Break Down the Basics of Redfish Habits, Habitat, and Spawn

Redfish 101 – America’s Premier Inshore Gamefish

The Red Drum, better known as the Redfish, is one of the most iconic saltwater sportfish in America. From Texas to the Carolinas, this copper-backed bruiser inspires fierce devotion among anglers of every skill level. With its massive range, powerful fights, and year-round opportunities, it’s no wonder the Mighty Redfish is considered the USA’s premier inshore gamefish.

Meet the Redfish

Redfish begin life in estuaries and marshes, feeding aggressively as juveniles known as “Puppy Drum.” They grow fast, reaching trophy “Bull” status at 20–40 pounds, though giants over 50 pounds aren’t uncommon. Recognizable by their spotted tails and golden hues, Reds can live more than 20 years and thrive across an enormous geographic range from South Texas through Florida and up the Atlantic Coast to Virginia and the Delmarva Peninsula.

Habitat & Diet

Redfish are built for structure. You’ll find them around oyster beds, docks, grass lines, jetties, and channels ambushing prey like crabs, shrimp, mullet, and croaker. Their downward-facing mouths are designed to root through mud and grass for food. In summer, they move deeper to escape heat; in fall, they head toward inlets to spawn.

Top U.S. Redfish Hotspots

• Port Aransas, Texas – Jetties packed with bait and giant Bull Reds in late summer and fall.

• Venice, Louisiana – Sight-casting paradise with Reds cruising ultra-skinny water.

• The Everglades, Florida – Year-round action and visual strikes from tailing fish.

• Ponce Inlet, Florida – Huge spawning schools every August–September.

• The Carolinas to Cape Hatteras – Legendary surf fishing for Bull Reds during fall runs.

Next, we head to Venice Louisiana, a bucket list trip and home to savage inshore sight fishing for big Reds. Stealthy fishing and quiet approaches in skinny water make this adventure a must do. This can be done almost year-round. 

Speaking of year-round, The Everglades will also offer spectacular Redfish angling almost year-round.  This is not a grass flat or grass mat situation, but extremely shallow open water sight fishing for tailing Reds eating crabs.  Especially in the fall.  The Everglades live up to their reputation and it should go unsaid to add one more checkmark on your bucket list. 

In the Fall, on the spawn, Ponce Inlet provides a great opportunity to target bull Reds consistently.  Taking place around August and September huge schools of Reds move out of the bay bays and through the inlet to spawn.  Along the inlet boats line up with Live Bait, but  you can out fish them with the proper technique will discuss in the ensuing Redfish Blogs. 

A little less accessible and a large area, but the estuaries of South Carolina and North Carolina are massive and hold untold Redfish of all sizes.  It is best to hire a guide in this region.  Lastly we cant have a conversation about exciting Bull fishing without mentioning the ‘Point’ of Cape Hatteras.  Famous in fishing lore for its fishing off the beaches during fall spawn.  Anglers line up shoulder to shoulder in a conga line and wait their turn to cast 12ft plus surf rods into the turbulent water off the point and waiting for that heart stopping thud. 

That is just a short list and we purposely overlooked all your private spots and the thousands of other areas to catch Redfish in the USA.  Go get your plane tickets booked!

Understanding the Spawn

Spawning happens when water temps hit about 65°F, varying by region, spring in Texas, late summer in Florida, and fall off the Carolinas. Big schools gather near inlets to release eggs that drift into the estuaries on incoming tides. For conservation, anglers should practice quick fights and catch-and-release during spawn periods, especially where large females gather in open water.

Lure Fishing for Redfish

Fishing lures instead of live bait takes the Redfish challenge to another level. To match their varied diet, lure types fall into four key categories:

• Swimming Plugs – For searching and covering water.

• Topwater Plugs – For explosive surface strikes.

• Twitchbaits – Ideal in cold or calm conditions.

• Vibes (Soft Vibration Baits) – The latest Redfish secret weapon.

Each technique brings its own strengths, which we break down in our Nomad Redfish Lure Series.

Whether stalking tailing Reds in Louisiana marshes or battling Bulls from Carolina surf, understanding their range, habitat, and feeding patterns is the first step toward consistent success. Redfish fishing with lures is more than a sport, it’s an obsession.