If you like sport fishing, you will definitely like redfish. Redfish is a common name for a number of fish species in the English-speaking world. Commonly used with members of the deep-sea genus Sebastes or reef snappers Lutjanus. It is also applied to slime-beards (family Trachichthyidae) and alphonsines (Berycidae). This wild species is one of the best fighters in the coastal spectrum and, when cooked properly, makes a great addition to the barbecue menu. Even some restaurants have adopted fish as a specialty. For example, at the famous Redfish Seafood Grill and Bar on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, they say, “At Redfish, we serve a showcase of award-winning French Quarter specialties, including classics like Blackened Redfish, Crawfish Etouffee and Jambalaya.
Young redfish, or red drum as they are often called, feed on clams, crabs, mussels and shrimp in the shallows. Red drum are an inshore species until they reach about 30 inches (4 years), then they migrate to join the nearshore population; spawning occurs from August to November in coastal waters; sudden freezes can kill red drum in shallow coastal waters; feeds on crustaceans, fish and molluscs; lifespan of up to 20 years or more.
The fish gets its common name from the coppery bronze large scales on their bodies, which are darker in turbid water and lighter in clear water, but the most distinctive feature is the dark spot at the top of the base of the tail. However, to anglers the most visible feature is the tail, which disturbs the water in calm shallows and often breaks the surface. The sight of a dozen or more redfish "tailing," as this foraging behavior is called, is enough to get the adrenaline pumping through the veins of the most hardened sportsman.
Catching redfish is like any fishing. You just have to be in the right place at the right time with the right bait and tackle.
The strength or lifting force of a fishing rod is determined by its action. A light action rod has a low strength, making it ideal for casting light baits and tackling smaller fish, while a heavy action rod is much stiffer, making it suitable for tackling large predators such as the Giant Mekong Catfish. Most rod manufacturers offer rods from Light to Heavy, but there are also extreme Ultra Light and Extra Heavy classes. Use a light rod with a medium action, as you could end up with a lot of casting before you finally lure your trophy specimen to the hook, and use the lightest line you feel comfortable with. Just be sure to set the brake force exactly (pros actually use a scale and set it to sixty percent of the nominal breaking point).
Timing is easy, fish the flats and oyster bars feeding areas on the rising tide and just after the tide turns, and fish the shelters in the troughs and mud flats on the low tide. The most reliable spots are at the edge of mangroves near deep water. This gives a combination of a great feeding spot with an easy escape route in case of danger.
As for bait, if you are pan fishing, use live bait. Live animals such as mealworms, maggots, night crawlers, leeches, worms, crayfish, reptiles, amphibians and insects can be used as bait on all waters, not limited to artificial flies and lures. Cast your bait or lure as close to the mangroves as you dare, let it sink for a few seconds and then slowly retrieve it. Redfish tend to flick their tails slowly when feeding. When the strike comes, you'll know all about it and the fish will do all the work of setting the hook. Your task will be to get the fish away from the mangroves and then enjoy the fight of your life. This is when the challenge of light tackle fishing will tax your skill and fill your psyche with pride.
Happy fishing and look forward to the recipe soon! Remember, if you are not going to eat the fish, release it unharmed. Always follow local fishing regulations.
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