Redfish (red drum)
Sciaenops ocellatus
- When
- Mar–Nov — March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November. Earlier in the south, later in the north.
- Where it holds
- Grass flats, oyster bars and marsh edges — tailing in inches of water on a rising tide.
- How to know it
- Copper-bronze with at least one black spot at the base of the tail, and an underslung mouth.
- What to know
- The Gulf and southeast inshore staple. Sight-fishing tailing reds on a flat is the best of it.
- The tactic
- Gold spoon, soft plastic or a crab fly, cast ahead of a moving fish.
Seasons, size limits and catch limits change every year and differ by water body. Check the current regulations for your province or state before you fish.
Found in these regions
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