Redfish rank among the most exciting gamefish along the Gulf Coast, and for good reason. These bronze-backed fighters put up a serious battle on light tackle and frequent the same shallow waters where families wade and boats cruise for the day. Learning how to catch redfish inshore opens up some of the best fishing opportunities Florida has to offer, without venturing miles offshore.
Here in Destin, the Emerald Coast’s backwaters, grass flats, and oyster bars hold healthy populations of redfish year-round. Whether you’re visiting on vacation or looking to add some rod-bending action to your trip, targeting reds in these shallow environments is both accessible and rewarding. At Original Crab Island, we see firsthand how a great day on the water can become the highlight of someone’s vacation, which is exactly why we put together this guide.
Below, you’ll find proven techniques for locating redfish, the best baits and lures to throw, and the specific rigs that consistently produce. We’ll cover where to focus your efforts, what tackle to bring, and how to read the water like a local.
Understanding inshore redfish behavior
Redfish live their lives tied to specific structures and environmental cues that dictate when and where they feed. These copper-backed predators aren’t randomly scattered across the flats. They patrol predictable zones based on tide movement, water temperature, and available forage. Once you understand what drives their behavior, finding them becomes less about luck and more about reading the conditions in front of you.
What drives redfish feeding patterns
Tidal movement controls almost everything redfish do in shallow water. During incoming tides, redfish push into grass flats, oyster bars, and marsh drains to ambush prey that floods in with rising water. They time their feeding to these movements because crabs, shrimp, and baitfish become exposed and vulnerable as water covers structure. Your best fishing happens during the first two hours of an incoming tide when reds actively hunt in water depths ranging from six inches to four feet.
Water temperature plays an equally important role in their activity levels. Redfish feed most aggressively when water temperatures sit between 65 and 75 degrees, which typically occurs during spring and fall along the Emerald Coast. Summer months see them feeding earlier in the morning or later in the evening to avoid midday heat, while winter pushes them into deeper channels and darker-bottomed areas where water holds warmth longer.
How redfish hunt in shallow water
Redfish rely heavily on their sense of smell and the vibration-detecting lateral line running along their bodies. You’ll often see them with their heads tilted down, rooting through soft bottom or oyster rubble for crabs and shrimp. This feeding behavior creates visible mud clouds or nervous water that skilled anglers spot from a distance. They also produce a distinct tailing behavior where their tail fin breaks the surface as they nose down into shallow structure.
"Redfish in skinny water give themselves away through mud, wakes, and tails. Learn to read these signs before you make your first cast."
Sound and disturbance spook redfish quickly in shallow environments. They detect boat motors, footsteps in the water, and poorly placed casts through pressure waves that travel efficiently through thin water columns. Successful anglers approach fishing spots quietly, using trolling motors on low settings or poling into position. When you wade fish, slow, deliberate steps keep pressure waves minimal and prevent alerting entire schools to your presence.
Seasonal movement and timing
Spring brings redfish onto the flats in strong numbers as warming water triggers increased metabolism and feeding. You’ll find them spread across grass beds and near marsh points where baitfish congregate. This season offers some of the most consistent action because fish actively feed throughout the day, not just during narrow windows. Water clarity typically improves during spring, which makes sight fishing particularly productive for targeting cruising schools.
Fall fishing rivals spring as prime redfish season along the Gulf Coast. Cooling water temperatures push bull redfish (fish over 27 inches) back into inshore waters after their summer offshore spawn, while resident fish feed heavily to prepare for winter. Target deep grass edges, channel drop-offs, and areas near passes where larger specimens patrol. During winter months, redfish become more lethargic and concentrate in deeper holes, around docks, and near power plant outflows where water stays warmer. Summer heat drives them to feed during low-light periods, making early morning and late evening the most productive times for how to catch redfish inshore during the hottest months.
Gear that makes inshore redfish easier
Your tackle selection directly impacts your success rate when targeting redfish in shallow water. The right gear lets you cast accurately into tight spots, handle hard-fighting fish in structure-rich environments, and adapt to changing conditions throughout the day. You don’t need expensive equipment to consistently catch reds, but you do need gear matched to the specific demands of inshore fishing.
