Redfish, also known as red drum or channel bass, are a popular species found in coastal waters and estuaries throughout the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. They inhabit diverse areas, from shallow flats to deeper channels. Understanding their dietary preferences is valuable for both appreciating their ecological role and for successful angling.
Natural Diet of Red Fish
Redfish are opportunistic carnivores, primarily consuming other animals in their natural habitats. Their diet consists mainly of crustaceans, such as crabs and shrimp, and various smaller fish species. These bottom-dwelling feeders possess a downward-facing mouth, which is well-suited for rooting around in the substrate to find prey.
Crustaceans are a consistent food source for redfish, with blue crabs and penaeid shrimps being frequently consumed. While crustaceans are a mainstay, the specific types of prey can vary seasonally and geographically.
Smaller redfish tend to consume more crustaceans and smaller invertebrates, while larger individuals incorporate more fish into their diet. Despite these seasonal shifts, blue crabs remain a significant food source throughout the year.
Top Baits for Anglers
Anglers seeking redfish often find success by using baits that mimic their natural prey, whether live, cut, or artificial. Live baits are highly effective because their movement and natural scent appeal directly to the redfish’s predatory instincts. Live shrimp are a universal choice, particularly in shallow waters, and can be fished under a popping cork. Various live crabs, such as fiddler crabs, blue crabs, and mud minnows, are also productive, especially when redfish are seen “tailing” in shallow grass flats as they forage. Live baitfish like pinfish and finger mullet are also excellent options, as they are a staple in the redfish diet.
Cut baits leverage a redfish’s strong sense of smell, creating a scent trail that can attract fish from a distance. Mullet, menhaden, and ladyfish cut into pieces are popular choices, with fresh cut bait generally outperforming frozen versions due to better texture and scent dispersion. For larger redfish, a whole blue crab with the shell and claws removed or a mullet head can be particularly effective. Squid cut into strips can also be used, especially as a trailer on lures to add scent.
Artificial lures provide versatility, allowing anglers to cover more water and adapt to different conditions. Soft plastics, such as shrimp imitations, paddle tails, and jerkbaits, are highly effective, especially when rigged weedless for fishing in grassy areas or around oyster bars. Gold or copper spoons are a classic choice, known for their flash and vibration that can entice strikes, particularly in areas with grass or patchy bottoms. Topwater plugs, which create commotion on the surface, are effective during calm conditions, especially at dawn or dusk, as redfish will strike at the surface despite their bottom-feeding mouth.
Factors Affecting Red Fish Feeding Habits
Several environmental and biological factors influence when and where redfish feed. Tide cycles play a significant role, as redfish use tidal movements to access feeding grounds and concentrate prey. During incoming high tides, redfish move into newly flooded areas like grass flats and marsh shorelines to feed on crustaceans and baitfish. Conversely, during outgoing low tides, they often concentrate in deeper channels, holes, and creek mouths, ambushing prey swept out of the shallows.
Water temperature also affects redfish activity levels and feeding. Optimal feeding occurs within a specific temperature range, and extreme cold or heat can slow their metabolism and reduce their feeding intensity. In warmer summer months, redfish may feed more frequently but often during cooler parts of the day, such as early mornings or late evenings. Water clarity influences their reliance on sight versus scent; in clear water, they may hunt by sight, while in murky conditions, their keen sense of smell becomes more important.
Seasonality also dictates prey availability, leading to shifts in the redfish diet throughout the year. The specific location and habitat, such as oyster beds, mangrove shorelines, or deep channels, also influence feeding behavior and the types of prey available.