Skip to main content

Over 15,000 Juvenile Redfish Released into Indian River Lagoon

CCA Florida and Mud Hole Partnership helps revitalize redfish population on Florida's east coast

Over 15,000 Juvenile Redfish Released into Indian River Lagoon

CCA Florida Executive Director Brian Gorski, left, and Mud Hole Custom Tackle President Brook Oliva, right, kick off "Release the East" in Cocoa Beach with the first batch of juvenile redfish to be released in November.

In its continued dedication to support the health of local fisheries and ecosystems, Mud Hole Custom Tackle, again, joined Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) Florida and the Duke Energy Mariculture Center for the release of over 15,000 redfish at Ramp Road Park as part of the East Coast Redfish Restocking Initiative: “Release the East.”  Last week’s release was the culmination of years of planning and activities, all in an effort to reestablish and grow the redfish population in Florida’s Indian River Lagoon.

lady releases bag of juvenile redfish from a boat during redfish release in cocoa beach
Nearly 100 volunteers joined in Brevard county to release 15,000 hatchery-reared, juvenile (averaging 4 to 6 inches) redfish. Photos provided by CCA Florida.

“The Indian River is such an important ecosystem to the east coast of Florida, and we are proud to work with CCA Florida to help with its preservation” said Brook Oliva, Mud Hole Custom Tackle President. “It’s been amazing to work with Brian and the whole CCA team over the past two years on this program. From catching the broodstock to today’s release of thousands of redfish, it’s been a rewarding effort for the Mud Hole Custom Tackle team.”

Release the East is an extension of CCA Florida and the Duke Energy Mariculture Center’s successful West Coast redfish restocking program, an initiative focused on revitalizing the declining redfish populations along Florida’s East Coast. Friday’s release of more than 15,000 juvenile fish in the Indian River Lagoon was just the beginning, as at least 100,000 redfish are planned to be released throughout the month.

boy holds bottle of juvenile redifsh during redfish release in port st lucie florida
A few days after the initial release in Broward County, 6,000 additional redfish were released to the south in St. Lucie County. Photos provided by CCA Florida.

“Partnering with Mud Hole Custom Tackle really helped move the Release the East effort forward, with financial support and hands-on volunteerism,” CCA Florida Executive Director Brian Gorski said. “It was only fitting to have Brook personally release the first group of redfish on Friday. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Mud Hole and establishing a thriving redfish population on Florida’s East Coast.”


man walks bag of juvenile redfish during redfish release in port st lucie florida
Approximately 100,000 redfish are planned to be released throughout the month. Photos provided by CCA Florida.

From the Release the East initiative, oyster and clam bed restoration efforts and the CCA Florida Youth Scholarship Program (introduced in 2022), the Mud Hole Custom Tackle and CCA Florida partnership continues to focus on ensuring the health and preservation of local fisheries and marine habitats for future generations. For more information about Mud Hole’s participation in the Release the East program, go to: https://mudhole.com/blogs/news/cca-mud-hole-launch-release-east.

GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Recommended Articles

Recent Videos

The fiberglass masters at Wildfire Marine demonstrate how to properly repair damaged gelcoat from start to finish. Repai...
Videos

The Most Underrated Fishing Kayak Build: Hobie Mirage Revolution 13

The fiberglass masters at Wildfire Marine demonstrate how to properly repair damaged gelcoat from start to finish. Repai...
Gear

How to Transport Kayaks, the Easy Way: Yakima EasyRider Trailer Review

The fiberglass masters at Wildfire Marine demonstrate how to properly repair damaged gelcoat from start to finish. Repai...
Gear

Are Inflatable Kayaks Any Good? NRS Pike Walkthrough and Features

The fiberglass masters at Wildfire Marine demonstrate how to properly repair damaged gelcoat from start to finish. Repai...
Gear

Slayer Propel Max 12.5 Walkthrough: Innovative Design at its Finest

The fiberglass masters at Wildfire Marine demonstrate how to properly repair damaged gelcoat from start to finish. Repai...
Gear

Jackson Coosa FD Walkthrough: Feature Rich, Big-Boy Approved Pedal Kayak

The fiberglass masters at Wildfire Marine demonstrate how to properly repair damaged gelcoat from start to finish. Repai...
Gear

Best Lightweight Kayak On The Market? Hobie Lynx Review & Features

The fiberglass masters at Wildfire Marine demonstrate how to properly repair damaged gelcoat from start to finish. Repai...
Gear

11 New Kayak Accessories for the Ultimate Kayak Fishing Rig

The fiberglass masters at Wildfire Marine demonstrate how to properly repair damaged gelcoat from start to finish. Repai...
Gear

How to Repair Damaged Gelcoat the Right Way

Florida Sportsman Magazine Covers Print and Tablet Versions

GET THE MAGAZINE Subscribe & Save

Digital Now Included!

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Give a Gift   |   Subscriber Services

Preview This Month's Issue

Buy Digital Single Issues

Magazine App Logo

Don't miss an issue.
Buy single digital issue for your phone or tablet.

Buy Single Digital Issue on the Florida Sportsman App

Other Magazines

See All Other Magazines

Special Interest Magazines

See All Special Interest Magazines

Phone Icon

Get Digital Access.

All Florida Sportsman subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets.

To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine.

Get Digital Access

Not a Subscriber?
Subscribe Now

Enjoying What You're Reading?

Get a Full Year
of Guns & Ammo
& Digital Access.

Offer only for new subscribers.

Subscribe Now