REDFISH
The Copper Bulldozer of the Flats
Meet The Redfish
Powerful, bronze-backed, and famous for their unmistakable black tail spot, Redfish (also called Red Drum) are one of the most exciting inshore species you can catch near Jensen’s Marina & Cottages.
The Numbers
Quick Facts
Sciaenops Ocellatus
18–30 inches
Up to 60+ inches
4–15 lbs
20–50+ lbs
94 lbs 2 oz
30–40 years
August–November
1–100 feet
68–85°F
“Mild, slightly sweet, with a firm, large-flake texture”
Near Jensen’s Marina
Where to Find Redfish
- Shallow grass flats
- Mangrove shorelines
- Oyster bars
- Sand potholes
- Residential canals
- Inlets during the spawning season
Fall:
Prime season for schooling Redfish
Spring:
Excellent shallow-water action
Summer:
Early morning and late evening bites
Winter:
Deeper channels and mud flats
Redfish love moving water.
Outgoing tides along mangrove shorelines near Jensen’s often concentrate bait, and where there’s bait, there are reds.
Look for “tailing” Redfish in shallow water during calm mornings. Their tails often break the surface while feeding.
Tactics & Gear
How to Catch Redfish
Recommended Gear
7’ medium or medium-heavy rod15–30 lb braid2500–4000 spinning reel20–30 lb fluorocarbon leaderRecommended Gear
Artificial Lures
Gold spoons (classic Redfish lure)Topwater plugs at sunriseSoft plastic paddle tailsWeedless jerkbaits in grassArtificial Lures
Live Bait
Live shrimpPinfishFinger mulletCut mullet (great for larger “bull” reds)Live Bait
Beginner Tip
Cast beyond the fish and retrieve slowly through their path. Redfish feed nose-down and will often pounce as the bait crosses their line of sight.
Advanced Strategy
Sight fish during calm conditions. Polarized sunglasses are essential. Target subtle movement — mud puffs, pushing wakes, or tail flicks.
Redfish are aggressive feeders and will hit both live and artificial presentations.
Year-Round Calendar
Seasonal Redfish Guide
Fish move shallow. Clear flats offer prime sight fishing with artificial lures.
The bite is heating up near the mangroves.
Cool air wins. Fish hunt early before midday heat drives them to deep channels and shade.
Have an early start to beat the sun for the best bite.
Large schools gather. Spawning season near inlets brings chances at massive “bull” Redfish.
This is prime time.
Deep holes hold fish. Slow lures on warm mud flats trigger strikes in the chill.
Patience pays off for winter Reds.
3 Delicious Redfish Recipes
From Dock to Dinner
(Florida Classic)
Bold, spicy, unforgettable.
Ingredients
- Redfish fillets
- Cajun seasoning
- Butter
- Lemon wedges
Preparation
- Heat cast-iron skillet until very hot.
- Coat fillet in seasoning and sear 3–4 minutes per side.
Serve with
Dirty Rice
Grilled vegetables
Pro Tip
Jensen’s Pro Tip: Use high heat and don’t move the fillet while searing.
On the Half Shell
Grill with skin and scales intact to lock in moisture.
Brush with
- Garlic butter
- Fresh thyme
- Sea salt
Preparation
- Grill skin-side down 6–8 minutes.
- Finish with fresh lime juice.
- Perfect for outdoor coastal evenings.
With Citrus & Herbs
Light and Refreshing.
Ingredients
- Orange slices
- Shallots
- Fresh dill
- Splash of white wine
Preparation
- Bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes.
Serve with
Steamed Asparagus
Roasted Potatoes
Did You Know?
Redfish Fun Facts
01
The black spot near the tail is thought to confuse predators.
02
They produce a “drumming” sound using muscles against their swim bladder.
03
They can live over 40 years.
04
Massive “bull” reds migrate offshore to spawn.
05
They tolerate a wide range of salinity, from brackish to near freshwater.
06
They can grow over 45 inches long.
07
Many Redfish have multiple tail spots, though one is most common.
08
Juveniles prefer shallow estuaries, while adults often move offshore.
09
Their copper color becomes brighter in clear water and darker in murky water.
Florida Fishing Seasons
Conservation & Regulations
Redfish management has helped rebuild populations dramatically.
- Florida has a protected slot size (varies by region).
- Bull Redfish over slot must be released.
- Use circle hooks when fishing with natural bait.
- Support local conservation efforts.
Fishing Experience?
Angler Spotlight
“Sight-casted to a tailing Redfish on the flats near Jensen’s – the fight was incredible!”
– Brendon M., Georgia
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