Redfish are the defining fish of the American Gulf Coast — bronze-colored, hard-fighting, and often visible in water so shallow you can see their tails waving above the surface. Sight fishing for tailing redfish on a calm morning flat is one of the most exciting experiences in all of saltwater fishing.
Understanding Redfish
Redfish (red drum, Sciaenops ocellatus) live their first few years in the shallow inshore waters where they’re targeted by most anglers — “slot fish” typically from 18–27 inches (legal size varies by state). After several years, redfish “go oversize” (bull reds) and eventually migrate offshore in large spawning schools. The fall bull red run offshore is a spectacular fishery of its own.
Identifying feature: One or more black spots at the base of the tail. Nearly every redfish has at least one — a natural target that may confuse predators attacking from the rear.
Where to Find Redfish
Grass Flats
Shallow (1–4 foot) flats covered in seagrass (turtle grass, shoal grass) are prime redfish habitat. Redfish root through the grass and soft bottom for crabs, shrimp, and other invertebrates. On calm mornings, you can see them:
Tailing: Nose-down, tail waving above the surface — a redfish feeding hard on the bottom. Cast 5–10 feet ahead and to the side, retrieve the lure slowly past the fish.
Waking: A V-shaped wake moving through shallow water — a redfish moving at a pace. Lead the fish by 15+ feet.
Pushing: A boil or mud puff on the surface — a redfish digging into the bottom.
Oyster Reefs and Bars
Oyster structure concentrates prey: small crabs, shrimp, and small fish all shelter in oyster clusters. Redfish work oyster bars at high tide (when they can access the top) and hold at the edges during low tide. Weedless gold spoons and popping cork rigs with live shrimp are the go-to around oyster structure.
Marsh Edges and Tidal Creeks
The edges of spartina marsh grass are classic redfish territory at rising and falling tides. At high tide, redfish move into the interior marsh grass to feed; on the outgoing tide, they funnel out through tidal creek mouths — a perfect ambush point for anglers. Cast a gold spoon or paddle tail swimbait parallel to the marsh edge, or station yourself at a creek mouth on the falling tide.
Mangroves
In Florida, south Texas, and along the Gulf, mangrove shorelines provide shade, structure, and prey. Redfish hold tight under the prop roots. Cast a weedless gold spoon or soft plastic right into the mangroves and work it out — redfish won’t chase far.
Seasonal Patterns
Spring
Post-winter redfish become active on warming flats. Tailing and feeding activity picks up with water temp above 60°F. Gold spoon and popping cork fishing is excellent.
Summer
Redfish are at peak activity but often move into very shallow water during the hottest part of the day for oxygen or comfort. Early morning and late afternoon/evening fishing is most productive. Fly fishing for tailing fish is outstanding.
Fall — Bull Red Run
The most spectacular redfish event of the year: schools of 30–60 pound bull redfish gather at passes and nearshore in massive aggregations for the spawn. Cast large lures (3oz spoons, large swimbaits) into these schools from boats or piers. This is the only time of year very large redfish are routinely caught in numbers.
Winter
In the northern Gulf (Texas, Louisiana), redfish move to deeper holes and bayous when water temperature drops below 50°F. Fish a Carolina rig with cut bait on the bottom in protected bayous and channels.
Best Redfish Techniques
Gold Spoon (Sight Fishing and Blind Casting)
The weedless Johnson Gold Minnow or T&T spoon in 1/4–3/8oz is the signature redfish lure. Cast ahead of visible fish, retrieve slowly through the grass — the weedless hook allows it to swim over grass without snagging. The gold flash and vibration triggers redfish from a distance.
Knot: Palomar Knot on 20lb fluorocarbon leader.
Popping Cork Rig
The most productive technique for blind fishing grass flats and oyster reefs. See FAQ above. See also: Bobber rig setup guide.
Carolina Rig
A standard Carolina rig (see our setup guide) with a 1/4–1/2oz sinker and a 2/0 offset hook with a shrimp-profile soft plastic or live shrimp is excellent for blind fishing sandy and sandy-mud bottom areas.
Fly Fishing
Redfish are a top fly rod target in Florida, Texas, and Louisiana. An 8–10 weight rod with a floating or intermediate line, a 20lb fluorocarbon leader, and a weedless Clouser Minnow or shrimp pattern in gold/chartreuse is the standard fly fishing setup. Sight cast to tailing fish — a perfect cast 5 feet ahead of a tailing red is one of fly fishing’s great moments.
Knots for Redfish
- Braid to leader: FG Knot or Double Uni Knot
- Leader to lure or hook: Palomar Knot
- Fluorocarbon leader: 20–30lb is standard — heavier is not necessary except for bull reds in the fall run