Florida · Space Coast
REDFISH FISHING
IN MELBOURNE
Melbourne is an outstanding destination for redfish fishing, with peak season in April, May, September and good catches in January, February, March. Book a charter and target redfish with local experts.
About Redfish Fishing in Melbourne
Also known as Red Drum, one of the most sought-after inshore gamefish in the Gulf. Known for powerful runs and the distinctive spot on the tail.
Redfish — also called Red Drum — are the most popular inshore gamefish along the Gulf and South Atlantic coasts. They are bronze-copper in color with one or more distinctive black spots near the tail, which scientists believe confuse predators into attacking the wrong end. Juveniles (called "rat reds") are bright gold or copper, while bull reds over 30 inches take on a deeper bronze-red hue with a pronounced hump behind the head. Males and females are visually identical, though females grow larger and are the primary spawners.
Scientific name: Sciaenops ocellatus
Redfish Seasonal Calendar — Melbourne
Month-by-month availability for redfish in Melbourne, FL.
How to Catch Redfish in Melbourne
Techniques & Bait
Live shrimp under a popping cork is the most reliable year-round technique. Soft plastic jigs (gold spoons, paddle-tail swimbaits on 1/4 oz jigheads) worked along oyster bars and grass flat edges are deadly. For trophy bulls in the fall, fresh-cut mullet or blue crab on a Carolina rig fished near passes and jetties is hard to beat. Sight-casting to tailing reds on shallow flats with gold spoons or fly-rod presentations is the pinnacle of the sport.
Recommended Tackle
Medium or medium-light spinning rod (7 ft), 2500-3000 size reel, 10-15 lb braided line, 20 lb fluorocarbon leader. For bull reds: medium-heavy rod, 4000 reel, 20-30 lb braid, 30 lb leader.
Best Inshore Fishing Spots in Melbourne
Top spots where local captains target redfish and other inshore species.
Indian River Lagoon (Melbourne)
The Indian River Lagoon along Melbourne is one of the most biodiverse estuaries in North America, with grass flats, spoil islands, and mangrove shorelines holding redfish, snook, spotted seatrout, and flounder. The lagoon stretches for miles and offers year-round inshore fishing. Sight-fishing for redfish on the shallow grass flats is a specialty of the Melbourne area.
Turkey Creek
Turkey Creek flows into the Indian River Lagoon in Palm Bay just south of Melbourne, creating a brackish mixing zone that attracts snook, tarpon, and jack crevalle. The creek's tannin-stained water and overhanging trees create ambush points for predator fish. Kayak anglers find excellent action in the creek's upper reaches where motorized boats cannot access.
Melbourne Causeway
The Melbourne Causeway connects mainland Melbourne to the barrier island, with bridge pilings and adjacent flats providing year-round fishing for sheepshead, redfish, snook, and black drum. The causeway's rip-rap shoreline attracts baitfish and predators during tidal changes. Night fishing under the causeway lights is particularly productive for snook and tarpon during summer.
Banana River Lagoon
The Banana River Lagoon runs between Merritt Island and the barrier island north of Melbourne, offering sheltered inshore fishing with less boat traffic than the Indian River. Redfish, spotted seatrout, and flounder patrol the lagoon's grass flats and spoil island shorelines. Portions adjacent to Kennedy Space Center receive zero fishing pressure, creating spillover into accessible areas.
Other Species in Melbourne
More fish you can target while visiting Melbourne.
Redfish Fishing in Melbourne — FAQ
The peak months for Redfish fishing in Melbourne are April, May, September, October. During these months, Redfish are most active and abundant in the Melbourne area.
Redfish fishing charters in Melbourne are typically inshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Live shrimp under a popping cork is the most reliable year-round technique. Soft plastic jigs (gold spoons, paddle-tail swimbaits on 1/4 oz jigheads) worked along oyster bars and grass flat edges are deadly. For trophy bulls in the fall, fresh-cut mullet or blue crab on a Carolina rig fished near passes and jetties is hard to beat. Sight-casting to tailing reds on shallow flats with gold spoons or fly-rod presentations is the pinnacle of the sport.
No — when you book a charter in Melbourne, your captain provides all required Florida fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Redfish regulations in Florida include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Redfish in Melbourne, you may also catch Sheepshead, Snook, Speckled Trout, King Mackerel, Mangrove Snapper. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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