The redfish or red drum has become one of the most sought after fish on the Gulf and Atlantic shores. Primarily an inshore fish, it became popular as a food fish after being offered as blackened redfish in New Orleans restaurants.
It became popular as a game fish as more former bass tournament anglers got turned on to inshore saltwater fishing. It now is the target of numerous professional redfish tournaments. Here are some articles and information on catching these beautiful spot tail bass.
The Red Drum, also known as the Redfish or Channel Bass, are beautiful with some having a reddish overall coloration and one or more dark spots at the base of the tail. It feeds at the bottom on crustaceans and mollusks. It also takes small fish, especially mullet. The adult weight is usually under 40 pounds but can reach up to the 90 pound range.
The Redfish is a super-challenging opponent on the grass beds and flats of Florida and the Gulf of Mexico. The shallower the water, the more thrilling the fight. The bulk of small marine life and food will be found in shallow water around structures and near grassy cover. This offers the small fish, crustaceans and mollusks protection from predators. Therefore, Redfish will be found near this abundant food supply.
Redfish are very wary and will spook very easily. This is especially true in shallow or very clear water. Approach quietly with a push pole taking extra care not to make any unnecessary noises.
Incoming tides bring with it food, bait fish, etc. that the Redfish will feed on. Also, small crabs and shrimp become more active on the incoming tide enticing the Redfish to feed at those locations. The opposite is true for outgoing tides – as the water withdraws, the Redfish will wait and feed on whatever bait is carried back out with the tide. Channels and deeper areas are good places to find Redfish on an outgoing tide. Work these locations for some terrific action.
Shrimp, pinfish, small crabs, finger mullet, and cut baits are excellent for catching Redfish. They can be fished under a float or free-lined into currents past structures or grass flats where the fish are.
There are several artificial lures that work well in catching Redfish. They include a gold spoon, several varieties of MurroLure, and jigs. Fish these around structures during rising and falling tides.
Dead bait can also be the best choice at times. Any cut slab of filet from mullet, croaker, pinfish, etc. will work.
Tackle:
Tackle selection could include spinning or bait casting gear, 10 to 20 lb rating and a 1/0 to 5/0 hook. Reds will readily hit artificials such as plastic grubs and topwaters, but are more frequently caught using llive or dead bait.
Good luck from Captain Charlie !