Redfish SeasonEvery Port
Redfish season across US offshore ports peaks Apr–May, Sep–Oct: that's when at least half of the 8 ports we track are at peak. September and October are the hottest, with 7 of 8 ports at peak. Fishable year-round somewhere across US offshore ports.
Bars: share of the 8 ports at peak (orange) and fishable (blue) each month. Number = ports at peak.
Gulf Coast6 ports
Redfish in the Gulf →| Port | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Destin, FLPeak Apr–May, Sep–Oct | Fishable | Fishable | Fishable | Peak | Peak | Fishable | Fishable | Fishable | Peak | Peak | Fishable | Fishable |
| Galveston, TXPeak Sep–Nov | Off | Off | Fishable | Fishable | Fishable | Fishable | Fishable | Fishable | Peak | Peak | Peak | Fishable |
| Orange Beach, ALPeak Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | Fishable | Fishable | Fishable | Peak | Peak | Peak | Fishable | Fishable | Peak | Peak | Fishable | Fishable |
| Port Aransas, TXPeak Sep–Nov | Fishable | Fishable | Fishable | Fishable | Fishable | Fishable | Fishable | Fishable | Peak | Peak | Peak | Fishable |
| South Padre Island, TXPeak Apr–Aug | Fishable | Fishable | Fishable | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Fishable | Fishable | Fishable | Fishable |
| Venice, LAPeak Mar–May, Sep–Nov | Fishable | Fishable | Peak | Peak | Peak | Fishable | Fishable | Fishable | Peak | Peak | Peak | Fishable |
Carolinas2 ports
Redfish off the Carolinas →| Port | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston, SCPeak Aug–Oct | Fishable | Fishable | Fishable | Fishable | Fishable | Fishable | Fishable | Peak | Peak | Peak | Fishable | Fishable |
| Hilton Head, SCPeak Aug–Oct | Fishable | Fishable | Fishable | Fishable | Fishable | Fishable | Fishable | Peak | Peak | Peak | Fishable | Fishable |
How to fish it
Tackle class:20-30lb braid, circle hooks on cut bait. The window gets you on the water; the rig gets the fish to the boat. Full breakdown on the redfish page.
- Live-Baiting Bull Redfish in a BlowWhen the wind wrecks the flats bite, big bull redfish move to structure and current breaks. Here's the rig that finds them.
- Sight-Casting Tailing Redfish on the FlatsTailing reds in ankle-deep water are the most visual saltwater target on the East and Gulf coasts. Here's the approach, the cast, and the rig that converts sightings into hookups.
Kits for this fish
- The Inshore Redfish Ambush KitThe braid, leader, and offshore-grade safety piece worth carrying when a bull red run pulls you out past the flats: bundled for anglers who fish structure hard.
Frequently asked
When is redfish season across US offshore ports?
Redfish season across US offshore ports peaks Apr–May, Sep–Oct: that's when at least half of the 8 ports we track are at peak. September and October are the hottest, with 7 of 8 ports at peak. Fishable year-round somewhere across US offshore ports.
What is the best month for redfish across US offshore ports?
September and October. In September, 7 of the 8 ports we track are at peak: Destin, Galveston, Orange Beach, Port Aransas, Venice, Charleston, Hilton Head.
Which US port has the longest redfish season?
Venice, LA: 12 fishable months on our calendar, peaking Mar–May, Sep–Nov.
What rig do you use for redfish?
20-30lb braid, circle hooks on cut bait. Start with Live-Baiting Bull Redfish in a Blow or Sight-Casting Tailing Redfish on the Flats.
Where this comes from
Every window here is rolled up from the port calendars on this site, and each port page cites its sources. Peak means the port's sources call it the best stretch; fishable means the fish are around but not at their best. Water temperature and bait move these windows every year. Check state and federal regulations before you leave the dock. Not legal advice.