Redfish
Also called Red drum, Red, Channel bass
Redfish are inshore saltwater gamefish, also called red drum, that feed on shrimp, crabs, and baitfish across flats, marshes, and shorelines.
- Group
- Inshore & coastal
- Category
- Species
- Level
- Beginner
- Water
- Saltwater
Last updated
What Redfish means
Look for the copper body and the black spot or spots near the tail. Redfish, or red drum, are a common target for fly anglers along the Gulf Coast and other warm inshore waters.
They spend much of their time in shallow habitat, grass flats, oyster shorelines, marsh edges, and back bays. They root for crabs and shrimp and will also chase mullet and other baitfish. Most fly shots are short and visual, a fish cruising, pushing a wake, or “tailing” with its head down.
Flies are usually small crab and shrimp patterns, or baitfish streamers when reds are keyed on mullet or other forage. Presentations tend to be lead-and-let-eat, then a steady strip. The hook set is normally a strip set, not a trout-style lift.
Why it matters on the water
Redfish reward good approach and boat or wading positioning. If the sun angle, wind, and your casting lane are wrong, you may never see the fish soon enough to get a clean shot.
They also punish sloppy line management. A clean strip set and a clear deck or stripping basket keep you connected when a red turns and runs, which is a common way fish get lost early in the fight.
Read next
- Clouser MinnowA weighted baitfish streamer with lead or brass eyes that make it ride hook-point-up. It’s used in fresh or salt water to imitate small fish and move quickly through current.
- CrabA crab is a hard-shelled crustacean that lives on flats, beaches, and mangrove edges. Many saltwater gamefish key on crabs, so crab patterns are a standard part of flats fishing.
- ShrimpShrimp are small crustaceans that many flats and inshore fish eat. “Shrimp” also refers to fly patterns tied to imitate their shape, color, and quick darting movement.
- Strip setA strip set is a hook set made by pulling the fly line hard with the line hand while keeping the rod low, instead of lifting the rod tip.
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