Red Drum (Redfish)  

Appearance

Red drum, or redfish, are coppery-brown and red in color, but tend to be lighter in clear waters. Their most distinguishing characteristic is a large black spot or two that appears near the base of the tail.

Habitat

Redfish are not very picky with their habitats, being found in anything from offshore waters up to 50 feet deep to freshwater estuaries. Schools tend to congregate around artificial reefs nearshore and oil platforms.

State Record

61 pounds, David Weber, 1992.

Fishing Tips

Marshes west of the Mississippi River Delta is especially rich with redfish. Floating a shrimp under a cork is a popular technique. Topwater plugs, spoons, soft-bodied jigs all work as well.