OffshoreHookup
Large redfish tailing in shallow amber-lit inshore flats water at dawn

Redfish SeasonGulf Coast

Redfish season in the Gulf peaks Apr–May, Sep–Nov: that's when at least half of the 6 ports we track are at peak. September and October are the hottest, with 5 of 6 ports at peak. Fishable year-round somewhere in the Gulf.

Bars: share of the 6 ports at peak (orange) and fishable (blue) each month. Number = ports at peak.

The Gulf coast marsh system is the redfish continent. The back bays and tidal flats behind every Gulf port from Louisiana to Texas hold fish year-round, but fall is peak: September through November, when redfish move onto the shallow flats to feed before winter. Bull reds in the surf along the Texas coast are a specific October phenomenon — schools of 20-pound fish running the beachfront at Port Aransas and South Padre are documented and targetable every fall. If you have never caught a Gulf redfish, the baseline here is high.

Port by port6 ports

Redfish bite calendar by port, Gulf Coast
PortJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Destin, FLPeak Apr–May, Sep–OctFishableFishableFishablePeakPeakFishableFishableFishablePeakPeakFishableFishable
Galveston, TXPeak Sep–NovOffOffFishableFishableFishableFishableFishableFishablePeakPeakPeakFishable
Orange Beach, ALPeak Apr–Jun, Sep–OctFishableFishableFishablePeakPeakPeakFishableFishablePeakPeakFishableFishable
Port Aransas, TXPeak Sep–NovFishableFishableFishableFishableFishableFishableFishableFishablePeakPeakPeakFishable
South Padre Island, TXPeak Apr–AugFishableFishableFishablePeakPeakPeakPeakPeakFishableFishableFishableFishable
Venice, LAPeak Mar–May, Sep–NovFishableFishablePeakPeakPeakFishableFishableFishablePeakPeakPeakFishable

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.

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 in the Gulf?

Redfish season in the Gulf peaks Apr–May, Sep–Nov: that's when at least half of the 6 ports we track are at peak. September and October are the hottest, with 5 of 6 ports at peak. Fishable year-round somewhere in the Gulf.

What is the best month for redfish in the Gulf?

September and October. In September, 5 of the 6 ports we track are at peak: Destin, Galveston, Orange Beach, Port Aransas, Venice.

Which Gulf Coast 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.