There are so many great places to fish and different species of fish to catch. However, one of the most exciting to pursue is the redfish, which is also known as red drum, red fish or reds. These salt water fish don’t give up and provide some of the best fighting action you can find anywhere.
You can identify redfish by the black spot on their tails. Redfish have blunted nose, a chin without barbs and a wide mouth. Redfish have a reddish copper and bronze coloring on their body in water. Their belly and underside is pure white. They have from one to fifty spots at base of their tail and are rarely seen without any spots whatsoever.
Where to Fish for Reds – Redfish thrive and are in great abundance in the marsh and coastal waters of Louisiana, Texas, Florida and Alabama where they can be fished all year round. One of the most productive areas to catch redfish is in the brackish water where the rivers meet the ocean. Young fish called juveniles are inshore fish, occupying bays, creeks and rivers. When they reach the age of 4 and approximately thirty inches long, they move out towards the sea to join the spawning population offshore.
Redfish Size – Redfish are tough fish that can quickly tear up your light fishing tackle. Catches of twenty pounds or more are very common. Fishing regulations vary, but the average minimum length is approximately 20 inches long. Three year old red drums typically weigh 6 to 8 lb and the largest one on record weighed over 94 lbs!
Tackle for Redfish – Light or medium spinning tackle with 15 to 20 lb test line is sufficient for most redfish applications. Reds will strike artificials such as top-water lures and plastic grubs, however using live or dead bait will result in more strikes. Terminal tackle uses a bottom fishing rig with swivel, leader, weight and a 5/0 hook.
Redfish Bait – Live shrimp, mud minnows, mullet and small blue crabs or half a larger blue crab work well too. Live bait is preferred, but you can certainly use dead bait as needed to catch reds. Artificial lures like jigs and crankbaits resembling minnows or shrimp work well on these fish too. Make sure the hooks on your bait are altered to a heavy duty treble, or you will wind up with a missed opportunities and bent hooks. Be prepared or these fish can destroy your rigs.
Redfish angling techniques – Red drum or redfish can be caught using several different methods. Probably the most commonly utilized strategy for fishing redfish is to anchor next to the edge of a channel or shoal and bottom fish. Use cut bait such as peeler crab lure, squid, cut spot and even chicken will work.
Fishing for redfish is a memorable experience that you will never forget. They are plentiful, will give you a fight and are absolutely delicious as well. Book your redfish trip today and get in on the action!
