How to Catch Redfish: Techniques and Best Spots

Redfish Fishing: Everything You Need to Know About Red Drum

Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also called red drum, are powerful coastal game fish prized for their aggressive strikes and stubborn fights. These reddish-bronze beauties feature a distinctive black spot near the tail and inhabit everything from shallow grass flats to deep offshore waters along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Whether you're sight casting on skinny water or bottom fishing near jetties, understanding redfish behavior and habitat dramatically improves your catch rate.

What is a Redfish?

Redfish are robust, copper-colored fish built for power rather than speed. That signature black spot near the tail isn't just for looks. It's an evolutionary trick that fools predators into attacking the wrong end, giving the fish a fighting chance to escape.

These fish adapt to different environments throughout their lives. Smaller "puppy drum" hang out in shallow estuaries and marshes where they feed on shrimp and small crabs. As they grow into mature "bull reds" exceeding 27 inches, many move to deeper waters and offshore structures. Some, though, stay in the shallows their entire lives, especially in areas with extensive estuaries and marshes, which is what makes inshore redfish fishing so consistently productive.

Redfish feed opportunistically, which means they'll eat whatever's available and easy to catch. Their diet centers on crustaceans like blue crabs, fiddler crabs, and shrimp, but they also hammer small fish when the opportunity presents itself. This varied diet is why both live bait and artificial lures work so well.

The species has faced serious conservation challenges. Overfishing in the 1980s decimated populations, but strict regulations brought them back. Most coastal states now enforce size and bag limits, with many areas designating redfish as gamefish only, prohibiting commercial harvest entirely. Older bull reds play a critical role in spawning and are managed primarily as catch-and-release resources in many states to maintain healthy populations.

Captain William Toney catches Homosassa redfish with pinfish

Where Can You Catch Redfish?

Redfish inhabit coastal waters from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, down the Atlantic Coast through Florida and across the Gulf of Mexico to northern Mexico. The best redfish fishing locations concentrate in specific regions where habitat and conditions align perfectly.

Gulf of Mexico (Premier Redfish Territory)

The Gulf Coast produces some of the most consistent redfish action in the country. Louisiana's vast marshlands and the Mississippi River Delta create the ideal nursery habitat that's earned the state its "Redfish Capital of the World" nickname. Texas offers equally impressive fishing along its entire coast, particularly around Galveston Bay, Matagorda Bay, and the Laguna Madre. Florida's Gulf Coast, from the Panhandle down through Homosassa and into Tampa Bay, holds massive populations in its grass flats and oyster-studded backwaters. Alabama's Mobile Bay and Mississippi's coastal marshes round out the Gulf options.

Atlantic Coast

Florida's Atlantic side features world-class redfish habitat in the Indian River Lagoon and Mosquito Lagoon, both famous for sight fishing opportunities. The Carolinas produce excellent action, especially in the fall when bull reds stage near inlets and beaches. Chesapeake Bay in Virginia and Maryland offers quality fishing, though populations thin out as you move north.

Florida Keys

The backcountry flats of the Keys hold localized populations of redfish year-round, though they're often overshadowed by tarpon, bonefish, and permit in this region.

Within these areas, redfish gravitate toward specific structures. Look for them around oyster bars that provide both food and ambush points. Grass flats with potholes and edges produce well, especially during higher tides. Docks, mangrove shorelines, and creek mouths all concentrate fish. As they mature, many redfish frequent deeper channels, passes, and jetties, particularly during spawning season in the fall.

Winter Redfish caught by William Toney in Homosassa

When is the Best Time to Fish for Redfish?

Fall (September through November) offers the absolute best redfish fishing of the year. Fish school up aggressively and feed heavily before and during their spawning runs. Bull reds congregate near inlets, passes, and beaches, often in massive schools that create explosive action. You'll find fish in both shallow flats and deeper water during this period.

seasonal redfish behavior patterns diagram

Spring fishing becomes more consistent as water temperatures climb into the mid-60s. Redfish shake off their winter lethargy and move into shallow feeding areas. Grass flats and shorelines produce well throughout the day.

