Redfish usually have a reddish, copper-bronze color. Bull reds refer to redfish past the age of maturity and well over keeper size meant for catch-and-release fishing. However, the exact size will vary based on local size regulations. Slot red refers to any keeper-size redfish, typically with a slot limit between 16-32 inches. We also use the names puppy drum, slot ds, and bull reds to categorize redfish sizes. Redfish, spot tail, red bass, bull red, channel bass, and simply Reds are all interchangeable when referring to red drum. I'll share everything I know about where, when, and how to catch redfish in this article. My parents live on the gulf coast of Florida, where I spend a lot of time fishing the back bays for these feisty fish.

This makes them easy to target once you know where to look for them. You'll find redfish along the gulf coast and up the east coast from Florida to Massachusetts. Even the smallest puppy drum will make you work for the catch, thrashing like a chihuahua that won't let go of a bone. The largest redfish ever caught weighed in at a behemoth 94 pounds.Īlthough you're unlikely to land one that big, redfish put up a serious fight regardless of size. They're aggressive eaters, known to feed in all conditions and points of the tide, which is why they grow to massive trophy fish sizes.

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