Bull Redfish: How to Catch and Cook This Powerful Game Fish

Bull redfish are large red drum known for their strength and unique size.  Sport anglers find them especially along the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coasts.  

The redfish is known for its unique bronze-to-copper coloration. It has two colors all over its body and a distinctive black spot near the tail.

The redfish is nothing less than a trophy. Anglers often refer to the redfish as an ocean leopard. The attraction of the redfish is its beauty due to its strength and size.  Redfish contain a wide range.

This deep-water fish is 30 inches long when mature, and larger fish reach 40 inches. The most popular places to catch them are shallow bays and backwaters. 

Why bull redfish are a popular target for anglers

I spend most of the year on the water, encounter various species, and am always ready to enjoy them. Many fishes in the water are good to compete with and bull redfish is one of them.

Redfish are considered an interesting catch for most food purposes. We exclusively release the larger bull reds and will refrain from keeping slot redfish if we already have plenty of fish in the cooler.

These fish like to live in open water and group up with other bull-sized redfish. Catching bull redfish is not uncommon. Bull redfish are easy to spot in the water so I like aggressive and hard-fighting fish.

To catch bull redfish you need the best rod and reel for this fish you can use a braided line. When you have the perfect rod and reel setup, you must target bull redfish by finding large schools along the Gulf beaches and open areas in December and August.

Habitat and Distribution

They are often found in the shallow waters of beaches and marshes. During spawning seasons, larger bull red fish are often found in deeper waters, but they can occasionally return to shallow waters in search of food.

When the bull redfish is an adult, its habitats are shifted. Young redfish live in shallow estuaries and feed on small crustaceans and baitfish.

They migrate to deeper waters, including nearshore and offshore reefs, inlets, and passes. These fish leave the coastal waters and migrate to deeper areas.

Only during spawning season can you count on giant redfish heading back into shallow bays. 

Best Seasons to Target Bull Reds

The best time for bull redfish fishing is during the months of late summer to fall and September to November. When these fish migrate to coastal areas, they become accessible to anglers.

Bull redfish are more active in the fall and are found in deeper waters off the shore during the winter and spring. 

By the way, fall is the peak season for bull redfish, but in Louisiana, Texas, and Florida, it can be targeted year-round.  Bull redfish move to inshore waters to eat and spawn in the fall. The best time to catch this trophy-sized fish is during fall.

How to Catch Bull Redfish

Catching bull redfish is thrilling but you need the right strategy.  The selection of medium to heavy rods is essential for handling powerful large fish. Pair the rod with an excellent reel. To resist abrasions, a fluorocarbon leader of 40-60 lb test is recommended.

Circle hooks are often used with live or cut bait. A fish-finder rig is effective when targeting bulls on the bottom. Live bait such as Mullet, croaker, pinfish, Cut Bait, and Artificial lure are ideal for Redfish.

The surf casting technique is effective for targeting bull redfish. Be patient, and use enough weight to hold your bait in place with the current.

With the jigging technique, you can fish near structures, deep channels, or wrecks. Live or cut bait can be drifted effectively in strong current areas, like passes and around bridges.

Conclusion

By adopting responsible fishing practices, you can improve their ecosystem.   Whether you’re surf fishing along the Gulf Coast or jigging near an offshore reef, An angler should experience the challenge of catching a bull redfish at least once in their lifetime.

Many guides have insight into these magnificent redfish. You can’t fight a big redfish with light tackle. Redfish fight fast and are strong in every way.  Catching a solid redfish offers a rewarding experience and dinner.