require a lightning-fast set.

A large estuarine bay that forms the back side of the 30A and Destin barrier island system in the Florida Panhandle. Spanning roughly 30 miles, it is fed by the Choctawhatchee River and drains into the Gulf through Destin Pass. It is Rising Son Expeditions' home water and one of the most productive inshore fisheries in Florida.

The scenic two-lane highway corridor along South Walton County, Florida, connecting communities like Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Grayton Beach, and Santa Rosa Beach. It is a major vacation destination known for its sugar-white beaches, clear water, and world-class inshore fishing access.

Shallow tidal creeks, coves, and marsh areas inside the main bay system. Backwaters are prime redfish habitat — fish move in with the tide to feed on crabs and shrimp in the shallows, then retreat as the tide falls.

Expansive, shallow sandy or grassy areas in the bay, typically 1–4 feet deep. Flats are ideal for sight fishing — on calm, sunny days you can spot redfish tailing (feeding with their tails out of the water) or cruising in the shallows.

A semi-enclosed coastal body of water where freshwater rivers and saltwater bays meet and mix. Estuaries are among the most biologically productive ecosystems on Earth — the nutrient-rich mix of fresh and salt water creates ideal conditions for baitfish, crustaceans, and the gamefish that feed on them.

The cyclical rise and fall of water levels driven by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun. Tides dictate where fish are feeding and how they move. Understanding the tide is one of the most important skills in inshore fishing — rising tides push fish onto the flats; falling tides concentrate them in channels and holes.

A regulation that defines the legal size range within which a fish may be kept. Fish below the minimum or above the maximum must be released. For redfish in Florida, the slot is 18–27 inches total length. Slot limits protect both juvenile fish and large spawning-age fish.

A fishing charter provides everything: the boat, captain, tackle, bait, and licenses. You just show up. A guide service may use your boat, or involve wade fishing or kayak fishing. Rising Son Expeditions is a full-service charter — we handle everything so you can focus on fishing.

Typically a 4-hour fishing trip. This is Rising Son's primary offering and is the perfect length for families, vacation groups, and first-time anglers. You'll have plenty of time to target multiple species and locations without the fatigue of a full-day trip.

The U.S. Coast Guard Captain's License — specifically the OUPV (6-Pack) or Master credential — is required by federal law to take paying passengers on a vessel. All Rising Son Expeditions captains hold current USCG licenses. It's your assurance of professional, safety-conscious service.

The practice of releasing fish alive after catching them. All undersized fish, fish over the slot limit, and protected species are released carefully and unharmed on Rising Son charters. Proper catch-and-release technique — wet hands, quick photos, gentle release — ensures the fish survives.

A fish that falls within the legal size and bag limits and may be legally harvested. On a Rising Son charter, your captain will measure every fish and let you know whether it's a keeper. We follow all Florida Fish & Wildlife regulations.

The maximum number of a given species that one person may legally harvest per day. Bag limits vary by species and are set by Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission. Your captain knows current regulations for every species we target.