Also known as
- Redfish US
- Red US
- Spot-tail Bass US
- Channel Bass US
- Bull Red US
- Puppy Drum US
Identification
An elongated, robust bottom-feeder with a slightly arched back and muscular frame built for powerful bulldogging runs and sustained pulling strength in current. Juveniles are slimmer, filling out to a deep, heavy build with age.
- Copper to bronze body shading that can vary toward silver, with a white to pale underside
- One or more distinctive black eye-like spots near the base of the tail — typically one, sometimes multiple
- Broad head with a blunt snout and large downturned mouth
- Large scales with a distinctly rough texture
Where it holds
- Estuaries
- Salt Marshes
- Sandy Shores
- Inshore
Behaviour
Schooling bottom predators that root through sand, mud, and shell for crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish. Tide-dependent feeders — peak foraging on moving water when prey washes out of cover. Most active at dawn and dusk, though they feed through the day in favourable conditions. Tolerant of wide salinity swings from fresh to full seawater, strongly preferring brackish. Adults school around passes, jetties, and structure; juveniles hold on grass flats and oyster reefs.
Diet: Shrimp, Crabs, Mullet, Menhaden, Mollusks
How it's caught
Line Fishing
Spinning
Cast soft plastics, gold or copper spoons, and topwater plugs to tailing fish on shallow flats, marsh edges, and oyster bars. Slow bottom-bouncing retrieves during moving tides; walk-the-dog topwaters at first light. Sight casting to wakes and tails is the signature tactic.
Bottom Fishing
Fish a fish-finder or Carolina rig with minimal weight so fish can take bait without resistance, using circle hooks sized to the bait (2/0-5/0 for slot fish, 5/0-8/0 for bulls). Present cut mullet, menhaden, or live shrimp over oyster reefs, channel edges, and deep holes on moving tides.
Surf Casting
Cast fish-finder rigs with 6/0-8/0 circle hooks baited with cut mullet or menhaden using 8-12ft surf rods and 3-6oz pyramid weights. Target troughs, sloughs, and cuts near jetties on the incoming tide during autumn spawning runs for bull reds.
Float Fishing
Pop a weighted cork rig with live shrimp, a soft plastic jig, or small baitfish 45-90cm beneath it, casting to marsh edges, oyster bars, and grass flats. Rhythmic pops draw fish in while the bait holds at set depth. Deadly for slot reds in 30-120cm of water.
Spear Fishing
Inshore Spearfishing
Sight-fish tailing fish on shallow flats, marshes, and shorelines in 0.5-8m over oyster bars and grass beds. Wade or stalk-dive with a slow approach — fish are wary in clear water. Head shots preferred. Slot and bag limits apply in most regions.
