Guide to Redfish and Techniques for the Catch

Redfish, also known as red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus), are among the most sought-after saltwater gamefish for anglers in the Southeastern United States. Their beautiful copper-bronze bodies, hard-fighting nature, and delicious flavor make them a favorite among fishermen and food lovers alike. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about redfish—from identification and habits to the best fishing gear, techniques, and even cooking tips.

Redfish Identification

Redfish are relatively easy to identify:

• Body Color: Their bodies are typically copper or bronze with a white underbelly. The intensity of the color can vary depending on the water they inhabit.
• Distinctive Spots: They usually have one or more black spots near the base of the tail.
• Size: Juvenile redfish (called “puppy drum”) are smaller, averaging 1–10 pounds, while mature fish can exceed 40 pounds. Fish over 30 pounds are often referred to as "bull reds."

Redfish are found in a wide range of environments, from shallow flats and estuaries to deep coastal waters.

Feeding Habits

Redfish are opportunistic feeders, which makes them relatively easy to target.

• Diet: Their diet consists of shrimp, crabs, mullet, menhaden, and other baitfish. They also feed on marine worms and small mollusks.
• Feeding Locations: Redfish often forage in grassy flats, oyster bars, or sandy bottoms, using their downturned mouths to root out prey. You’ll know they’re actively feeding when you see them “tailing,” with their tails sticking out of the water.

Spawning Habits and Locations

Spawning is a critical part of the redfish lifecycle, and understanding it can help anglers target larger bull reds.

• When They Spawn: Spawning typically occurs during the late summer and fall (August to November) when water temperatures are between 68°F and 82°F.
• Where They Spawn: Redfish spawn in estuarine waters and nearshore areas with high salinity levels. Popular spawning grounds include the Gulf of Mexico, Mosquito Lagoon, and the Indian River Lagoon.
• Eggs and Larvae: Female redfish can lay millions of eggs, which hatch within 24–36 hours. Juveniles spend their first year in estuaries before moving to deeper waters as they mature.

How Seasons and Temperatures Affect Redfish

Redfish behavior is heavily influenced by the seasons and water temperature.

• Spring: Warmer temperatures encourage feeding activity, making it an excellent time for inshore fishing. Look for redfish around grass flats and oyster beds.
• Summer: Redfish move to deeper channels and cooler waters during the hottest part of the day but are active during early mornings and late evenings.
• Fall: Cooler weather and shorter days trigger the spawning season. This is prime time to catch bull reds near inlets and estuaries.
• Winter: Redfish seek warmer, shallower waters. Tidal creeks, mud flats, and backwaters are good areas to target them.

Best Gear, Line, and Bait for Redfish

• Rod and Reel: A 7-foot medium-action spinning rod paired with a reel capable of holding 200 yards of 10–20 lb braided line is ideal for inshore redfish. For bull reds, consider heavier setups with 30–50 lb braided line.
• Line: Braided lines are preferred for their sensitivity and durability. Use fluorocarbon leaders (15–30 lbs) to prevent line cuts on oyster beds and provide stealth in clear water.
• Hooks: Circle hooks (#2 to 3/0) are excellent for reducing gut-hooking and ensuring better catch-and-release survival.
• Live Bait: Shrimp, pinfish, and mullet are redfish favorites.
• Cut Bait: Fresh cut mullet or menhaden work well for targeting bull reds.
• Artificial Lures: Soft plastic paddle tails, gold spoons, and topwater plugs like Zara Spooks are highly effective. Match lure color to water clarity: lighter colors for clear water, darker shades for murky conditions.

Casting Techniques for Redfish

• Sight Fishing: In shallow water, look for signs like "tailing" or wakes. Cast a few feet ahead of the fish and retrieve slowly.
• Blind Casting: In deeper or murky waters, cast around structure such as oyster bars, docks, or grass edges.
• Skip Casting: Use this technique to reach redfish hiding under mangroves or docks. Practice skipping your bait along the surface to reach tight spaces.
• Drift Fishing: Ideal for deeper channels or estuaries, allow the current to carry your bait naturally into redfish feeding zones.

Tips for Successful Redfish Fishing

1. Scout Locations: Redfish are commonly found in New Smyrna Beach, Mosquito Lagoon, and Florida’s Intracoastal waterways.
2. Follow the Tides: Fish during incoming or outgoing tides when redfish are most active.
3. Be Stealthy: Redfish have excellent hearing and are sensitive to noise. Use a trolling motor or pole your boat quietly.
4. Adjust to Conditions: In murky water, use lures with added vibration, like chatterbaits or rattling plugs.
5. Practice Catch and Release: Large bull reds are breeders and essential for maintaining healthy populations.

Redfish Recipes: From Water to Table

Even though redfish cannot be harvested in Mosquito Lagoon at this time, they are prized for their firm, flaky meat. Here are two ways to enjoy your catch:

Blackened Redfish

Ingredients:

• 2 redfish fillets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• Lemon wedges

Instructions:

1. Preheat a cast-iron skillet until smoking hot.
2. Coat fillets in olive oil and seasoning.
3. Sear each side for 2–3 minutes until blackened.
4. Serve with lemon wedges and a side of rice or vegetables.

Grilled Redfish on the Half Shell

Ingredients:

• 2 redfish fillets (skin on, scales removed)
• 3 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon slices

Instructions:

1. Heat your grill to medium-high.
2. Melt butter and mix with garlic and parsley.
3. Place fillets skin-side down on the grill, brushing with butter mixture.
4. Grill for 8–10 minutes or until the meat flakes easily.
5. Serve with lemon slices.

Let’s Go Fishing!

Redfish are a rewarding catch for anglers of all skill levels, offering thrilling fights and delectable meals. Whether you're sight-fishing the flats of Mosquito Lagoon or targeting bull reds off the coast, understanding their habits, habitats, and preferences will greatly improve your success. Remember to respect local fishing regulations, including slot limits and seasonal closures, to ensure future generations can enjoy the thrill of catching redfish. With the tips, gear recommendations, and recipes outlined above, you're well on your way to making the most of your redfish adventures. Book your next fishing adventure with Code Red Fishing Charters and let’s go fishing!