Last Updated on July 18, 2022 by Eric

If you’re looking for a great fishing charter to take your family on this summer, look no further than Tampa Bay. The redfish in this area are plentiful and provide plenty of fun for anglers of all ages.

To maximize your chances of catching one of these fish, it’s important to understand their habits and where they like to hang out. With a little bit of preparation, you’re sure to have an exciting day on the water!

About Tampa Bay Redfish

Redfish are a popular choice for sportfishing and are considered good table fare. They are relatively easy to catch and can be found in many areas around the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. Redfish have a reddish coloration that gives them their name, and they can grow to be quite large, with some specimens reaching over two feet in length.

Redfish juveniles will spend their time inhabiting the tidal creeks, bays, rivers, and canals of estuaries for the first several years of their lives. As they reach maturity they move out to open water flats and nearshore habitats.

What Do Redfish Eat?

Redfish are opportunistic feeders and will consume a variety of small fish, shrimp, and crabs. One of the most interesting things about redfish is that their mouths are located on the underside of their head.

This unusual placement helps them to forage for food efficiently. Redfish will swim close to the bottom of the ocean when hunting for prey, using their sense of smell to track down potential meals.

Once they have located a suitable target, they will quickly swipe downwards with their mouth, grabbing the unsuspecting victim before it has a chance to escape.

Did you know that redfish have a unique hunting behavior called “tailing”?

This is where the tips of their tails poke through the surface of the water while they use their round noses to root around on the bottom.

Equipment For Redfish

When it comes to choosing the right rod and reel for redfish, there are a few things to keep in mind. Redfish are known for their powerful runs, so you’ll need a setup that can handle some serious drag. Because they often inhabit shallow waters, you’ll need a setup that can cast relatively light lures and baits.

With all of this in mind, here are a few specific recommendations for catching redfish:

Redfish are powerful fish, so you’ll need a rod with some backbone to it. We recommend something in the 7-9 foot range for the rod. A medium-heavy action should do the trick.

As for the reel, we recommend something in the 3000-5000 size range. This will give you enough power to handle those strong runs while providing a good drag system to prevent break-offs.

And, for line, we recommend 20-30 pound test monofilament or braided line. This will give you the strength and abrasion resistance you need to handle those powerful fish.

Where To Find Redfish

Redfish tend to congregate in areas with plenty of structure. This shelters them from predators and a place to ambush their prey. Shallow grass flats, mangrove islands, and oyster bars are all popular spots for these fish.

Because redfish are such adaptable fish, so they can be found in saltwater and brackish water habitats.

Lets Catch Some Red’s!

Redfish are a popular saltwater game fish found in the Tampa Bay area. If you are new to fishing for redfish, we recommend booking a fishing charter with us at Bag’em Fishing Charters. Our experienced captain will put you on the fish and teach you everything you need to know to have a successful day of fishing.

We provide all of the necessary equipment, so all you need to bring is your food and drink for the day. Book your charter today and join us for an unforgettable day of fishing in Tampa Bay!