Redfish

Redfish, also called red drum or channel bass, are one of the defining species of American inshore saltwater fly fishing, and for good reason. They're accessible on shallow coastal flats from Texas to the Carolinas, they can be sight-fished tailing in inches of water, they take crab and shrimp patterns aggressively, and they fight with the kind of dogged, bulldogging power that makes a properly hooked fish an event on any tackle. The Louisiana marsh, Mosquito Lagoon, and the Carolina coast are among the most productive destinations, but quality redfish fly fishing exists along the entire Gulf and South Atlantic coast.

We've chased redfish from Louisiana's back marshes to Florida's east coast and compiled detailed guides on fly selection, presentation, gear, and the destinations worth prioritizing. Everything we know about these fish is in the articles below.