7 Fascinating Facts About the Redfish

If you’ve ever spent a sweltering summer day testing your tackle in the emerald waters of Alabama’s coast, then you’ve probably heard the word “redfish”.

More than any other gulf species, redfish (also called a red drum, puppy drum, channel bass, red bass, or spottail) is synonymous with Alabama angling, and is known for biting the hook year-round. Today, on the Reel Gyspy Fishing blog, we share some fish-friendly facts about this flaky, feisty, and perennial favorite so you can impress your angler friends with more than just the size of your catch.


Redfish Facts

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1. Common Fish

Redfish are native to the eastern and southern Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts of Louisiana, as well as:

  • Texas
  • Alabama
  • Mississippi
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • The Carolinas
  • And Virginia

These fish are often recognized for having a reddish, coppery sheen that fades into white as it nears the belly. They have characteristic eyespots that can run from the base of the caudal fin to the back half of the body.


2. Long Lifespan

Redfish can live up to 40 years and are considered mature at around 6. The average adult ranges in size from 10-35 inches. Anglers commonly differentiate between sizes, calling small ones “rats”, medium ones “slots”, and large ones “bulls”. The world-record redfish, caught in 1984, weighed in at just over 94-pounds.


3. Various Habitats

Like most shallow-water species, they spawn in and inhabit marshes, bays, and grassy sand flats, where they submerge themselves in the soft warm mud. Redfish love the rocky outcroppings beneath piers and around jetties, and will swim along rivers and tidal creeks when the weather cools. Redfish can also be spotted slinking along shorelines.


4. They Know How to Feast!

Redfish are a ravenous species that feed quickly and aggressively. They are most active at dawn and dusk. They locate food by sight, touch, and through vacuuming sea-bottom substrate. Depending on the season, they will forage for mud minnows, shrimp, mullet, crabs, croaker, and more.


5. Weird Noises

Male redfish make a knocking or drumming sound during spawning by vibrating their swim bladders.


6. They Taste Great!

They are known for their light-flavored and flaky flesh, making them an ideal fish to try and spice up with various cajun flavorings. A rule of thumb when it comes to the catch: the larger the redfish, the tougher its meat.


7. They’re Common During Fall

While redfish can be caught year-round, Fall is widely considered the best season for redfish, with sport fishing championships held annually in October and November throughout the regions they are found.



Angle For Redfish With Reel Gypsy Fishing

Tasty redfish can be yours for the taking when you book your next fishing adventure with Reel Gypsy Fishing. If you’d like to experience a fishing trip with the help of experienced fishermen and captains alike, don’t hesitate at all to contact us. Book your trip online today or call us at 251-533-1439.


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