Florida · Tampa Bay
REDFISH FISHING
IN TAMPA
Tampa is an excellent destination for redfish fishing, with peak season in May, September, October and good catches in January, February, March. Book a charter and target redfish with local experts.
About Redfish Fishing in Tampa
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 — Tampa
Month-by-month availability for redfish in Tampa, FL.
How to Catch Redfish in Tampa
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 Tampa
Top spots where local captains target redfish and other inshore species.
Tampa Bay Flats
Tampa Bay is one of the largest estuaries in the southeastern United States, with thousands of acres of grass flats holding redfish, snook, and speckled trout year-round. The bay's extensive seagrass beds support an incredibly diverse food chain, making it one of Florida's most productive inshore fisheries. Sight-fishing on the shallow flats during low tides is a Tampa Bay specialty.
Weedon Island
Weedon Island is a coastal preserve on the western shore of Tampa Bay with mangrove-lined shorelines, tidal creeks, and grass flats that hold snook, redfish, and trout. The island's protected status ensures minimal development and pristine habitat for both fish and birds. The deeper channels around the island produce excellent action on moving tides.
Courtney Campbell Causeway
The Courtney Campbell Causeway connects Tampa to Clearwater across Old Tampa Bay, creating miles of accessible shoreline fishing and wade-fishing flats. Snook, redfish, trout, and sheepshead patrol the causeway's rip-rap and grass flat edges. Night fishing under the causeway lights during summer produces trophy-sized snook regularly.
Hillsborough Bay
Hillsborough Bay forms the northeastern arm of Tampa Bay, with productive flats, channels, and dock-lined shoreline that hold snook, redfish, and tarpon. The bay's Alafia River and Palm River inputs create nutrient-rich mixing zones that attract baitfish and predators. Spring tarpon fishing in Hillsborough Bay is a Tampa tradition.
Other Species in Tampa
More fish you can target while visiting Tampa.
Redfish Fishing in Tampa — FAQ
The peak months for Redfish fishing in Tampa are May, September, October. During these months, Redfish are most active and abundant in the Tampa area.
Redfish fishing charters in Tampa 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 Tampa, 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 Tampa, you may also catch Snook, Sheepshead, Speckled Trout, King Mackerel, Gag Grouper. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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