Rod and reel combinations that handle reds
A medium-power spinning rod between seven and seven and a half feet gives you the casting distance and fish-fighting backbone needed for how to catch redfish inshore. This length provides enough leverage to pull fish away from oyster bars and pilings while maintaining sensitivity to detect subtle bites. Pair your rod with a 3000 or 4000 series spinning reel that holds at least 150 yards of line and features a smooth drag system capable of handling sudden runs.
Look for rods with a fast or moderate-fast action that loads well during the cast but still has enough backbone in the lower section to control fish. Graphite composite rods offer a good balance between sensitivity and durability at reasonable price points. Your reel should feature a sealed drag system to resist saltwater corrosion and at least four ball bearings for smooth retrieves. Brands available through major retailers consistently deliver reliable performance without breaking your budget.
"Match your rod length to where you fish. Longer rods cast farther on open flats, while shorter setups give better control around docks and mangroves."
Terminal tackle and line selection
Spool your reel with 15 to 20-pound braided line for maximum casting distance and direct connection to the fish. Braided line cuts through grass better than monofilament and telegraphs bites instantly because it stretches minimally. Attach a 20 to 30-pound fluorocarbon leader measuring two to three feet long using a double uni knot or FG knot. Fluorocarbon leader provides abrasion resistance against oyster shells and becomes nearly invisible in clear water.
Circle hooks in sizes 1/0 to 4/0 work well for live bait presentations and reduce gut-hooking when you practice catch-and-release. Use inline weights ranging from 1/8 to 1/2 ounce depending on current strength and water depth. Keep a selection of jig heads in matching weight ranges for artificial presentations. Stainless steel snap swivels let you change lures quickly without retying.
Essential tools for handling fish
Carry long-nose fishing pliers to remove hooks safely and bend down barbs for easier releases. A rubber-coated landing net with a generous hoop diameter prevents scale damage and makes landing fish easier in current. Pack a lip-gripping tool for controlling fish during hook removal and photo opportunities. Keep a measuring tape or measuring board in your boat to quickly verify fish length against slot limits, and bring a cooler with ice if you plan to keep your legal catch.
Baits and lures redfish eat year-round
Redfish feed opportunistically on whatever prey moves through their territory, which gives you flexibility in bait and lure selection. Understanding which offerings produce consistent results across different seasons and conditions eliminates guesswork at the tackle shop. Your success in how to catch redfish inshore often comes down to matching your presentation to what redfish naturally encounter in their environment.
Live baits that produce consistently
Live shrimp remain the most reliable bait for redfish throughout the year because they’re abundant in inshore waters and trigger aggressive strikes. Hook a medium shrimp (around three inches long) through the horn between its eyes for maximum action, or through the tail for longer casts. Purchase bait shrimp from local tackle shops the morning of your trip, and keep them alive in a well-aerated bucket with regular water changes.
Finger mullet between three and five inches work exceptionally well during fall and winter when larger baitfish schools move through inshore areas. Hook mullet through both lips for surface presentations or behind the dorsal fin for bottom fishing. Blue crabs, either whole or cut into quarters, produce excellent results around oyster bars and rocky structure where redfish actively hunt crustaceans. Use fresh or recently dead crabs because redfish locate prey primarily through scent in murky water conditions.
"Live shrimp catch redfish in every inshore environment from grass flats to deep channels. Keep them lively and your hookup rate stays high."
Artificial lures that work
Soft plastic paddle tails in three to five-inch lengths consistently fool redfish when worked slowly along the bottom. Rig them on jig heads matching water depth, using lighter weights in skinny water and heavier options in current or deeper channels. Colors mimicking natural prey like white, pearl, and chartreuse produce in clear water, while darker shades like plum and red work better when visibility drops.
Gold and silver spoons flash brightly and create vibration that redfish detect from a distance. Cast spoons past structure and retrieve them with a steady, medium-speed retrieve that produces a wobbling action. Topwater plugs generate explosive surface strikes during low-light periods, particularly in calm conditions when redfish feed aggressively in less than two feet of water. Walk-the-dog style lures and poppers both trigger strikes from aggressive fish.
