Redfish

Where They Live

Redfish work the surf trough, inlet channels, and shallow sound flats. Slot fish (18–27") are often found on the flats and in channels. Bull reds (the big spawning fish) show up in the surf and at the inlets in fall.

When to Fish

Year-round but at their best in fall. The October–November bull red run at the surf is legendary — large fish stacking up in the trough before heading offshore to spawn.

Best Tide

Incoming tide pushes red drum into the shallows and surf to feed. On the flats, a rising tide over grass and shell is best. High water gives them access to areas they cannot reach at low.

How to Catch Them

• —Fish Finder Rig with cut mullet, crab, or menhaden in the surf. Let the bait sit.
• —Circle hooks and patience — red drum are not chase fish in the surf, they are smell fish.
• —On the flats, topwater plugs and gold spoons work well early morning.
• —Bucktails in chartreuse and gold produce in dirty water conditions.
• —Look for muds on the flats — actively feeding reds stir up the bottom.
• —In the surf, cast into the trough. Bull reds may not move for the bait — the bait needs to come to them.