Red drum (redfish)
Sciaenops ocellatus · Sea
Bronze drum with a spot near the tail; large bulls are caught offshore.

Photo: Noaa, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons
Facts
| Best months | JFMAMJJASOND Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov. Northern hemisphere; shift by six months south of the equator. |
|---|---|
| Feeds | Dawn and dusk |
| Water temp | 16–28 °C |
| Typical size | 40–70 cm · record about 150 cm |
| Diet | Crabs, shrimp, mullet |
| Regions | North AmericaCentral America |
How conditions affect it
Moon
Sensitive to the moon: favour the major solunar periods.
Tide
Tide matters: fish moving water.
Pressure
Sensitive to pressure: fish a steady or slowly falling barometer.
Catching tip. Cut bait or soft plastics in marshes and surf.
Get the Bite Score for red drum (redfish) at your spot
Hourly scores for the next 7 days, tuned to this species. No sign-up, no ads.
Related species

Atlantic lizardfish
Synodus saurusSea
Atlantic Spanish mackerel
Scomberomorus maculatusSea
Black drum
Pogonias cromisSea
Blue marlin
Makaira nigricansSeaFacts are a guide; check local rules, seasons and size limits. All species · Tidebite home