Redfish Along our Gulf Coast

Our Alabama Gulf Coast is popular for inshore fishing. One species in particular is redfish. Redfish are also known as red drum, bull red or simply red. The most distinguishing mark is one large black spot on the upper part of the tail base. Having multiple spots is not uncommon for redfish, but having no spots is extremely rare. The color of redfish ranges from a deep blackish, coppery color to nearly silver. The most common color is a reddish-bronze.

Redfish grow throughout their life and a 20 to 30 lb fish is not uncommon to catch off the Alabama Gulf Coast. These fish are fast growing and reach approximately 11 inches and one pound in their first year, 17-22 inches and 3 ½ pounds the second year, and 22-24 inches and 6-8 pounds in the third. For the first three years they mainly live in bays or in the surf zone near passes.