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In a major step to support local fisheries and restore redfish populations, Okaloosa County and the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) Florida released 30,000 juvenile redfish into Choctawhatchee Bay on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. The release took place at Lion’s Park in Niceville and marks the second stocking effort in the area as part of a multi-year collaboration to protect this vital 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 released redfish, each about three to four inches in length, will take approximately three years to reach a full-grown length of 26 inches. Redfish, also known as red drum or spottail bass, are capable of living up to 40 years and play an important ecological role in the health of Florida’s estuaries.
CCA Florida Executive Director Brian Gorski expressed enthusiasm for the partnership. “We are thrilled to return to Choctawhatchee Bay for our second redfish release in collaboration with Okaloosa County,” 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.”
This release supports the efforts of Northwest Florida fisheries to address redfish population declines. Okaloosa County and CCA Florida plan further stocking initiatives to sustain the fish population in Choctawhatchee Bay and improve local fishing opportunities.
The redfish population in the panhandle follows a specific set of fishing regulations: redfish season remains open year-round, with a slot limit of 18 to 27 inches total length, and a daily bag limit of one fish per person with a maximum of four fish per vessel.
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