NICEVILLE, Fla. — Destin-Fort Walton Beach, in partnership with the Coastal Conservation Association Florida (CCA), released 30,000 juvenile redfish into Niceville’s Boggy Bayou on Tuesday at Lion’s Park.
The initiative is part of a multi-year effort aimed at addressing declining redfish populations in Northwest Florida and enhancing fisheries through stocking programs. Redfish are one of Florida’s most sought-after 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 juvenile redfish, measuring about three to four inches long, take approximately three years to grow to 26 inches. Also known as red drum, spottail, red bass, and channel bass, redfish can live up to 40 years, according to officials.
“We are thrilled to return to Choctawhatchee Bay for our second redfish release in collaboration with Okaloosa County,” said CCA Florida Executive Director Brian Gorski.
“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.”
Redfish fishing regulations in the Panhandle include an open season year-round, a slot limit of 18 to 27 inches total length, and a daily bag limit of one fish per person with a four-fish vessel limit.
