The Bruisers – Red Drum Fishing Charter in Florida

Redfish, also called Channel Bass, Red Drum, Spottail Bass or ‘Reds’, are a game fish found throughout the Keys from Florida to Northern Mexico. Considered the bruisers of the flats, they’re relentless fighters with incredible stamina. They inhabit very shallow grass flats, where they swim fast with their tail sticking out in a performance called “Tailing Reds.” With the chance to get up close and personal, Redfish are guaranteed fun!

How to Identify Redfish?

Redfish can be easily identified thanks to a unique black ‘eyespot’ near their tail and a dark red color on their back, which blends into their white belly. They’re streamlined and have large tails that make them easy to spot, as they stick out of the water while they swim in shallow flats and near beaches. 

Redfish Behavior

Redfish are big reproducers, producing tens of millions of eggs. Their spawning season is from August through December, in passes, inlets and estuaries throughout Florida. During mating, Redfish use special muscles rubbing against their air bladder to make a “drumming” sound, which is where they get the name “Red Drum” from. This sound can also be heard when they’re spooked. They feed on fishes and invertebrates.

Redfish are known for their fierce runs and fighting spirit. It often feels like they’ll pull the rod from your hands and never give up. This is especially true when they’re large, which makes the reward of catching one even better! 

Regulations on Redfish Fishing Charters in Florida

In West Florida, we’re restricted to catching Redfish between the sizes of 18″ to 27″ and one fish per person, per day. They must remain in their whole condition until we’re ashore. It’s illegal to use spearfishing, gigging, and bow fishing or multiple hooks. But hook and lines are allowed, which makes Redfish a true challenge for anglers of all experience levels in Florida!

How Big Can Redfish in Florida get?

The average Redfish caught during our Redfish Fishing Charters in the Keys are between 12″ and 30″. However, they can grow up to 61″. While the World Record Redfish catch is 94lbs, Florida Redfish weighs around 50lbs. In the flats, they’re usually smaller but anything around this size will be a success! Redfish over 10lbs are commonly called Bull Reds of Bull Redfish.

Where to Catch Redfish in Florida?

Redfish can be caught throughout the estuaries around Islamorada and Southern Florida. During our Red Fish Fishing Charters in Florida, we’ll stay inshore to get up close with schools of Redfish – giving you a great chance for an exhilarating trip and a catch! Juvenile Redfish tend to stay in rivers, canals and boat basins. The bigger catches are often a bit further out in salt waters, especially during the fall. A good place to start looking is in and around mullet schools. Mullets jump all over the place, kicking up food that Redfish will come after. 

How Do You Catch Redfish in Florida?

Redfish love live bait. Crabs, shrimp and Cigar Minnows are the usual winning ticket for shallow waters while Pinfish, small Mullet or similar baitfish are great in deeper waters. You need to be in moving water and keep an eye out for their tails poking out of the water. Fishing during the hour before an outgoing tide is often the ideal time too.

All kinds of casting tackle, including fly, are used during our Redfish Fishing Charters in Florida. Redfish put up a great fight and will aggressively latch onto a fly – putting on a great show. They’re brave fish, so you have multiple chances to cast in the right place. Be warned, though; they pop up at close range, which will test your skills!

Are Redfish Good to Eat?

Yes! Providing they’re appropriately cooked, Redfish are good to eat and taste great. When farming was made legal in the 1980s, they became extremely popular because they make a tasty meal, especially when grilled. 

Redfish Fun Facts

• Redfish usually have around ten spots on their body; it’s extremely rare to see one without any.
• Redfish grow rapidly, reaching 11″ and 1lb within a year and 17-22″ and 3lbs in two years.
• Redfish fishing in Florida is open all year.
• Redfish are not long-distance travelers and stay relatively close to where they were born.
• They can live for over 35 years.
• Fertilized eggs hatch in 20 to 30 hours.
• The largest Redfish ever recorded was 94 pounds.
• The Florida record is 51 pounds and was caught in Sebastian Inlet in 1983.