Redfish
Sciaenops ocellatus
Overview
The redfish, also known as the red drum, is one of the most popular inshore saltwater game fish in the southeastern United States and Gulf Coast. Named for their copper-bronze coloring and the distinctive black spot or spots near the base of the tail, redfish inhabit shallow coastal waters from Massachusetts south through the Gulf of Mexico. They are powerful, tenacious fighters that make long, drag-pulling runs when hooked on a fly rod. Sight fishing for tailing redfish on shallow grass flats and oyster bars is a quintessentially southern saltwater experience that rivals bonefishing for visual excitement and technical challenge. Redfish are remarkably adaptable, tolerating a wide range of salinities from nearly fresh to full ocean water, and they can be found in coastal marshes, tidal creeks, oyster reefs, and sandy flats throughout their range. Their accessibility and willingness to take a well-presented fly make them an ideal entry point for anglers transitioning from freshwater to saltwater fly fishing.
saltwaterLeast Concern; populations recovered dramatically after strict harvest regulations were implemented in the 1980s following severe overfishing
Taxonomy
Order
Acanthuriformes
Family
Sciaenidae
Genus
Sciaenops
Species
S. ocellatus
Habitat & Behavior
Shallow coastal flats, oyster bars, tidal creeks, spartina grass marshes, mangrove shorelines, and inlet areas; highly tolerant of salinity variations from brackish to full saltwater
Native Range: Western Atlantic coast from Massachusetts south through the Gulf of Mexico to northern Mexico, with the highest concentrations along the Gulf states
Introduced Range: No significant introductions; some experimental stocking in Texas and other Gulf states to supplement natural populations
Diet
Crabs, shrimp, mullet, menhaden, pinfish, and other crustaceans and small fish found in coastal environments; uses downward-oriented mouth to feed on bottom-dwelling prey
Spawning
Redfish spawn in nearshore waters from August through November, congregating near passes, inlets, and barrier island beaches. Females release millions of eggs during evening hours, and larvae drift into estuaries and marshes where juveniles grow rapidly. Redfish can live for decades and grow to enormous sizes.
Spawning Months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Spawning Temperature: 70-80°F (water temperature)
Conservation Status
Least Concern; populations recovered dramatically after strict harvest regulations were implemented in the 1980s following severe overfishing
The Redfish is currently classified as Least Concern; populations recovered dramatically after strict harvest regulations were implemented in the 1980s following severe overfishing. Responsible catch-and-release practices help protect populations for future generations of anglers.
Fly Fishing Tips
Look for tailing redfish on shallow flats during falling tides when fish concentrate in remaining water. Cast slightly beyond and past the fish, then strip the fly into its path with short, sharp retrieves. Gold and copper-colored flies that match the marsh environment are consistently productive. Weedless patterns are essential in grass-heavy areas.
Tackle Recommendations
A 9-foot 8-weight rod is the standard redfish setup. Use a weight-forward floating line with a 9-foot leader and 15-20 lb fluorocarbon tippet to handle the abrasive oyster shell habitat.
Distribution Map
Recommended Fly Patterns
Clouser Minnow #1/0-4
Spoon Fly #2-6
EP Shrimp #2-6
Redfish Crack #2-4
Gurgler #1/0-4
Crab Pattern #2-4
Deceiver #1/0-4
Where to Find Redfish
Rivers with Redfish
Quick Facts
- Scientific Name
- Sciaenops ocellatus
- Family
- saltwater
- Average Size
- 18-30 inches, 3-12 lbs
- Record Size
- 94 lbs 2 oz (Hatteras, North Carolina, 1984)
- Lifespan
- 35-60 years, with bull redfish in the 40+ pound range often exceeding 30 years of age
- Water Temp Range
- 52-88°F (optimal 65-82°F)
- Native Range
- Western Atlantic coast from Massachusetts south through the Gulf of Mexico to northern Mexico, with the highest concentrations along the Gulf states
- Conservation
- Least Concern; populations recovered dramatically after strict harvest regulations were implemented in the 1980s following severe overfishing
Fun Facts
- The distinctive black spot near the tail is believed to confuse predators by mimicking an eye, causing attacks toward the tail rather than the head
- Redfish were at the center of a conservation crisis in the 1980s when the Cajun blackened redfish craze nearly decimated Gulf populations
- Bull redfish over 40 inches can produce a drumming sound by vibrating muscles against their swim bladder, audible to anglers in quiet conditions
- Juvenile redfish are called puppy drum and make excellent light-tackle targets on 6-weight fly rods in shallow marsh habitats
Where to Find
Size Reference
Average Size
18-30 inches, 3-12 lbs
World Record
94 lbs 2 oz (Hatteras, North Carolina, 1984)