Florida · Tampa Bay
REDFISH FISHING
IN TARPON SPRINGS
Tarpon Springs 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 Tarpon Springs
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 — Tarpon Springs
Month-by-month availability for redfish in Tarpon Springs, FL.
How to Catch Redfish in Tarpon Springs
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 Tarpon Springs
Top spots where local captains target redfish and other inshore species.
Anclote River
The Anclote River flows through Tarpon Springs before emptying into the Gulf, with mangrove-lined banks and dock structure holding snook, redfish, and sheepshead. The river's deeper holes concentrate fish during colder months, while summer produces excellent snook fishing around docks at night. The historic sponge docks area offers unique urban fishing with reliable action.
Anclote Key
Anclote Key is an undeveloped barrier island off Tarpon Springs with surrounding grass flats, sandbars, and mangrove shoreline. Redfish, trout, and snook feed along the island's bayside, while the Gulf side produces pompano and whiting from the beach. The key's protected status ensures pristine habitat and excellent fishing pressure ratios.
Fred Howard Park Causeway
Fred Howard Park's long causeway connects to a beach park, with wadeable flats on both sides holding trout, redfish, and snook. The causeway's sheltered waters make it accessible for wade fishing and kayaking even on breezy days. Sunset fishing along the causeway is a Tarpon Springs tradition with consistent action on speckled trout.
Kreamer Bayou
Kreamer Bayou is a shallow tidal creek north of the Anclote River, winding through coastal marsh and mangroves. Redfish, snook, and black drum patrol the bayou's oyster bars and mangrove prop roots. The creek sees minimal boat traffic and rewards anglers willing to explore its narrow, winding channels.
Other Species in Tarpon Springs
More fish you can target while visiting Tarpon Springs.
Redfish Fishing in Tarpon Springs — FAQ
The peak months for Redfish fishing in Tarpon Springs are May, September, October. During these months, Redfish are most active and abundant in the Tarpon Springs area.
Redfish fishing charters in Tarpon Springs 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 Tarpon Springs, 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 Tarpon Springs, you may also catch Snook, Sheepshead, Speckled Trout, King Mackerel, Mangrove Snapper. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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