REDFISH - OUR #1 TARGET FOR INSHORE FISHING CHARTERS!
Redfish fishing along Florida’s Gulf Coast offers some of the most exciting shallow-water inshore action anywhere in the region. From Clearwater Beach and Dunedin to Palm Harbor, Tarpon Springs, and New Port Richey, redfish can be found feeding along grass flats, mangrove shorelines, oyster bars, and shallow backwater areas throughout the year.
Depending on tides and conditions, trips may focus on sight fishing shallow flats, targeting moving water along mangrove edges, or staying mobile to locate actively feeding fish. Redfish are known for aggressive strikes and powerful fights, making them perfect for both beginners and experienced anglers looking for exciting light tackle action in shallow water.
Guided by a full-time Gulf Coast fishing captain fishing the waters from Clearwater to New Port Richey year-round.
Species spotlight: Redfish - Our #1 target
Redfish are one of the most consistent and exciting inshore species in Clearwater, making them a top target for anglers year-round. Found cruising shallow grass flats, tailing along oyster bars, and holding tight to mangrove shorelines, redfish are perfect for sight fishing and light tackle action.
What makes redfish so popular on Florida’s Gulf Coast is their combination of accessibility and power. They are aggressive feeders that will strike artificial lures, soft plastics, and live bait, yet they fight hard and make strong runs once hooked. Whether you’re a first-time angler or experienced fisherman, redfish provide an unforgettable experience on the water.
Looking to target redfish on your trip? Our guided Clearwater redfish charters specialize in shallow-water sight fishing.
Best Time to Catch Redfish on the Gulf Coast
Redfish can be caught year-round in Clearwater, but the most consistent fishing typically occurs during the fall and spring months. During these seasons, redfish are often found in shallow water feeding aggressively, making them ideal for sight fishing opportunities. In cooler months, they tend to school up and become easier to locate, while in warmer months they spread out across the flats and mangroves.
Where We Target Redfish
On our Clearwater fishing charters, we focus on shallow-water environments where redfish naturally feed:
- Grass flats in 1–3 feet of water
- Mangrove shorelines and edges
- Oyster bars and sandy potholes
- Backwater areas with moving tides
These areas allow us to sight fish when conditions are right, giving clients the chance to actually see the fish before making the cast.
How We Catch Redfish
We primarily target redfish using light tackle and techniques tailored to conditions:
- Artificial lures for active fish and sight fishing
- Soft plastics and topwater baits in shallow water
- Live bait when needed for consistent action
Our approach is focused on creating opportunities for clients to learn, improve, and experience the excitement of targeting redfish the right way.
Are Redfish Good for Beginners or Just Experienced Anglers?
Redfish are one of the best inshore species in Clearwater because they offer something for every skill level. In many situations, they can be surprisingly aggressive feeders—often willing to eat live bait, cut bait, or a well-presented lure that comes into their path. This makes them a great option for beginners who want consistent action and a real chance to hook into quality fish.
At the same time, redfish can also be one of the most challenging species to target, especially when sight fishing in shallow, clear water. Larger redfish are often cautious and require accurate casts, proper bait presentation, and a good understanding of tides, light, and fish behavior. One wrong move, and the fish is gone.
That’s what makes targeting redfish so unique. Beginners can enjoy steady action using simple, effective techniques like live bait or popping corks, while more experienced anglers can push themselves by sight fishing, working artificial lures, and targeting bigger, more pressured fish.
Whether you’re new to fishing or looking to refine your skills, redfish provide the perfect balance of accessibility and challenge on a Clearwater fishing charter.