← Species
🐟🌊 Saltwater
Redfish (Red Drum)
Sciaenops ocellatus
The most approachable saltwater inshore fish — hard fighters on shallow flats
📅 When to Fish
◐
J◐
F●
M★
A★
M★
J●
J●
A★
S★
O●
N◐
D○ Low◐ Fair● Good★ Prime
Habitat
Shallow grass flats, oyster bars, salt marshes, and estuaries along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts.
Best Season
Fall is prime. Spring also excellent.
Best Times
Moving tides are most productive.
Record
94 lbs 2 oz
Ideal Water Temp
60–85°F
Top Lures & Baits
- •Gold spoon
- •Soft plastic paddle tail
- •Popping cork with shrimp
- •Live shrimp on a jig head
🔍 Identification
Copper-bronze body with one or more black spots at base of tail (diagnostic). Slightly subterminal mouth. Red-orange iridescent color on back and sides.
🍽️ Eating Quality
Excellent — white, firm, mild flesh. Redfish on the half shell (scaled side down on grill) is iconic Gulf Coast cuisine.
📍 Where to Find It
TexasLouisianaMississippiAlabamaFlorida Gulf CoastAtlantic Coast to Virginia
🎣 Beginner Tip
On a rising tide, wade a flat quietly and look for tails sticking out of the water. Cast a gold spoon 3 feet ahead.