Redfish Adventures with Woodduck’s Guide Service

Seasons and Best Times for Red Fish Fishing Florida 

One of the best things about fishing the Forgotten Coast is that redfish are here all year long. That said, some seasons are better than others depending on the size of the fish you’re after: 

• Spring (March–May): The warming water temperatures draw redfish into shallow grass flats. This is a fantastic time for sight casting with artificial lures. 

• Summer (June–August): Redfish stay active in the early mornings and evenings. Summer trips often feature tailing reds in skinny water. 

• Fall (September–November): The absolute peak season. Giant bull reds invade the coastal bays and passes, creating some of the best red fish fishing Florida has to offer. 

• Winter (December–February): Cooler waters concentrate redfish in deeper holes and creeks, making them easier to locate in schools. 

No matter the season, Florida’s Forgotten Coast offers opportunities for steady action and memorable catches. 

Techniques for Catching Redfish in Florida 

Part of what makes redfish such a great target is the variety of techniques you can use. Depending on the conditions, your guide will adjust strategies to put you in the right place at the right time. 

1. Sight Fishing the Flats

Few things are as thrilling as spotting a redfish pushing a wake or tailing in shallow water. Anglers can cast live shrimp, soft plastics, or fly patterns directly in front of the fish for explosive takes. 

2. Live Bait Fishing

Live bait such as shrimp, mullet, or crabs is irresistible to redfish. Dropping a bait near oyster beds, grassy points, or channel edges often results in immediate action. 

3. Artificial Lures

Soft plastics rigged on jig heads, topwater plugs, and gold spoons are classic choices. Redfish are opportunistic feeders, so working lures with a slow, steady retrieve often triggers bites. 

4. Fly Fishing for Redfish

For anglers seeking a technical challenge, fly fishing is one of the most rewarding ways to target reds. Casting crab or shrimp patterns to tailing fish in shallow flats delivers a heart-pounding experience. 

Where to Find the Best Red Fish Fishing Florida 

The Forgotten Coast is filled with hidden gems that provide ideal habitat for redfish. These areas combine healthy seagrass beds, tidal creeks, and sandy shoals—all prime feeding grounds. 

• Grass Flats: Redfish cruise shallow grass flats in search of crabs and shrimp. 

• Oyster Beds: These structures attract baitfish, making them natural ambush points for reds. 

• Creeks and Marshes: Narrow channels and marsh edges hold redfish year-round, especially in winter. 

• Coastal Bays: Larger bays attract schools of bull reds during fall runs. 

The beauty of fishing here is that the waters are far less pressured than other parts of Florida, giving anglers a chance to experience wild, natural fisheries with plenty of action. 

Book Your Redfish Adventure Today

Why Choose the Forgotten Coast for Red Fish Fishing Florida? 

Florida has countless places to target redfish, but the Forgotten Coast stands apart for several reasons: 

• Untouched Waters: Unlike heavily pressured fisheries, these waters remain pristine and productive. 

• Scenic Beauty: Marshes, barrier islands, and endless flats provide a stunning backdrop to your trip. 

• Year-Round Action: No matter when you visit, redfish are always here. 

• Expert Local Guides: Knowledgeable captains know the tides, weather, and hidden spots that consistently produce fish. 

This region isn’t just about fishing—it’s about experiencing Florida the way it used to be: wild, quiet, and brimming with life.