Summer redfish fishing requires adjusting to the heat. Fish are active but avoid the midday sun by feeding aggressively at dawn and dusk. Target deeper potholes, channel edges, and shaded structure during the heat of the day. Early morning topwater action can be exceptional.

Winter fishing slows down but remains productive, especially in southern regions like Florida and Louisiana where water temperatures stay relatively mild. In northern areas, water can drop into the upper 40s during cold fronts. Fish seek deeper, warmer water and become less aggressive. Slow your presentations and focus on areas with dark bottoms that absorb heat, deeper channels, and protected backwaters.

Tidal movement influences redfish behavior more than any other single factor, regardless of season. Incoming tides push fish onto flats and into backwaters to feed. Outgoing tides concentrate them in channels and around structure. The first two hours of tidal movement often produce the best action.

Redfish Fishing Courses

Live Bait for Pressured Redfish with Capt. William Toney

Winter Redfish - William Toney

image depicting state and federal redfish regulations

Redfish Regulations by State

Fishing Hacks to Catch More Redfish

How to Catch Redfish - Spring Fishing with William Toney

Best Live Bait for Redfish

Dead of Winter Fishing on Florida's Gulf Coast

Winter Fishing Florida's Gulf Coast: Cold Front Tactics

Captain William Toney with a nice redfish caught on a gold spoon

Redfish - How Tides Effect Feeding Behavior

summer redfish caught with captain william toney

Florida Gulf Coast Summer Redfish Fishing Techniques

homosassa inshore fishing winter redfish

Winter Redfish Fishing: Cold Water Tactics That Work

How Do You Catch Redfish?

Redfish respond to multiple fishing approaches, which is part of what makes them such popular targets. Your choice of technique depends on water depth, clarity, season, and personal preference.

Sight Fishing for Tailing Redfish

Nothing beats the thrill of spotting a redfish tail breaking the surface as the fish roots for crabs in shallow water. This visual hunting requires stealth, precise casting, and often happens in water less than two feet deep. You'll spot fish by looking for their copper backs, nervous water, or that telltale tail waving in the air.

Success in sight fishing for redfish demands quiet approaches. Whether you're wading, using a kayak, or poling a skiff, minimize noise and water disturbance. Polarized sunglasses are essential for cutting through surface glare. Cast beyond the fish and retrieve your bait or lure past them rather than landing it on their heads.

Fishing Shallow Flats

Flats fishing covers vast areas of knee to waist-deep water with grass, sand, or mud bottoms. This technique works whether you're sight fishing or blind casting to likely structure. Focus on potholes within grass beds, shoreline edges, oyster bars, and areas where current creates ambush points.

During high tides, redfish push far onto flats to feed. As tides fall, they retreat to deeper potholes and channel edges. Learning to read these patterns on your local flats shortens your learning curve significantly.

Fly Fishing Techniques

Fly fishing for redfish has exploded in popularity over the past two decades. These fish eat flies aggressively and fight hard on fly tackle. Effective patterns include crab imitations, shrimp patterns, and small baitfish flies in sizes 2 to 2/0.

Eight to nine-weight rods handle most situations, though you might want a 10-weight for bull reds. Floating lines work for most inshore scenarios where redfish feed, while intermediate or sinking lines help when targeting fish in deeper channels and passes. Leaders should be 9 to 12 feet with 12 to 20-pound tippet depending on conditions.

Inshore Structure Fishing

This approach targets deeper water around docks, bridges, jetties, and channel edges. It's particularly effective during summer heat, winter cold, and when fishing for larger bull reds. You can use heavier tackle and fish various baits from cut mullet to live pinfish.

Kayak Fishing Advantages

Kayaks provide the perfect platform for accessing skinny water that larger boats can't reach. The silent approach and low profile help you get close to wary fish. Modern fishing kayaks offer stability, storage, and the mobility to cover water efficiently while maintaining stealth.

Nearshore and Offshore Bull Reds

Mature redfish frequent deeper structures including nearshore reefs, wrecks, and jetties. Fall brings massive bull reds to beaches and passes during spawning runs. These fish require heavier tackle, stronger leaders, and often larger baits than their inshore cousins.

