Redfish are found mainly in the southern Atlantic. They are plentiful and one of the most sought-after fish in this area. Their abundance makes them an excellent option for both recreational and commercial fishing.
Redfish are also called red drum. They can live up to 60 years, and their size runs between 30 and 60 inches, making this fish quite a catch! Typically they mature at about 30 inches, however.
Interestingly, male red drums make a “drum” sound in their swim bladders during the spawning season — hence their nickname.
How to Catch Redfish
Fishing for redfish can be both relaxing and challenging. As all fishermen can attest, you need to have patience and enjoy the adventure. While fishing can at times be frustrating, it is overall a very relaxing sport, so the first rule is enjoy!
Finding a hot spot for redfish requires a little research and experience. They’re most often found in the Gulf of Mexico but can also be located and plentiful all along the east Atlantic coast. You are less likely to find them north of New Jersey, however.
Successfully catching redfish depends more on where you are fishing for them than your baiting technique. For example, fishing the Florida Keys requires poling the flat areas around places like Islamorada to potentially catch several different species to include red, snook, tarpon, and speckled trout.
If you are looking for variety, this is the way to go. When the tide is low, you can even sight cast redfish in shallow water.
The Best Bait for Redfish
Choosing the best live bait or artificial lure can make a big difference in your fishing experience. The good news is that redfish aren’t fussy eaters, and when they hook, they hook HARD. That is what makes them so desirable to fish for.
It also helps that they are quite tasty when prepared correctly — but we’ll get to that shortly.
There are three main factors that make a difference in the types of bait you’ll want to choose:
- The time of year/season you are fishing in (summer/fall vs. spring/winter)
- The technique you are using to fish them (sight casting/fly fishing or surf fishing)
- Location and water type ( clearwater/turbit/ flats)
You’ll need to adapt to the types of water you’re fishing in to get your catch. Redfish are bottom feeders and prefer grassy bottoms. They have excellent vision and tend to scoop up their food with their wide, downturned mouths.
During the summer and fall season, crabs, shrimp, and even sand dollars seem to be attractive to the redfish.
In spring and summer, a good mixture we suggest is mullet, spot, and pinfish. Live crab is also a HUGE attractant for redfish. Their large mouths are able to gulp the crab whole.
Sight casting is one of the easiest ways to catch redfish. The name says it all: you literally look for the fish in the water and throw your line. It can be quite addicting because it usually works pretty well. Live finger mullets work very well for this.
Tip: Here’s a quick demonstration to give you an idea of how to bait mullets on a hook.
Rattle plugs and jigs are a great choice if you’re going with artificial lures. Rattle plugs have an interesting inside rattle chamber that shakes metal pieces inside with the movement of the lure — thus attracting the redfish.
All you really need to do is try some experimentation when fishing for reds, and you’ll soon find the method and bait that works best for your area. Figuring out the best way to catch them is half the fun!
Easy Redfish Recipes
There is nothing better than the taste of freshly caught redfish to prepare in any number of ways. Blackened, grilled, or sauteed, they are absolutely delicious. A light butter garlic sauce over a filet is divine!
If you prefer a mixture of flavors, try adding some crab to the top with a fine drizzle of lemon butter to finish it off. You can find endless recipes that suit your palate and culinary skills simply by searching the web.
Here are just a few of our favorite redfish recipes to get you started:
Redfish: Fun to Catch & Tasty!
Spending a lazy day casting for redfish is such an entertaining and peaceful pastime. The thrill of hooking one of these amazing fish and then serving it up to friends and family for a wonderful meal is a memory worth making.
Once you’ve done a little research and have chosen your “hot” fishing spot, set your bait and cast your line. In no time at all, you should be landing your fill of these beauties.
In addition, this is a terrific way to spend time with children or grandchildren. Learning to fish and enjoy the great outdoors and all that nature has to offer is time well spent!
