Red Drum

LOCATIONS

BODIES OF WATER

Red drum, also known as redfish or channel bass, can be found in various bodies of water along the coastlines of Florida. They are primarily a saltwater species but can also be found in brackish estuaries, bays, and inlets.
Florida: Red drum can be found throughout Florida, from the Panhandle to the Florida Keys. They are commonly found in areas such as the Indian River Lagoon, Mosquito Lagoon, Tampa Bay, Charlotte Harbor, and the Everglades. Red drum thrive in both inshore and nearshore waters, particularly around oyster bars, grass flats, mangrove shorelines, and around structures like bridges and docks.

STRUCTURE/HABITAT

Red drum are often found in areas with structure and cover, such as oyster bars, grass flats, mangrove shorelines, and docks. They prefer shallow waters with sandy or muddy bottoms and are commonly associated with seagrass beds and submerged vegetation. Red drum are opportunistic feeders, feeding on a variety of prey including crustaceans, shrimp, crabs, and small fish.
Look for red drum near oyster bars, especially during low tide when they forage for food in the exposed areas. They also seek shelter and ambush prey around mangrove shorelines, submerged structures, and drop-offs. In the presence of baitfish schools, red drum can form large schools and feed aggressively.

PATTERNS

SPRING

During the spring, red drum become more active as the water temperature rises. They move into shallower waters for spawning and can be found in backwater areas, estuaries, and grass flats. Look for them near oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and areas with good tidal flow. They are more willing to take various baits and lures during this season.

SUMMER

In the summer, red drum can be found in a variety of habitats, including flats, channels, and nearshore waters. They may seek cooler areas and deeper waters during the hottest parts of the day. Look for them near grass flats, oyster bars, and around structures such as bridges and docks. Early mornings and late evenings are prime times to target red drum during this season.

FALL

As fall arrives, red drum become more active and feed aggressively to prepare for the upcoming winter. They tend to move to shallower areas again, particularly around grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines. Look for them near areas with good tidal flow and concentrations of baitfish. Using a variety of baits and techniques, such as topwater lures, can be effective during this season.

WINTER

Red drum can still be caught during the winter months, although they may be more sluggish in colder water temperatures. They seek deeper channels, holes, and areas with warmer water. Look for them near oyster bars, deep channels, and around structures. Slow presentations with live bait or artificial lures can entice strikes from red drum during the colder months.

Red drum can be caught using a variety of baits, including live or cut bait such as shrimp, crab, mullet, or pinfish. They are also known to strike artificial lures such as soft plastic baits, spoons, and topwater plugs. Experiment with different baits and techniques to determine what works best in your fishing location and the prevailing conditions.

Bait Fishing

How: Use natural baits such as live or cut baitfish, shrimp, or crab to attract red drum. Fish near structures like jetties, piers, or oyster beds where red drum often congregate. Cast your bait out and allow it to settle on the bottom or use a slow retrieve to entice strikes.
Gear: Rods: Medium to heavy spinning rods. Reels: Spinning reels with a smooth drag system. Line: 15-30lb test monofilament or braided line. Hooks: Size 2/0 to 4/0 circle hooks for live or cut bait.

Artificial Lures

How: Red drum are known to strike a variety of artificial lures. Use lures that mimic baitfish, shrimp, or crabs to entice their attention. Work the lures near structures, drop-offs, or along the shoreline with a combination of steady retrieves, pauses, and twitches to imitate natural movement.
Gear: Rods: Medium to medium-heavy spinning rods. Reels: Spinning reels with a smooth drag system. Line: 10-20lb test braided line with a fluorocarbon leader. Lures: Soft plastic jerkbaits, swimbaits, spoons, and topwater lures.

Fly Fishing

How: Fly fishing for red drum is an exciting way to target these powerful fish. Use fly patterns that imitate baitfish, shrimp, or crabs. Look for red drum in shallow flats, marshes, or near structures. Make accurate casts, allowing the fly to sink and retrieve it with short strips to imitate natural movement.
Gear: Rods: 7-9 wt fly rods with a fast action. Reels: Large-arbor reels with a strong drag system. Line: Weight-forward floating or intermediate fly lines. Leaders: 9-12ft fluorocarbon leaders with a tippet strength of 10-20lb. Flies: Clouser Minnows, shrimp patterns, crab patterns, and baitfish imitations.

Surf Fishing

How: Red drum can often be found in the surf zone, making surf fishing a popular method to target them. Look for troughs, sandbars, or areas with structure. Cast your bait or lures beyond the breaking waves and allow them to drift with the current or retrieve them with a slow and steady motion.
Gear: Rods: Medium to heavy surf rods. Reels: Spinning reels with a smooth drag system. Line: 15-30lb test monofilament or braided line. Hooks: Size 2/0 to 4/0 circle hooks for live or cut bait.