What's the Best Live Bait for Redfish?

live shrimp spread out on table for fishing

Live shrimp reign as the most consistently productive redfish bait across all regions and seasons. Their natural scent, movement, and availability make them hard to beat. Hook them through the horn (between the eyes) for freelining or under a popping cork for added attraction.

Pinfish are my personal favorite for targeting larger redfish, especially around structure. These hardy baitfish stay lively on the hook and their spiny dorsal fin actually protects them from smaller predators, ensuring your bait reaches the fish you're targeting. Hook them through the back behind the dorsal fin, avoiding the spine.

Small blue crabs produce well, particularly in areas with hard shell or oyster bottom. Remove the claws so they can't grab onto structure, and hook them through the back corner of the shell. Fiddler crabs work great in marsh environments where redfish actively hunt them.

Croakers and other small baitfish create vibrations and sounds that attract redfish in murky water or when visibility is limited. Mullet, both live and cut, work well for bull reds. Cut bait like menhaden produces good results when fishing deeper water or when targeting less aggressive fish.

The most effective live bait for redfish often depends on what's naturally available in your fishing area. Match the local forage and you'll typically outfish someone using baits the fish don't regularly see.

William Toney holds a pinfish prior to rigging

Rigging Live Bait Effectively

Circle hooks between 3/0 and 5/0 work perfectly for most live bait presentations. These hooks typically catch fish in the corner of the mouth, making releases easier and healthier for the fish. For larger bull reds, step up to 6/0 or 7/0.

Fluorocarbon leaders in the 20 to 30-pound range provide abrasion resistance against oyster bars and structure while remaining relatively invisible. Keep leaders between 18 and 24 inches for most situations.

When rigging shrimp or small baitfish, you want natural movement. Hook placement matters. Through the back allows free swimming but may limit hooksets. Through the lips gives better hook exposure but restricts movement slightly. Experiment to find what works best in your conditions.

Popping corks add sound and vibration that attracts redfish from a distance. The cork suspends your bait at a specific depth and creates a popping sound when twitched. This combination of visual, auditory, and scent attraction triggers aggressive strikes. Use 12 to 18 inches of leader below the cork depending on water depth and the zone you're targeting.

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Live Bait Fishing FAQ

How deep should I fish live bait for redfish?

Most redfish feed within 1 to 4 feet of the bottom, though they'll occasionally feed higher in the water column. In shallow flats, fish your bait near the bottom. In deeper channels or around structure, suspend bait 1 to 2 feet off the bottom using a popping cork or adjust your weight accordingly.

Can I catch redfish with dead bait?

Absolutely. Cut pinfish, mullet, menhaden, and even shrimp work well, especially for bull reds near passes and inlets. Fresh cut bait often outperforms old frozen bait due to better scent dispersion.

What's the best hook for circle hook fishing?

Non-offset circle hooks in 3/0 to 5/0 provide the best hookup ratio while allowing easy releases. Avoid setting the hook hard. Just reel steadily when you feel weight and let the circle hook do its job.

How long should my leader be?

Keep leaders between 18 and 24 inches for most situations. Longer leaders can tangle, while shorter ones may spook fish in clear, shallow water. Adjust based on water clarity and fishing conditions.

What Artificial Lures Work Best for Redfish?

Soft plastic swimbaits dominate the artificial lure category for redfish. Paddle tail designs between 3 and 5 inches mimic the baitfish and shrimp that redfish eat constantly. Colors like white, gold, chartreuse, and rootbeer red produce consistently, with darker colors working better in murky water and natural colors excelling in clear conditions.

Rig soft plastics on jig heads weighted appropriately for water depth. Quarter-ounce jigs handle most shallow water situations, while half-ounce heads work better in deeper water or current. Weedless rigging with a wide gap hook protects your lure when fishing heavy grass or oyster bars.

Gold spoons are deadly on redfish. Johnson Silver Minnows and similar weedless spoons in gold or gold-and-chartreuse flutter through the water column mimicking wounded baitfish. They cast well, cover water efficiently, and rarely hang up in grass. Vary your retrieve speed from slow rolls to quick burns to trigger strikes.