Matching presentation to conditions
Work baits and lures slowly in cold water when redfish metabolism slows and they’re less willing to chase fast-moving presentations. Speed up your retrieve during warmer months when fish actively pursue fleeing prey. Switch to scent-based offerings like cut bait or live shrimp when fishing stained water where visibility limits the effectiveness of sight-based hunting. Clear water conditions favor artificial lures that mimic natural baitfish movement and color patterns precisely.
Rigs that cover most inshore situations
Rigging your line correctly determines whether your bait reaches redfish at the right depth and presents naturally in current. The rigs below handle most inshore scenarios you’ll encounter when targeting reds, from shallow grass flats to deeper channel edges. Learning to tie these setups quickly lets you adapt to changing conditions without wasting valuable fishing time, and each rig serves a specific purpose based on structure and water depth.
Carolina rig for grass flats
The Carolina rig keeps your bait off the bottom while still maintaining contact with structure where redfish feed. This setup works exceptionally well when fishing how to catch redfish inshore over grass beds because the sliding weight moves through vegetation without snagging while your bait floats above. Thread a 1/4 to 1/2-ounce egg sinker onto your main line, followed by a plastic bead to protect your knot. Tie a barrel swivel to your main line, then attach an 18 to 24-inch fluorocarbon leader to the opposite end of the swivel. Complete the rig by tying your hook to the leader using a Palomar or improved clinch knot.
Cast this rig beyond your target area and retrieve it slowly with periodic pauses. The weight bumps along the bottom while your bait trails behind at mid-water depth, perfectly positioned for redfish cruising over grass. Adjust your leader length based on grass height, using shorter leaders in sparse grass and longer options over thicker beds.
Popping cork setup for live bait
A popping cork rig suspends live bait at a fixed depth while creating surface disturbance that attracts redfish from a distance. Slide a popping cork onto your main line with the concave end facing down, then tie a barrel swivel below it. Attach a two to three-foot fluorocarbon leader to the swivel and complete the setup with a circle hook sized appropriately for your bait.
"Popping corks work surface noise and keep bait visible to redfish feeding in the water column, especially around oyster bars and dock pilings."
Adjust the distance between your cork and hook based on water depth, positioning your bait six inches to one foot off the bottom. After casting, pop the cork sharply with your rod tip to create splashing sounds, then pause for several seconds. This technique mimics feeding baitfish and triggers aggressive strikes.
Jig head rig for versatility
The jig head rig offers the simplest setup for artificial lures and works across all inshore environments. Thread your soft plastic paddle tail or swimbait onto a jig head, ensuring the hook point exits at the top centerline of the bait for proper swimming action. Match jig weight to conditions:
- 1/8 ounce: Water less than 2 feet, minimal current
- 1/4 ounce: Water 2-4 feet, light to moderate current
- 3/8 ounce: Water over 4 feet, strong current or wind
Tie your jig directly to your fluorocarbon leader using a loop knot for maximum action. Cast beyond structure and retrieve with a slow, bouncing motion that keeps your lure near the bottom where redfish actively hunt. Vary your retrieval speed until you determine what triggers strikes on that particular day.
Find redfish inshore: spots and conditions
Location selection separates anglers who consistently catch redfish from those who struggle. Redfish concentrate around specific structures and environmental features that provide ambush points and reliable food sources. Learning to identify these high-percentage areas before you make your first cast dramatically increases your hookup rate and helps you understand how to catch redfish inshore with consistency across different trips.
Target structure that holds baitfish
Oyster bars rank among the most productive redfish habitat because they attract crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish that reds actively hunt. Focus on bars with 18 to 36 inches of water during mid-tide periods, casting your bait along the edges where structure meets sand or grass. You’ll often see nervous water or mud clouds as redfish work these areas, which gives you visual confirmation before you fish.
Grass flats adjacent to deeper channels or cuts hold redfish throughout the day as they move on and off the flats with tidal flow. Target the transition zone where grass meets sand bottom, particularly near points and pockets that create current breaks. During falling tides, position yourself near channel edges and intercept redfish as they retreat from shallow flats into deeper water. Dock pilings and bridge supports provide shade and current breaks while attracting baitfish schools. Cast tight to structure and work your bait parallel to pilings rather than away from them, since redfish often hold within inches of vertical structure.
"Redfish use structure as feeding stations. Find the structure that concentrates prey, and you’ll find actively feeding fish."
