Redfish: Facts, Records, and How to Catch Them | FishyAF
What is a Redfish (Red Drum)?
Redfish are the spot-tailed bulldogs of the flats — bronze backs, drum rolls in the cooler, and a cult following from Texas to the Carolinas. They tail on shallow grass, prowl oyster bars, and blitz bait on jetties and beach troughs. If it looks alive, a hungry red will try to eat it.
The first FishyAF Redfish was landed by Mike Harper — clean sight-cast, perfect angle, and a red that tried to leave the flat entirely.
This FishyAF guide covers where reds live, the tides they love, and the baits/lures that make them say “mine.” Click here to see what flats fanatics are wearing.
🐟 Redfish Quick Facts
| Fact | Info |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sciaenops ocellatus |
| Average Size | Slot fish 18–27" common; bulls 30–45"+ (10–40+ lbs) |
| World Record | 94 lbs 2 oz — NC (1984, IGFA) |
| Habitat | Grass flats, oyster bars, marsh creeks, jetties, surf troughs (Atlantic & Gulf) |
| Edible? | Yes — excellent; most harvest slot fish and release bulls |
❓ FAQs About Redfish
Where can you catch Redfish?
From Texas to the Chesapeake and down through Florida. Work windward shorelines, oyster edges, mangrove cuts, and points with moving water. Tides are everything.
How big do Redfish get?
Backwater fish are often “slot” size; adults (“bull reds”) migrate and school along beaches, passes, and jetties — true brutes over 40 inches are common in peak runs.
What is the world record Redfish?
The IGFA all-tackle record is 94 lbs 2 oz from North Carolina (1984). Absolute dinosaur.
What is the size limit for Redfish?
⚠️ Highly regional slot limits and bag rules. Many areas require releasing overslot bulls. Always check your current state regs before keeping fish.
Are Redfish good to eat?
Yes — sweet, firm fillets. Best table fare comes from legal slot fish; big breeders are almost always released.
How do you catch Redfish?
Live bait: Shrimp, mullet, pinfish under a popping cork or free-lined. Lures: Paddletails on 1/8–1/4 oz jigs, gold spoons, topwaters at low light. Sight-fish tails on skinny flats or soak baits on jetties during strong tides.
What’s the best bait or lure for Redfish?
Can’t miss trio: 3"–4" paddletail, weedless gold spoon, and topwater walker. If they’re picky, switch to live shrimp on a light fluoro leader.
😂 FishyAF Redfish Joke
Redfish — the only “drum” that plays your drag like a snare.
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🧢 Gear Up with FishyAF
From marsh mazes to jetty chaos, red chasers rock our Switchback Hats and Offshore Hoodies. Don’t just catch reds — look FishyAF doing it.