Where to Find Redfish in Florida: Top Surf Fishing Locations

Florida is a premier destination for surf fishing, and redfish (red drum) are one of the most popular species to target along the state’s beaches. From the pristine Gulf Coast to the rugged East Coast, redfish are abundant in various habitats, including estuaries, mangrove forests, grass flats, and sandbars. Knowing where to find redfish is crucial to your fishing success. In this article, we will explore some of the best locations for catching redfish along Florida’s coastline and provide tips for optimizing your fishing experience.

Best Redfish Fishing Spots on Florida’s East Coast

Fort Pierce Inlet

Located on Florida’s East Coast, Fort Pierce Inlet offers fantastic redfish fishing opportunities. The inlet is known for its shallow waters, turbid surf zones, and nearby mangroves, making it an ideal feeding ground for redfish.

• Fishing Tips: Fish during the incoming tide, and focus on the surf zone and near the inlet mouth. Use cut bait or live shrimp for the best results.

Indian River Lagoon

The Indian River Lagoon stretches along the East Coast and is home to an abundance of redfish. The lagoon’s shallow flats, mangrove shorelines, and grass beds make it a prime habitat for redfish.

• Fishing Tips: Fish around the sandbars and mangrove edges. The early morning and late afternoon are the best times to fish.

Ponce Inlet

Ponce Inlet, located near Daytona Beach, is known for its deep channels, strong currents, and grass flats, which attract large numbers of redfish.

• Fishing Tips: Target redfish during the incoming tide when they are actively feeding in the shallows. Focus on areas near sandbars and drop-offs.

Best Redfish Fishing Spots on Florida’s Gulf Coast

Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay is a prime redfish fishing destination due to its vast expanse of shallow waters, sea grass beds, and mangrove shorelines. The bay provides a rich food source for redfish.

• Fishing Tips: Focus on grass flats and shallow estuaries. Fishing during the morning hours or just before sunset is ideal for redfish.

Sanibel Island

Sanibel Island, located off Florida’s Gulf Coast, is home to some of the best redfish fishing spots in the state. The island features an abundance of estuaries, mangroves, and backcountry flats.

• Fishing Tips: Look for redfish around the mangroves and shallow sandbars. Use live shrimp or cut mullet as bait.

Charlotte Harbor

Charlotte Harbor is a well-known redfish hotspot due to its diverse fishing habitats. The harbor features mudflats, mangrove shorelines, and sandbars, making it an ideal location for redfish to congregate.

• Fishing Tips: Fish near the mangrove edges or in deeper channels during the incoming tide. Early morning and late afternoon are prime times to fish.

Best Redfish Fishing Spots in Florida’s Southern Coast

Florida Bay (Everglades National Park)

Florida Bay, located at the southern tip of the Florida Peninsula, offers prime redfish fishing opportunities. The shallow waters, mangrove forests, and grass flats are perfect habitats for redfish.

• Fishing Tips: Fish near the mangroves and shallow sandbars. Use live bait or cut bait for the best results. Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to fish.

Key West

Key West, known for its diverse marine life, is a hotspot for redfish. The shallow flats and mangrove-lined shorelines provide excellent fishing opportunities.

• Fishing Tips: Focus on grass beds, mangrove edges, and shallow sandbars. Fishing is most productive during the incoming tide.

Best Places to Find Redfish in Florida

Redfish can be found along nearly all of Florida’s coastline, from the East Coast to the Gulf Coast. Whether you’re fishing in Fort Pierce Inlet, Tampa Bay, or Florida Bay, there are plenty of prime fishing spots to explore. The key to success is targeting areas with abundant food sources, such as mangroves, sandbars, and grass flats, while focusing on tidal changes and the best times of day.