Overview

The red drum — known as redfish or channel bass — is the signature species of Southeast inshore fishing. Copper-bronze in color with a distinctive black spot (or spots) near the tail, redfish are powerful, aggressive feeders that inhabit everything from knee-deep grass flats to deep tidal creeks. They are the reason most inshore anglers buy their first boat.

In Florida, redfish must measure between 18 and 27 inches to be kept, with a one-fish daily bag limit. Fish over 27 inches are protected brood stock. These “bull reds” can exceed 50 pounds and are among the most exciting catch-and-release targets in all of saltwater fishing.

Habitat & Range

Redfish are found from the Chesapeake Bay south through Florida and along the entire Gulf Coast. In the Southeast, they are year-round residents of tidal creeks, grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines. Juvenile fish (under 18 inches) school in large numbers in protected estuaries. Slot fish (18–27 in) inhabit grass flats and creek systems. Oversized bull reds aggregate nearshore and at inlet mouths, particularly in fall.

Water temperature is the primary driver of redfish location. Below 60°F they move to deep channels and warm water discharges. In the 68–82°F range they are most active on the flats. Above 88°F they compress feeding into brief dawn and dusk windows.

Feeding Behavior

Redfish are opportunistic feeders that hunt by sight, sound, and lateral line vibration. They root through oyster bars and grass for crabs, shrimp, and small fish. The iconic “tailing” behavior — tail waving above the surface while the fish feeds head-down — occurs on shallow incoming tides over grass flats and is one of the most exciting sights in fishing.

Redfish are heavily influenced by solunar periods. Major solunar windows consistently produce the most aggressive surface feeding, especially when they overlap with an incoming tide on the flats.

Best Time of Year

Monthly activity rating for Southeast US inshore waters:

Techniques & Tactics

Sight Fishing Tailing Fish

The ultimate redfish experience. Wade or pole slowly across shallow flats on an incoming tide. Wear polarized sunglasses. Look for copper flashes, nervous water, or tails waving above the surface. Cast 3–4 feet ahead of the fish, not at it. A weedless gold spoon or DOA shrimp landing quietly ahead of the tail and retrieved slowly is the classic presentation.

Oyster Bar Fishing

Fish the upcurrent edge of oyster bars on incoming tide. Redfish stack here waiting for bait swept over the bar. A swim jig with a craw trailer or a weedless spoon worked along the bar edge is highly effective. On outgoing tide, shift to the downcurrent face.

Creek Drains on Falling Tide

One of the most reliable redfish patterns. As marsh water drains through tidal creeks on falling tide, redfish stack at creek mouths inhaling everything that washes out. Position at the mouth and free-line a live shrimp or DOA shrimp into the current. Multiple fish in one spot is common.

Top Lures & Baits

Pro Tips

• Use the solunar table. Major solunar periods during incoming tide on a grass flat produce the most consistent redfish action of any tide/moon combination.
• Approach into the sun. Sun at your back makes tailing fish nearly invisible. Sun in your face lets you see copper flashes in the water 30+ feet away.
• Go weedless. Most redfish habitat is weedy. A weedless hook or Texas-rigged soft plastic eliminates hang-ups and lets you fish tight to structure.
• Set the hook late on topwater. Wait until you feel the weight of the fish before sweeping the rod. Redfish often miss or swirl on the first strike.
• September is the best month. Fall feeding frenzy + spawning aggregations + cooling water = the pinnacle of Florida redfish fishing.