If you’ve spent any time fishing the backwaters of Southwest Florida, you know the feeling — that bronze flash beneath the surface, the black spot near the tail, and the unmistakable bulldogging fight that only a redfish can deliver. Redfish, also known as red drum, are one of the most popular inshore targets in the region for good reason: they’re available year-round, they fight hard, and they live in some of the most beautiful water on the planet.
At Native Guided Fishing, redfish are one of our signature species. We know these fish — where they hold, how they feed, and how to put you on them regardless of the season. Here’s everything you need to know about redfish fishing in Southwest Florida.
What Are Redfish?
Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus) are a copper-colored inshore species instantly recognizable by the black spot — or spots — near their tail. They range from the mid-Atlantic coast down through the Gulf of Mexico, and Southwest Florida is one of the most productive redfish fisheries in the entire country. Adults can grow to over 40 inches and exceed 50 pounds, though most inshore fish run between 18 and 30 inches.
Slot-size redfish in Florida must be between 18 and 27 inches to keep, with a one-fish daily bag limit. Most anglers practice catch-and-release to preserve the fishery — and because watching a big redfish swim back into the mangroves is its own reward.
Where to Find Redfish in Southwest Florida
Southwest Florida offers some of the most diverse redfish habitat anywhere on the Gulf Coast. The Ten Thousand Islands, the backwaters around Marco Island, Goodland Bay, and the expansive tidal flats stretching toward Everglades City all hold healthy populations of redfish throughout the year.
Mangrove Shorelines
Redfish love to cruise mangrove edges, especially on a rising tide when they push into the roots to feed on crabs, shrimp, and baitfish. Sight-casting to reds along mangrove lines is one of the most exciting forms of inshore fishing — you can often see the fish before you cast, making accuracy and presentation everything.
Grass Flats
On the flats, redfish use their tails to dig out crabs and other crustaceans buried in the grass — a behavior called “tailing” that makes them highly visible from the boat. A tailing redfish is one of the most exciting sights in inshore fishing. Our captains spend significant time poling the flats looking for tailing fish, especially during lower light conditions at dawn and dusk.
Oyster Bars and Channel Edges
Oyster bars concentrate bait and create current breaks that redfish use to ambush prey. During falling tides, redfish stack up near channel edges and the deeper holes adjacent to bars as water drains from the shallows. These are high-percentage spots for consistent action when tidal conditions are right.
Redfish Seasons in Southwest Florida
One of the best things about targeting redfish in this region is that they’re available all year. That said, different seasons offer different experiences.
Fall (September – November)
Fall is widely considered the best redfish season in Southwest Florida. Cooler water temperatures make fish more active, and schools of redfish congregate in predictable areas before winter. Schooling reds in the fall can deliver non-stop action — when you find a pod of 20 to 50 fish feeding aggressively, it’s an experience you won’t forget.
Winter (December – February)
Winter redfish fishing is highly productive in Southwest Florida, particularly in the afternoons when water temperatures warm slightly. Fish often retreat to deeper channels and holes during cold snaps but feed aggressively on warm, sunny winter days. This time of year also benefits from less boat traffic and more peaceful conditions on the water.
Spring (March – May)
As water temperatures rise in spring, redfish begin moving back onto the flats. Sight-fishing opportunities increase as the days lengthen and fish become more visible in shallow water. Spring is also a great time to target redfish alongside other species like snook and sea trout, making for exciting mixed-bag fishing.
Summer (June – August)
Summer redfish fishing requires early morning starts to beat the heat. Fish move into shallow flats at first light and retreat to deeper, cooler water as the day warms. Early morning summer trips can be exceptional, with calm water and excellent visibility for sight-fishing. The lush green mangroves and clear skies make for a stunning backdrop.
How We Fish for Redfish
Our approach to redfish depends on the conditions and time of year, but we rely on two primary methods: sight-fishing from a poled skiff on the flats, and targeted fishing around structure on an incoming or outgoing tide.
For sight-fishing, our captains use a push pole to quietly navigate shallow water while scanning for fish. When a redfish is spotted, we position the boat for the best angle and you make the cast. This style of fishing is technical, visual, and incredibly rewarding — especially when a redfish inhales your bait right in front of you.
Live bait — pinfish, mullet, and shrimp — is consistently effective year-round. Artificial lures including gold spoons, soft plastic shrimp imitations, and weedless jigs also produce well, especially for experienced anglers looking for a challenge. We’ll match the approach to what the fish are doing that day.
Why Book a Guided Redfish Charter?
The backwaters of Southwest Florida are vast, complex, and constantly changing. Tides, weather, water temperature, and seasonal patterns all influence where redfish are holding on any given day. Our captains are on the water year-round, tracking these patterns in real time. When you step on the boat, you’re not guessing — you’re fishing spots that are actively producing.
Beyond the local knowledge, a guided charter gives you access to equipment, technique coaching, and the experience of watching a skilled captain read water. Whether you’ve never caught a redfish or you’re a seasoned angler chasing a personal best, we’ll put you in a position to succeed.
Book Your Redfish Charter Today
Ready to chase one of Florida’s most iconic inshore species? Native Guided Fishing operates out of Goodland, FL — right in the heart of some of the best redfish water in the state. We offer half-day and full-day charters for individuals, couples, families, and groups.
Book your redfish charter today and let us put you on the fish.