Topwater plugs create explosive strikes when conditions align. Early morning and late evening during warmer months offer prime topwater opportunities. Walk-the-dog lures like Zara Spooks work well in deeper potholes and around structure. Popper-style lures create surface commotion that attracts aggressive feeders.

Additional productive redfish lures include shallow-running crankbaits that imitate mullet or pinfish, paddle tail jigs in natural colors, and soft plastic jerk baits worked with an erratic retrieve.

Artificial Lure Techniques

Your retrieve matters as much as your lure choice. For soft plastics, a slow, steady retrieve with occasional twitches mimics natural baitfish movement. Let the lure occasionally touch bottom, then lift it with a short pop of the rod tip.

Spoons perform best with a medium to fast retrieve that creates flutter and flash. Occasionally let them flutter to the bottom on slack line, then resume your retrieve. This change in cadence often triggers following fish.

Topwater lures require patience. Walk-the-dog plugs need a rhythmic rod tip action that creates a side-to-side swimming motion. Pause occasionally. Poppers should be worked with distinct pops followed by brief pauses. Don't set the hook on the explosion. Wait until you feel weight.

Artificial Lure FAQ

What color lures work best for redfish?

In clear water, natural colors like white, pearl, or translucent shrimp patterns work best. Murky water calls for brighter colors like chartreuse, pink, or gold that create better visibility. Gold spoons produce year-round regardless of conditions.

How fast should I retrieve lures for redfish?

Slower retrieves generally outproduce fast ones, especially in cooler water. Match your retrieve speed to water temperature and fish activity levels. Don't be afraid to experiment within each session.

Do redfish hit topwater lures?

Absolutely, and the strikes are explosive. Topwater works best during low-light periods and when water temperatures exceed 70°F. Calm conditions allow fish to better locate surface lures.

What size soft plastics should I use?

Three to four inches handles most situations. Downsize to 2.5 to 3 inches in extremely shallow water or when fish are finicky. Upsize to 5 inches when targeting bull reds or in deeper water.

What Gear and Rigs Do You Need for Redfish?

Medium to medium-heavy spinning rods between 7 and 7.5 feet provide the perfect balance of casting distance, sensitivity, and fish-fighting power for redfish. This length handles both close-quarters casting around docks and longer casts across flats.

Pair your rod with a quality 3000 to 4000 series spinning reel. Look for smooth drags and sealed bearings that handle saltwater exposure. Baitcasting gear works equally well for experienced anglers, particularly around heavy cover where added power helps.

Braided line in 10 to 20-pound test gives you superior sensitivity, casting distance, and hookset power compared to monofilament. The lack of stretch helps you feel subtle bites and set hooks effectively, especially at longer distances. Braid's thin diameter also cuts through wind better.

Always attach a fluorocarbon leader to your braid. The leader provides abrasion resistance against oysters and structure while remaining nearly invisible to fish. Twenty to thirty-pound fluorocarbon handles most situations, though you might drop to 15-pound in extremely clear water or bump up to 40-pound for bull reds around heavy structure.

Essential knots include the uni-to-uni for connecting braid to fluorocarbon leader and the improved clinch knot or loop knot for tying terminal tackle. The loop knot allows lures more freedom of movement, often increasing their effectiveness.

Effective Redfish Rigs

Popping cork rigs combine sound, visual attraction, and bait suspension. Thread your line through the cork, add a bead and swivel, then attach your leader with hook and bait. The setup creates noise that draws fish from a distance while keeping your bait in the strike zone.

Carolina rigs work well when fishing cut bait or larger live baits in deeper water. The sliding sinker allows fish to take bait without feeling weight, increasing hookup percentages. Use a 1/2 to 1-ounce egg sinker, a bead, a barrel swivel, 18 to 24 inches of leader, and your hook.

Standard jig head rigs keep things simple for artificial lures. Match jig weight to depth and current. Thread your soft plastic straight onto the jig head, ensuring it's straight to maximize action.

William Toney teaching fishing course on Redfish Popping Cork Rig

Gear FAQ

What pound test line for redfish?

