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Red Drum Sciaenops ocellatus
- World Record: 94 Pounds 2 Ounces
- Other Names: Red
- Usually caught year round.
- Average size caught is 3 to 15 lbs but larger Reds up to
90 lbs can be found offshore.
- Popular species all throughout the state of Florida, they
often inhabit the same areas as Snook, including oyster beds.
 Redfish
are one of many game fish to catch along the Tampa, Clearwater, and West Coast
areas of Florida. Reds can be found along the whole Gulf Coast and also up
the Atlantic Coast, as far north as North Carolina. The
larger redfish are caught in the Atlantic with the world records going over
90 pounds. The red drum caught in the Tampa Bay area would be considered juvenile
reds.
These fish invade the shallows flats
for safety until maturity. Often they are taken in the same places as
snook, trout and a host of other flats gamefish. As they grow, they will
eventually move offshore to join with the larger spawning fish. Even though
they are small compared to their seniors, they still are great tackle
busters on light tackle. They range from 20 to 35 inches.
The state of Florida does have
strict regulation on the specie. There is a slot limit ranging from
18 to 27 inches. These restrictions, along with the recent passing
of the net band, has increased the population of the redfish. Respecting
and following the laws used to protect these fish will insure the
future population. Reds can be caught
year round. These fish school up in large numbers on the shallow flats
and around oyster bars. In the Tampa - Clearwater area, we have gin
clear water that often provides the opportunity for actually sight-casting
to your fish. Red drum can be caught on artificial baits and live
baits. These baits consist of gold spoons, jigs and top water plugs.
As for live bait, shrimp, pinfish and greenbacks work best.
Depending on what part
of the country you are from you may hear this member of the drum family referred
to as redfish, channel bass, red bass, spottail bass or red drum. What ever
name you use the red drum (sciaenops ocellatus) is surely one of the most
sought after game fish on the Gulf Coast. Redfish are found as far north as
Maryland and Virginia. Prime areas are along the Gulf Coast waters in Florida
and Texas.
The coppery color of the fish makes it obvious how the fish got it's name.
The coloration varies widely from regionto region. Some reds that live in
Florida at the extreme southern tip are nearly white. While other fish that
live in darker stained water are often a deep burnt copper color. Most redfish
posses a single black spot near the base of their tail but there are occasionally
there are reds caught with several spot. Reds with as many as 16 spot have
been recorded.
Redfish begin their lives in brackish estuaries. They are bottom feeders that
prefer mud and sand bottoms and eat a wide variety of small crustaceans and
fish. Young redfish tend to congregate in large schools and are often referred
to as puppy drum. These little fish are what the majority of coastal fishermen
target and are great sport on light spinning tackle and fly rods.
Redfish move to deeper coastal waters as they grow larger and it is possible
in certain parts of the country to target these large fish. Redfish live a
long time some over 50 years. These old timers are a challenge to catch. The
all tackle world record was 94 pounds 2 ounces caught off of North Carolina.
Redfish that size is extremely rare but 40 pounders are not uncommon.
How To Catch Redfish
Redfish
are caught on many different kinds of tackle. To catch redfish a 7 foot medium
action spinning rod spooled with 8 to 10 pound test is the best choice. At
times you will need to be able to cast a lightweight bait a good distance
yet still need some power since the redfish are tough fighters. So medium
action reds are a good compromise. Nine weight fly reds work will for the
most redfish.
Fishing for redfish is basic fishing. Match your bait to the size of the bait
fish in the area. Redfish don't have sharp teeth but I do recommend a light
leader such as a 20 pound test. Redfish have notoriously bad eyesight so accurate
casting is a must.
Redfish like to congregate around oyster bars and mouths of creeks that have
good tidal movement. Redfish are very spooky a stealth approach is highly
recommend. A popular method for approaching redfish is with a push pole.
Click on pictures below
to enlarge.
  
1-800-644-5940
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Redfish fishing with Tarponhooker.com-Captain
Mike Manning of Action Fishing Adventrues-Redfish
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