Read water conditions before you cast
Water clarity determines your approach and bait selection throughout the day. Clear water conditions allow redfish to inspect your offering closely, requiring natural presentations with fluorocarbon leaders and realistic lure colors. Stained or murky water shifts their reliance to scent and vibration, making live bait and darker-colored artificials more effective. Current speed impacts where redfish position themselves within structure. Moderate current creates defined feeding zones along edges and points, while slack tide spreads fish across larger areas and reduces concentrated feeding activity.
Time your trips around tides and weather
Plan your fishing around incoming tides when water floods onto flats and pushes baitfish into shallow areas where redfish ambush them. The first two hours of rising water produce the most consistent action, particularly on spring tides following new and full moons when tidal range reaches its peak. Overcast days with light wind offer ideal conditions because cloud cover reduces spooking fish in shallow water while slight surface chop breaks up your silhouette. Avoid fishing during extreme temperature swings or immediately after cold fronts when barometric pressure changes shut down feeding activity temporarily.
Hook, fight, and release redfish the right way
Your technique during the hookup, fight, and release determines whether a redfish swims away healthy or suffers injury that reduces survival rates. Proper handling protects the fishery while giving you clean hookups and successful releases that maintain Florida’s excellent redfish population. The steps below keep fish in prime condition whether you plan to release them immediately or measure first for a potential keeper.
Setting the hook and controlling the fight
Circle hooks require a different approach than traditional J-hooks when you’re learning how to catch redfish inshore with live bait. Instead of jerking the rod upward when you feel a bite, simply reel down steadily until you feel solid resistance, then lift the rod to a 45-degree angle. The circle hook design pulls into the corner of the mouth as the fish moves away, creating a secure hookset that rarely results in gut-hooking.
When using artificial lures with standard J-hooks, set the hook with a firm upward sweep of the rod as soon as you feel weight. Keep your rod tip up during the fight to maintain constant pressure and prevent the fish from diving into structure. Redfish make powerful runs during the first few seconds after hookup, so let your drag system do its job rather than locking down and risking a break-off.
"Keep steady pressure throughout the fight. Redfish tire quickly with consistent rod angle and smooth drag, which reduces handling time and stress."
Landing fish without injury
Net your redfish head-first in one smooth motion rather than chasing it around the boat, which exhausts the fish unnecessarily. Rubber-coated nets prevent removing the protective slime layer that shields redfish from infection and disease. If you plan to measure the fish before deciding to keep or release it, leave it in the net while taking length measurements to minimize air exposure.
Avoid these common mistakes that injure fish:
- Dragging redfish over rough boat surfaces or oyster shells
- Holding fish by the gills or eye sockets
- Removing fish from water for extended photo sessions
- Using metal lip grips that damage jaw structure
Release techniques that ensure survival
Wet your hands before touching any fish you intend to release because dry hands remove the protective slime coating instantly. Support larger redfish horizontally with one hand under the belly and another gripping the lower jaw if you need to remove a hook. Keep the fish in the water during hook removal whenever possible, lifting it only for quick measurements or a brief photo.
Follow this release sequence for maximum survival rates:
- Hold the fish upright in the water facing into current
- Move it gently forward and backward to push water through gills
- Wait until the fish kicks strongly and attempts to swim away
- Release your grip only when the fish shows vigorous tail movement
Exhausted fish need several minutes of revival before they swim off on their own. If a redfish floats or lists to one side after release, continue the forward-backward motion until it regains equilibrium and swims away under its own power.
Plan your next inshore redfish day
You now have the knowledge to consistently locate and catch redfish across the Emerald Coast’s most productive inshore waters. The techniques covered above work throughout the year when you match your approach to tidal movement, seasonal patterns, and the specific structure redfish use for feeding. Success in how to catch redfish inshore comes down to preparation, proper gear selection, and reading conditions before you make your first cast.
Your next step involves getting on the water and putting these strategies into practice. Whether you need a pontoon boat to access grass flats and oyster bars or want to explore Destin’s backwaters on your own schedule, Original Crab Island offers the equipment and local knowledge that turns good fishing days into exceptional ones. Book your rental, load your tackle box with the baits and lures discussed above, and experience firsthand why redfish remain the top inshore target for anglers visiting Florida’s Gulf Coast.
