Redfish 101: How to Catch These Inshore Powerhouses
- Ava Hoch
- 2 days ago
- 1 min read
Redfish, also known as red drum, are one of the most exciting inshore species to target. With their bronze bodies, tailing behavior, and powerful runs, they offer the perfect challenge for anglers of all levels.
Where to Find Redfish
Grass Flats & Marshes: Prime spots during high tide—watch for tailing fish in shallow water.
Oyster Beds & Creeks: Reds love structure and ambush points, especially on moving tides.
Surf & Jetties: In fall, big “bull reds” cruise beaches and jetty edges.
Best Gear
Rod/Reel: 7’ medium-heavy spinning rod, 3,000–4,000 size reel with 10–20 lb braid.
Leader: 15–30 lb fluorocarbon.
Hooks: 2/0–4/0 circle hooks (great for live bait and catch-and-release).
Go-To Baits & Lures
Live Bait: Shrimp, mullet, mud minnows, crab chunks.
Lures: Paddle tail soft plastics, gold spoons, topwater plugs (early morning), and twitch baits.
Top Tips
Fish Moving Water: Incoming and outgoing tides trigger feeding.
Stay Stealthy: Redfish spook easily in skinny water—approach quietly.
Sight Fishing: Use polarized glasses and look for shadows, wakes, or tails.
Respect the Fish
Check local slot limits and release big breeder fish quickly. Conservation keeps the redfish bite strong for the next generation.
Ready to chase tails? Grab your rod and hit the flats; your next redfish battle awaits.
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