Redfish — also known as red drum or channel bass — is the premier inshore gamefish in Florida. Fast, aggressive, and available year-round on the flats, in the grass, and along the mangrove edges, catching redfish is the obsession that drives most Florida inshore anglers out of bed before sunrise every weekend.
Whether you're new to inshore fishing or a seasoned flats angler looking to dial in your technique, this guide covers everything you need to know about how to catch redfish in Florida.
Understanding Florida Redfish
The red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) is an estuarine species that spends most of its life in coastal waters, bays, estuaries, and inshore grass flats. In Florida, redfish are present year-round and are arguably the most targeted inshore species in the state.
Key facts:
- Florida slot limit: 18-27 inches (1 fish per person per day)
- Identifying marks: Bronze/copper coloration, one or more black spots at the base of the tail
- Habitat: Grass flats, oyster bars, mangrove edges, creek mouths, docks
- Peak activity: Moving tides, dawn and dusk, overcast days
Best Baits for Redfish
Live Bait
Live shrimp is the gold standard for Florida redfish. Fish it under a popping cork over grass flats or free-lined in creeks and around structure. Nothing out-produces live shrimp when the reds are active.
Finger mullet is equally deadly, especially for larger fish. Free-line a small mullet near oyster bars or drift it behind the boat in tidal creeks during fall mullet runs.
Fiddler crabs and blue crabs work exceptionally well around oyster bars and rock jetties.
Artificial Lures
Gold spoon — The classic Florida redfish lure. A 3/4 oz weedless gold spoon is the most versatile redfish lure ever made. Chuck it near grass edges, oyster bars, or anywhere you see nervous water. The flash and wobble trigger reaction strikes from redfish that aren't even actively feeding.
DOA Shrimp/CAL paddle tail — The DOA lineup dominates Florida inshore fishing. The 3-inch shrimp on a 1/8 oz jighead is perfect for working grass flats, and the CAL paddle tail in chartreuse is deadly in stained water.
Topwater lures — On calm mornings over shallow flats, nothing beats the explosion of a redfish on a topwater plug. The Heddon Zara Spook in bone or mullet color is a proven producer.
Soft plastic swimbaits — A 3-4 inch paddle tail swimbait on a weedless jighead is perfect for working around oyster bars and in the grass.
Best Tides for Redfish
Tides are the single most important factor in inshore redfish fishing. Here's how to read them:
- Incoming tide: Redfish push up onto the flats to feed as the water rises. Work grass edges and oyster bar points as the tide floods in — this is often the most productive window.
- High tide: Fish move deep into the marsh and mangroves. Work the creek mouths and grass edges closest to deep water.
- Outgoing tide: Fish ambush baitfish at creek mouths and channel edges as the water drains off the flats. Position at a cut or creek mouth and wait for the fish to come to you.
- Low tide: Fish stack in deeper channels, creeks, and holes. This is the time to fish structure — docks, bridge pilings, and deeper creek bends.
Pro tip: The two hours before and after low tide on a strong outgoing tide (especially negative lows) concentrate redfish into predictable ambush points and is often the best fishing of the day.
Sight Fishing for Redfish
Sight fishing — spotting fish in shallow water and casting to them — is the pinnacle of inshore redfish fishing. Here's what to look for:
- Tailing redfish: Fish with their tails out of the water as they root in the grass or mud for crabs and shrimp. Most common during early morning low tides.
- Waking fish: A V-shaped wake moving through shallow water — a redfish cruising just under the surface.
- Nervous water: Small ripples or surface disturbance in otherwise calm water — baitfish being pushed by redfish below.
- Pushes: A visible bulge of water moving through the grass as a fish displaces water with its body.
For sight fishing, polarized sunglasses are non-negotiable. Copper or amber lenses cut glare and help you see fish in the water column.
Best Seasons for Redfish in Florida
Spring (March-May): Excellent slot redfish action on the flats. Fish are active and spread out. Morning low tides on grass flats produce tailing fish.
Summer (June-August): Early morning fishing is key — be on the water before 8am before the heat builds and afternoon storms develop. Fish are active but the window is shorter.
Fall (September-November): The best redfish fishing of the year in most of Florida. Schools of slot reds and bull reds stack up near inlets and in tidal creeks. The mullet run triggers aggressive feeding.
Winter (December-February): Fishing slows but doesn't stop. Target deeper water, south-facing shorelines on sunny days, and fish during the warmest part of the afternoon.
Florida Redfish Regulations
- Bag limit: 1 fish per person per day (recreational)
- Size limit: 18 to 27 inches total length (slot limit)
- License: Florida saltwater fishing license required (unless fishing from a licensed vessel or from shore in your county of residence)
Always check the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for the most current regulations before you fish.
Gear Up Like a Florida Inshore Angler
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Shop Florida Redfish LLC — gear built for the flats and the lifestyle.