Drum
Redfish Fishing in Florida
Red drum roam marshes, flats, and surf from the Chesapeake to Texas. Tailing reds on shallow flats are a top sight-fishing target.
Best Months: Mar to May, Sep to Nov
Plan by Month
Best Flies, Lures & Bait for Redfish
10 picks for October.
Clouser Minnow #1/0-8
FlyStreamer
Shop This FlyEP Baitfish #2/0-2
FlyStreamer
Shop This FlySpoon Fly #1/0-2
FlyFlats Fly
Shop This FlyWalking Topwater 4 to 5 in
LureTopwater
Shop This LurePaddle-Tail Swimbait 3 to 5 in
LureSoft Plastic
Shop This LureWeedless Gold Spoon 1/4 to 1/2 oz
LureSpoon
Shop This LurePopping Cork Rig 18 to 30 in leader
LureRig
Shop This LureLive Shrimp 2 to 4 in
BaitLive Bait
Sand Fleas Small
BaitLive Bait · Surf.
Cut Mullet Chunk or strip
BaitNatural Bait · Surf and passes.
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Rod & Reel
Redfish Setup
Redfish
Fly 9 ft 8 wt rod, floating redfish line, 16 to 20 lb fluorocarbon leader.
Spin / Cast 7 ft medium spinning rod, 3000 reel, 15 lb braid with a 20 lb fluorocarbon leader.
Florida
Where to Catch Redfish
Saltwater & Coast · Florida
Charlotte Harbor
A huge estuary including Boca Grande Pass, the epicenter of Florida tarpon fishing.
Tarpon · Snook · Redfish
Saltwater & Coast · Florida
Destin Passes
East Pass, between Choctawhatchee Bay and the Gulf. Redfish, seatrout, and sheepshead.
Redfish · Speckled trout · Sheepshead
Saltwater & Coast · Florida
Mosquito Lagoon
A shallow, clear lagoon famous for sight-fishing to tailing and schooling redfish.
Redfish · Speckled Trout
Saltwater & Coast · Florida
Pensacola Bay
A Panhandle bay system with bull redfish runs, speckled trout, and fall flounder.
Redfish · Speckled Trout · Flounder
Rivers & Streams · Florida
St. Johns River
Florida's longest river. Bass from Lake Monroe to Welaka, reds and occasional snook near the mouth.
Largemouth bass · Redfish
Saltwater & Coast · Florida
Tampa Bay
The biggest bay system in the state. Speckled trout, redfish, and jack crevalle.
Speckled trout · Redfish · Jack crevalle
Saltwater & Coast · Florida
Ten Thousand Islands
A maze of mangrove islands from Everglades City to Chokoloskee with snook, juvenile tarpon, and reds.
Snook · Tarpon · Redfish
Florida
Shops to Stock Up
Recommended
Gear for Redfish
Fly Lines
RIO Redfish Fly Line
A heavy front taper for quick shots at tailing fish in warm, humid conditions.
Check PriceFly Rods
Orvis Clearwater 9 ft 8 wt Fly Rod
An 8 weight handles bass bugs, redfish flats, and wind. The most versatile warmwater and inshore size.
Check PriceFly Reels
Redington Behemoth Fly Reel
A strong, sealed drag at a modest price, made in sizes from trout to saltwater.
Check PriceSunglasses
Costa Polarized Fishing Sunglasses
Polarized lenses cut glare so you can see fish, structure, and flats.
Check PriceReels
Shimano Sedona Spinning Reel
A smooth, durable reel in sizes for trout through inshore saltwater.
Check PriceReels
Penn Battle III Spinning Reel
A metal-bodied reel built to survive saltwater and big runs.
Check PriceRods
Penn Battalion II Inshore Spinning Rod
A medium inshore rod for jigs, popping corks, and live bait.
Check PriceLine
PowerPro Spectra Braided Line
Thin, strong braid for long casts, sensitivity, and pulling fish from cover.
Check PriceLine
Seaguar Red Label Fluorocarbon
Low-visibility fluorocarbon for leaders and clear water.
Check PriceTopwater
Heddon Zara Spook
The walk-the-dog topwater that works in fresh and salt.
Check PriceTerminal Tackle
Gamakatsu Circle Hooks
Circle hooks set themselves in the corner of the mouth and make release easy.
Check PriceFloats & Rigs
Cajun Thunder Popping Cork
The clacking cork that calls trout and reds to shrimp or a soft plastic.
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