Last Updated on October 15, 2025 by Capt. Jason
Redfish Season Florida 2025: Your Guide to Catching Red Drum in Tampa Bay
Redfish—also widely known as the red drum—are arguably the most popular inshore saltwater game fish in Florida, and targeting them in Tampa Bay during the cooler months offer excellent opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. Let’s dive deep into the world of these copper-colored fighters and uncover why fishing them from late fall through winter in Tampa Bay is an ideal time and location to secure a trophy catch. So, grab your rod and reel, perfect your cast, and plan your fishing trip to the best fishing spots Florida has to offer!
Understanding Redfish Season in Florida: The Winter Advantage
While Redfish Season Florida is technically open year-round in the Tampa Bay region (allowing for retention of one fish per person, per day, within the 18” to 27” slot limit), the fish’s behavior changes dramatically with the seasons.
The Bull Redfish Run
Tampa Bay is renowned for its abundance of red drum, which makes it a popular destination for anglers from all over. The peak season for giant breeder-size fish (known as “bull reds”) starts in the fall, coinciding with the mullet run, as the smaller baitfish seek warmer waters to survive the winter. This event is known as the bull redfish run. Even as the peak spawning season subsides in late November, the residual trace of these massive fish can extend well into December and January, making the cooler months an ideal time for dedicated anglers.
The Shift in Habitat: Why Winter Matters
As water temperatures drop across the expansive shallow waters of the bay, the juvenile and slot-size redfish become less active and more predictable. Since red drum prefer warmer environments (ideally above 65°F), they retreat from the wide-open grass flats and migrate toward specific, heat-retaining fishing spots in the backcountry. This concentration of fish increases your chances of landing a quality catch by narrowing down the areas you need to target.
Prime Winter Fishing Spots for Redfish in Shallow Water
Low water: Winter time means Lower low tides, and the predominant North wind that comes along with winter. Means Super Megative low tides, which trap redfish in deep areas. You can literally catch redfish every cast in a hole if you’re in the correct location.
Successfully targeting redfish in shallow water during winter is all about locating sanctuaries that offer three things: thermal refuge, food, and protection.
- Shallow Flats Near Deep Channels: The key to finding redfish in shallow water is looking for areas where shallow, sun-drenched shallow flats drop off quickly into deeper channels. These thermal edges allow the red drum to quickly access warmer water on sunny afternoons while retreating to the safety of depth when water temperatures drop overnight. Look for potholes (sandy depressions) within large grass flats where redfish will congregate.
- Mangrove Shorelines and Cuts: The intricate network of flats mangrove shorelines provides exceptional shelter from cold winds. On low tides, these structures act like funnels, forcing red drum into smaller, deeper cuts. When the sun is high and the tide is incoming, redfish will move right up to the base of the mangroves to forage for crabs and shrimp.
- Oyster Bars and Spoil Islands: These hard-bottom structures are magnets for baitfish and crustaceans year-round. Oyster bars retain heat better than soft mud bottoms and are prime hunting grounds for red drum. They offer excellent opportunities for sight fishing, especially during periods of strong tidal flow when the fish cruise the edges looking for dislodged prey.
A telltale sign that you’ve found some redfish in shallow water is if you spot a fish “tailing;” this is when the red drum are digging their snouts into the muddy surface of the bottom in search of crabs that have burrowed in. Once you’ve located fish tailing, you’re in the right spot for the kind of stealthy, sight-casting action that makes Florida fishing legendary.
Mastering Winter-Time Tactics and Lures
As the weather cools, the metabolic rate of redfish slows, meaning they become less interested in chasing fast-moving baitfish and more focused on easy, slow-moving meals like crustaceans. The method for catching red drum changes from high-speed retrieves to a subtle, slow presentation.
Bait Selection: Live Bait vs. Artificials
During the cooler months, redfish become more interested in crustaceans such as shrimp and crab.
- Live Bait: Unweighted live bait, such as shrimp or cut crab pieces, remains king for enticing lethargic winter redfish. A simple setup using a small circle hook and minimal weight placed gently near an oyster bar’s edge often increases your chances of landing a big fish.
- Artificial Lures: Soft plastics that imitate shrimp (like a Gulp! or Vudu Shrimp) are highly effective when fished very slowly across the bottom of the shallow flats. The scent and subtle action of these lures are key. For covering ground, shallow-running spoons in gold or copper finishes are excellent, especially when the water has a slight tint; their flash can draw attention without requiring the fish to commit to a long chase.
The Importance of Stealth and Presentation
When targeting redfish in shallow water, stealth is paramount. The low tides and clear water conditions of winter mean the fish are easily spooked. Approach fishing spots quietly, use long casts to avoid getting too close, and employ a slow retrieve, allowing the lure or live bait to bump along the bottom, mimicking a disabled crustacean. This careful presentation dramatically increases your chances of landing a wary red drum.
Regulations and Conservation for the 2025 Redfish Season in Florida
To ensure the long-term health of the red drum fishery, all anglers must be aware of and follow Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) regulations.
- License: Every angler aged 16 to 65 must possess a valid Florida saltwater fishing license, unless fishing with a charter, as the captain’s license covers the vessel.
- Slot and Bag Limits: In the Tampa Bay region, the current regulations mandate a slot limit of 18” to 27” and a daily bag limit of one fish per person, with a vessel limit of two fish. Any fish over 27 inches is considered a breeder and must be released immediately.
- Conservation: Practicing proper catch-and-release techniques is vital, especially when dealing with the large “bull reds” caught near passes and inlets. Minimize fight time, handle the fish carefully, and ensure a healthy release so they can continue to contribute to the next Redfish Season Florida spawn.
Get On the Water Today!
Tampa Bay’s mild climate and diverse ecosystem offer excellent opportunities for anglers of all skill levels to fight with red drum. Whether you’re sight fishing the shallow holes on the flats, casting spoons or soaking live bait near submerged oyster bars, the winter bite is hard to beat.
There is no better time to plan your fishing trip and no one better suited to guide you than Captain Jason Dozier. A native of Florida, Captain Jason knows all the best fishing spots and the movements of redfish in shallow water like the back of his hand. His expertise guarantees that your winter expedition along the flats mangrove shorelines will be an unforgettable experience.
Ready for action? Book your trip with Captain Jason at FishnFL today and significantly increase your chances of landing a trophy redfish!