Red fish fishing basics

Before you get started you need to make sure you follow the laws and rules for the state waters that you are in. You need to follow the fishing regulations and know the specific fish limits for the specific fish in this case the red fish. Local contacts can fill you in on this information and also give you some do’s and don’ts. It is also up to you to make sure the information you have is update to date and accurate remember that limits and sizes can differ from year to year and from state to state. You can find the state regulations at your state agency you can also find them at the easy accessible website huntnfishregs.com. Also on this website you can find fishing maps.

Lots of anglers want to know just how do we catch redfish. Up and down the Atlantic coast and in the Gulf of Mexico, catching redfish is a major fishing activity. These tips and baits can help you find that monster red you are pursuing.

Redfish, known in some parts as red drum, channel bass, or red bass, are relatively easy to catch once they have been located. So, the first part of our discussion needs to center around how to find them! Where do we look?

Habitat

Redfish are generally a shallow water fish.  They live in and around the estuaries along the eastern seaboard and gulf coast of the Untied States.  They can be found in the salt marsh creeks and rivers, oyster bars, open sounds, and backwater flats.  Smaller fish tend to school more than the larger fish, and once you catch one, you are almost sure to catch more.

They migrate offshore each winter to deeper water and hold on natural and artificial reefs.  In the warmer months, they can be found inshore where the bait is plentiful.  During their fall migration, they can be found in the deep channels leading out to the ocean – hence channel bass.  These may be the biggest reds you will find, and they may be the easiest to catch as well.

The widely distributed Drum family contains over 200 tropical and warm-temperature salt water marine species, including Drum, Croaker, Seatrout, Seabass, and Weakfish. The range of the Red Drum is from Massachusetts USA south to Northern Mexico in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico.

The Red Drum, also known as the Redfish or Channel Bass, has 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 usual adult weight is under 40 pounds but can reach into 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.

Fishing Basics:

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.

Tides:

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.

Lures and Baits:

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.

We hope you catch your legal limit on your next fishing expedition. Enjoy the outdoors and make sure you know the state fishing regulations by clicking here.