REDFISH FISHING

The red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as channel bass, redfish, spot tail bass, or simply red, is a dark red color on the back, which fades into white on the belly. The red drum has a characteristic eyespot near the tail and is somewhat streamlined. The most distinguishing mark on the red drum is one large black spot on the upper part of the tail base. The red drum uses its senses of sight, touch, and downturned mouth to locate forage on the bottom through vacuuming or biting. The top and middle of the water column use changes in the light that might look like food. Adult red drum feed on crabs, shrimp, and mullet; in the spring and winter, adults primarily feed on menhaden, mullet, pinfish, sea robin, lizardfish, and spot, Atlantic croaker, and mud minnows.

Red drum are naturally found along the southern Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts of Louisiana, Texas, Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida. Immature red drum prefer grass marsh areas of bays and estuaries when available. Both younger mature red drum (3-6 years of age) and bull red drum prefer rocky outcroppings, including jetties and manmade structures, such as oil rigs and bridge posts. Around this type of structure, they are found throughout the water column.

Redfish Fishing in Venice, Louisiana

Redfish are the most abundant fish species located in Venice, Louisiana’s inshore and offshore regions. This area is known as the redfish capital of the world, thanks to the abundant population. The fishing is world-class, from the small eater-sized specimens to the 40-inch-plus bulls.

The nutrient-rich, high fertility, and widespread habitat of the marshy Mississippi Delta has allowed redfish populations to thrive. Conservation practices have helped build their populations even greater. Additionally, this same area also harbors the redfish preferred food sources such as baitfish, crabs, and shrimp. Venice, Louisiana, redfishing is so popular that it brings in several recreational and tournament fishermen each year.

What are the Best Methods for Red fishing in Louisiana?

We catch redfish with live bait under floats, but they can be caught by sight-casting the shallows, topwater lures, plastics, and hard baits. Spinning rods and reels are the preferred methods.