Ten to fifteen-pound braid with a 20 to 30-pound fluorocarbon leader handles most redfish situations. Heavier setups (20-pound braid, 40-pound leader) make sense for bull reds around structure.

Do I need a wire leader for redfish?

No. Redfish don't have teeth that cut through fluorocarbon like bluefish or mackerel do. Wire leaders reduce strikes significantly.

What's the best hook for redfish fishing?

Circle hooks between 3/0 and 5/0 provide excellent hookup ratios and easier releases. J-hooks work fine but require better timing on hooksets. Match hook size to bait size.

Can I use freshwater gear for redfish?

Light freshwater bass gear works for smaller redfish in protected waters, but saltwater-rated equipment handles corrosion better and typically features stronger components for larger fish.

Frequently Asked Questions About Redfish

Are redfish good to eat?

Smaller redfish (under 27 inches) provide excellent table fare with mild, firm, white meat. Larger bull reds tend to be less palatable and often contain higher levels of contaminants. In some states, health advisories recommend limiting meals from large red drum due to mercury accumulation, which is another reason many anglers release bulls. Most anglers practice catch-and-release on bull reds, keeping smaller fish for the table when legal.

How big do redfish get?

Redfish commonly reach 20 to 30 inches and 5 to 15 pounds. Trophy bull reds exceed 40 inches and can weigh over 40 pounds. The world record stands at 94 pounds, 2 ounces, caught in North Carolina.

What's the difference between redfish and red drum?

They're the same fish. "Redfish" is more commonly used in the Gulf of Mexico, while "red drum" sees more use along the Atlantic Coast. Both names refer to Sciaenops ocellatus.

Can you catch redfish from shore?

Absolutely. Redfish regularly feed in water shallow enough to reach from shore. Target areas near structure like docks, jetties, creek mouths, and oyster bars. Beach fishing produces well during fall spawning runs.

Why do redfish have black spots?

The spot near the tail is thought to confuse predators by resembling an eye, causing them to attack the wrong end of the fish. This gives the redfish a better chance to escape. Some redfish have multiple spots, while others have none.

What time of day is best for redfish?

Dawn and dusk typically produce the most aggressive feeding activity, especially during summer months. However, redfish feed throughout the day when conditions are right. Tidal movement often matters more than time of day.

How do you handle redfish for release?

Wet your hands before touching fish to protect their slime coat. Support their weight horizontally rather than vertically by the jaw. Minimize air exposure and avoid touching their gills. Revive exhausted fish by moving them gently forward and backward in the water until they swim away strongly.

What's the slot limit for redfish?

Regulations vary significantly by state and even by specific water bodies. Most states enforce slot limits protecting breeding-size fish, typically keeping fish between 18 and 27 inches. Always check current local regulations before fishing.

Do redfish bite at night?

Yes, especially around lighted docks and bridges that attract baitfish. Night fishing can be extremely productive during summer months when fish avoid daytime heat.

William Toney explaining Fishing Techniques for Sight Casting Redfish

Building Your Redfish Success

Consistent redfish fishing success comes from understanding the species, reading conditions, and adapting your approach. These fish offer something for every angler, from sight fishing in ankle-deep water to battling bull reds near offshore structure.

Start with the fundamentals. Learn to read water and identify likely holding spots. Understand how tides influence fish movement and feeding. Master a few proven techniques rather than trying to do everything at once. Your local waters will teach you patterns that apply season after season.

Conservation matters. These fish faced near extinction before regulations restored populations. Practice proper catch and release techniques. Follow size and bag limits. Consider keeping smaller fish for the table while releasing the breeding-size bulls that maintain healthy populations for future generations.

The beauty of redfish lies in their accessibility. You don't need expensive boats or specialized gear to catch them consistently. A simple spinning outfit, some live bait or artificial lures, and knowledge of good fishing spots puts you in the game. Whether you're wading grass flats, paddling a kayak through marshes, or running offshore to target bull reds, these bronze-backed warriors deliver memorable fishing experiences.

Seth Horne In The Spread,
Chief Creator

Redfish Fishing: Species, Baits, and Tactics