Red Drum fishing

Sciaenops ocellatus

About Red Drum

Redfish of the flats and surf. An inshore Gulf and SE Atlantic gamefish, best in the fall run. In shallow water it feeds head down with the tail out of the surface, and a tailing fish can be cast to like a target. A gold spoon, a soft plastic on a light jig head or a live shrimp under a popping cork all cover the flats. The spot near the tail is the field mark, and the heavy bull fish that show up in the autumn run are best released.

Typical size: Often 2-8 kg, bull reds over 12 kg. Record (approx.): ≈ 42 kg.

Season, time and habitat

Best season

Sep-Nov

Best time

Dawn, dusk

Habitat

Coast

Season by month

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Darker cell = more active that month. Based on the species' usual yearly rhythm.

Lures and baits that work

Soft-plastic jig Let the jig sink to the bottom and work it with small lifts and pauses. Stay in contact with the line; takes usually come on the drop. Check price on Amazon

Spoon Cast out and retrieve at a steady pace so the spoon flashes and wobbles. Vary the speed and let it flutter down between turns. Check price on Amazon

Ledger bait Fish the bait still on the bottom with a sinker. Common for bottom feeders; watch the rod tip for gentle bites. Check price on Amazon

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Guides about Red Drum

How to Catch Redfish

Find waters where Red Drum is biting now

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Common questions

When is the best time to catch Red Drum?

Red Drum fishing is usually best around Sep-Nov. The best windows in the day are usually dawn, dusk.

What lures and baits work for Red Drum?

Effective methods for Red Drum include Soft-plastic jig, Spoon and Ledger bait.

Where can you catch Red Drum?

Red Drum is most often found in coast. Napp shows the nearest waters and the live odds on the bite right now.