REDFISH INFO

Redfish
(aka Sciaenops ocellatus for the biologically inclined)

Often thought of as a "fall fish," Redfish, in fact, can be found all year around... if you know where to look. Strong and feisty, they don't give up easily and promise anglers a sporting fight to the finish.

IDENTIFICATION & FEATURES:

· Red to bronze color with a white belly.

· Most have a spot on each side on the caudal peduncle

(the area just before the tail).

· Maximum size of about 90 lbs. in the Atlantic and 60 lbs. in the Gulf of Mexico.

· Young Redfish (often called Puppy Drum or Rat Reds) sometimes have a large number of spots on each side instead of the usual one spot.

HABITAT:
A Gulf Coast, saltwater species, Redfish frequent out-of-the-way shallow ponds in summer, retreating to deeper channels, bayous and canals as autumn and winter winds force lower tides. Though they still respond to changes in salinity, they are less affected by it than other saltwater species. Plus, Redfish can be found in places not usually considered saltwater regions. In terms of water temperature, they are more tolerant of cold than many other species.

SPAWNING:
Redfish begin spawning at the end of August and continue well into November; their spawning season peaks in late September and early October.

Redfish can begin spawning as young as two years of age and as late as eight. Most often they are most active as three- to five-year-olds.

Eggs released by female Redfish are fertilized, then become buoyant and drift into coastal marshes. Young Redfish remain in marshes for the coming winter, growing upwards of fourteen inches in their first year of life. They continue to grow rapidly for the next three years, sticking close to their home territory unless pushed to move by a hard freeze, a severe salinity drop or a hurricane.

By seven years of age, they will be fully grown and move offshore.

FOOD:
Because they are more tolerant of colder temperatures, Redfish will feed later into the season, feasting on shrimp, crab and small baitfish. The positioning of their mouths makes them prone to bottom-feeding — something to note when presenting your bait.

ANGLING:
During the summer months, Redfish move into marshes, reefs and shallow ponds to feed. They can often be found in water a mere six inches deep where they will hunt for crabs and minnows. These fish tend to be younger, weighing in around 12 lbs. or so.

As autumn approaches, the more mature Redfish move into deeper channels, bayous and canals. Redfish caught in deeper waters are usually twice the weight (around 25 lbs.) and may bulk up to 45 lbs.

However, sizable Redfish don't necessarily seek out deep water. Often they can be found tightly schooled in areas as little as eight feet in depth.

Fish When The Tide Is Right
Redfish tend to move into the shallows during a falling high tide. They also tend to be more active the day before (or even during) a weather front. If you plan to catch Redfish in brisk tidal waters, a sliding sinker rig might be a good option. Find your way over to the mouth of a cut, lake, lagoon or bayou. As water passes out of these inlets, Redfish are often in wait for a hapless crab or minnow (or something that looks a lot like one!).

Redfish Are Slow To Rise
Like humans, Redfish prefer to take it slow on colder mornings, sleeping in until the shallow waters in which they feed are at least a few degrees above open water temperatures. Time it right, and you'll find that when they do move in to feed in the late morning, they're hungry — especially since they've skipped breakfast.

A Little Jumpy. A Little Lazy.
Be careful though, Redfish spook easily when feeding. It's best to keep very quiet. Turn off the electric trolling motor (even if you can't hear it, they can!) and pole your way through the water.

Lastly, keep in mind that Redfish, for as much fight as they'll give an angler, aren't especially keen on working hard for meals. They prefer slow, lumbering, easy catches so work your lures accordingly while keeping as much distance between your bait and your boat as possible.