Expert-Guided Beginner Fishing at Calaveras Lake

Flathead Catfish

Flathead catfish are the bruisers of Calaveras Lake, often growing over 3 feet long and topping 50 pounds. These big boys like to hunker down in deep pools and slow-moving areas with plenty of cover. They're ambush predators, so look for them near submerged logs, rocky outcrops, or deep holes. Flatheads are most active at night, especially during the warmer months. Anglers love targeting them for their size and the challenge – landing a big flathead is a real accomplishment. Their meat is considered some of the best among catfish, with a clean, mild flavor. To up your chances, use live bait like bluegill or perch. Rig it so it swims naturally near the bottom, and be patient. When a flathead hits, it'll feel like you've hooked a freight train. Set the hook hard and hang on for a fight you won't soon forget.

Redfish

Redfish (Sciaenops Ocellatus) Fish Description 

The Redfish, also known as Red Drum, is a game fish found on the Atlantic Ocean coastlines of the United States. These fish can be identified by having one or more “eyespots near the tail and having a red-colored back which

 proceeds to fade to a white belly. This species is very popular for fishermen and are prized as food for its light flavor. 

Habitat and Distribution 

Redfish prefer very shallow water ranging from 1 to 4 feet and can be found in water so shallow that their backs are exposed above the water line. The fish also prefers to reside in bays, oyster reefs, coves, and lagoons, around seagrass and other natural vegetation. They can be found on all bottom types but have a preference for mud bottom. They can also be found using man-made structures such as old piers and jetties. 
 

Book Your Very Own Guided Fishing Trip For Redfish

Redfish inhabit the shallow, coastal waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The range of these fish stretch as far north as Massachusetts, down the coast to Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to northern Mexico. 

Typical Redfish Size 

Redfish can vary in size depending on location, the larger ones being found offshore, and smaller ones found closer to the coastline. This species grows to full maturity within 3 to 5 years, and at that time, the average size is around 28 inches for males and 33 inches for female fish but are capable of growing much larger into the 45-inch range and weighing 50 pounds. The world record redfish was caught off the coast of North Carolina and weighed in at 94 pounds 2 oz. 

Redfish Fun Facts 

Redfish have a distinctive black spot near their tail, which acts as a defensive tool against predators, fooling them into attacking their backside so they can make a quick getaway. They also have a life span as long as 40 years and actually stay near the place they were born, living in a reasonably small home range in shallow flats and estuaries. A female can lay anywhere from 1.5 to 3 million eggs in a single batch. When the eggs hatch, they grow at a rate of about .02 inches a day, but these rates can vary due to location and year. The similar fish to a redfish is the black drum. Many anglers have looked down on this chin-whiskered look-alike of sheepshead with gum disease at first glance. Redfish are considered a protected game fish and regulations have been put in place to ban commercial fishing, lessening the impact on populations. Recreational fishing has regulations but still allows anglers to catch this species. 

Is Redfish Good to Eat?

Redfish is a popular seafood delicacy that has found its way onto many menus worldwide. It is highly valued for its mild and slightly sweet flavor. It has a firm texture and is versatile in cooking methods, making it suitable for grilling, baking, broiling, or frying  Redfish contains high amounts of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, essential nutrients for optimal health.  Additionally, redfish contains several vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B12 and selenium, which are vital for boosting immunity.  So, if you are wondering whether redfish is good to eat or not, then the answer is a resounding yes! 

How to Catch Redfish 

Fishing Anglers should seek the shallow water areas and flats where these fish tend to congregate, using shallow lures and prey imitations. When hungry, they eat almost anything that fits in their mouth. Redfish, regardless of size, will strike a variety of artificial lure, ranging from an inch-long fly to a magnum topwater plug.

Anglers have a plethora of lures to choose from along with live shrimp for bait. Topwater lures fished in the shallow water are an excellent choice and provide anglers with explosive topwater strikes. Lure like the Rapala Skitter walk and other walk-the-dog style baits will provide you with a lot of action. Other lures that work well are floating jerkbaits and crankbaits, and shrimp imitation jigs. For fly fishing, a fly that runs weedless about 3 inches in length works well. You can even upsize your lures to 5-6 inches and single out the biggest Redfish on the flats.