The redfish is found from southern New Jersey to Florida and all across the Gulf Coast. Redfish are primarily found inshore and they are very popular among recreational anglers. Most redfish range from 5 to 15 pounds, but the big bull redfish can weigh as much as 70 pounds.
Habitat
Redfish are found primarily inshore. They can be found near bridges, piers, jetties, near docks, in the surf, in bays and in tidal creeks. Redfish will be found inshore year-round, which is one of the reasons why they are so popular among anglers.
How to Catch Redfish
You can catch redfish many different ways. Redfish can be found in so many different places inshore, but the tides usually dictate when and how they feed. In the shallows, a high tide will help position redfish along the shorelines, on the flats, near the mangroves and other types of shallow cover. Most anglers will target redfish on the flats, where you can often sight fish for them. During low tides, redfish will move off of the flats and into the deeper water nearby. The cuts and channels will provide some of the best fishing opportunities during a low tide. If you are fishing deeper water near a bridge, pier, pass or in the bay, you have a better chance of finding some of the bigger bull redfish (redfish that are over 27 inches). Redfish can be caught on shrimp, crabs and many different types of bait fish. Live baits and cut baits work well for redfish.
Redfish Fishing Tips & Techniques
- Redfish Fishing Basics
- Fishing Lures for Redfish
- Fishing Rigs for Redfish
- Live Baits for Redfish
- View all Redfish Fishing Tips & Techniques
Eating Redfish
Redfish taste excellent. The smaller fish have a reputation for tasting better than the bigger redfish. After filleting the fish, it is common to eat redfish blackened, barbecued and fried.
Plan a Redfish Fishing Vacation
There are so many great vacation destinations that offer excellent fishing for redfish. The nice thing about fishing for redfish is that many of the areas that you may visit will also have good inshore fishing for sea trout, snook, tarpon, jacks and other species that can offer you some excitement while waiting for that next redfish bite. The Gulf Coast has some of the best places to fish for redfish, but don’t rule out some of the great destinations on the Atlantic Coast. There are some very good fishing destinations from North Carolina on down the coast. Take a look at some of the best redfish fishing vacation destinations.