Texas Gulf Coast Fishing

Saltwater Fishing Information for the Texas Gulf Coast, Inshore and Offshore

Redfish

    The red drum, (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as redfish, rat red, or bull red, is a highly sought game fish. It is a member of the family which includes the Atlantic croaker, and black drum. The most distinguishing mark on the red drum is one large black spot on the upper part of the tail base. Having multiple spots is not uncommon for this fish.

    For the first couple of years of their lives, red drum live in the bays or in the surf zone near passes. As they mature, they move from the bays to the Gulf of Mexico where they remain the rest of their lives, except for an occasional visit to the bays.

    They generally are bottom feeders, feeding primarily on small crabs, shrimps, and marine worms. As they grow older, they feed on larger crabs, shrimps, and small fish.

    The best natural baits are live shrimp, small finger mullet, small croaker, and small live blue crabs. Artificial baits such as gold, copper, or silver spoons are excellent. Fish-shaped plugs, both floating and shallow-running, shrimplike plastic worms and jigs are also good. The big "Bull" reds are best caught with bigger natural baits.

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Copyright © 1999 - Last Updated: November 27, 2005