Blue Tail on a Redfish

[SkunkApe]

Can anyone explain why a Redfish has a blue tint to the tail right out of the water? I can see how the spot(s) would confuse an Osprey, or a larger predatory fish, why the blue tint?

<Hmmm...Darwin>http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p26563fa60d96caf2f6b947f4bda902e8/e845c76b.jpg

[emanuel]

From what I understand, the blue lights up when the fish is aggressively feeding. For what, I don't know, but alot of pelagic fish do the same thing, wahoo, marlin, etc.

[Dr. Bubba]

I believe it has something to do with size and/or age. I've only witnessed the blue tail on fish up to about 30 inches. I've never seen it on big drum.

Like some other fish, it must be a coloring or marking that fades as it matures.

[jay b]

It's that pristine Lynnhaven River water.You know the same reason that you can't keep Oysters, Clams etc. from back there. :rolleyes: :D

[RuddeDogg]

Thanks for the information.

[AtlantaKing]

I've heard that it has something to do when they are feeding heavily on crustaceans or something. I think the bigger drum don't have it because they tend to eat more fish than crabs.

Other than that, dunno :confused: :)

[JAM]

By the Old Timers that its from all th eblue crabs that they eat over their lives.. I have caught some big ones to 50 inches that the blue belt on their tail was almost 3/4 of an inch wide.. Makes sense.. JAM:fishing: