Redfish, often called red drum, are one of Florida’s most popular and exciting inshore gamefish. Known for their striking copper color and the signature black spot near the tail, these fish are both beautiful and incredibly fun to catch. They’re commonly found cruising shallow flats, tidal creeks, mangrove shorelines, and oyster bars where they hunt for food and challenge anglers with powerful runs.

These opportunistic feeders rely on shrimp, crabs, and small baitfish, often following the tides into shallow water to search for their next meal. While redfish can grow to impressive sizes—sometimes exceeding 40 inches and weighing over 30 pounds—most anglers encounter fish in the 18–30 inch range, which still provide plenty of strength and excitement on light tackle.

Redfish are highly adaptable but remain sensitive to changing water temperatures and salinity levels, which influence where they travel throughout the year. Because of their role in the food chain and their ability to thrive in estuaries, they are an important part of Florida’s coastal ecosystem.

Whether you’re sight fishing across the flats or working shorelines for aggressive strikes, redfish offer one of the most rewarding inshore fishing experiences Florida has to offer.