Caught a redfish Inshore in Swansboro Hubert

Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, are premier game fish found along the Atlantic Ocean coastlines of the United States, including the productive waters around Swansboro this July. These distinctive fish belong to the family Sciaenidae and order Perciformes, easily identified by their copper-red backs that fade to white bellies and characteristic black eyespots near the tail.

Redfish Overview

Redfish are highly prized by anglers for their aggressive strikes, powerful runs, and excellent table fare. These drum family members can live over 40 years and are known for their distinctive drumming sound produced by vibrating muscles against their swim bladder. They're considered one of the most important recreational fish species along the southeastern Atlantic coast.

Redfish Habitat and Distribution

These adaptable fish inhabit onshore waters, shallow flats, backcountry areas, and nearshore environments. In North Carolina waters like those around Swansboro, redfish frequent grass beds, oyster bars, creek mouths, and shallow flats where they hunt for prey. They prefer water temperatures between 70-85°F and can tolerate varying salinity levels from brackish to full saltwater.

Redfish Size and Weight

Redfish typically range from 30 to 61 inches in length, with weights spanning 10 to 45 pounds for mature fish. Slot-size redfish (18-27 inches) are most commonly targeted by recreational anglers, while larger bull redfish over 27 inches provide trophy-class fishing experiences.

Redfish Diet and Behavior

These opportunistic feeders consume crabs, shrimp, small fish, and marine worms. They're most active during dawn and dusk, often feeding in shallow water where their backs may be visible above the surface. Redfish use their downturned mouths to root through bottom sediments, creating distinctive mud trails that alert anglers to their presence.

Redfish Spawning Season

Spawning occurs in nearshore waters from late summer through fall, typically when water temperatures range from 75-80°F. During this period, large schools of adult redfish gather in deeper waters, making them accessible to offshore anglers while smaller fish remain in inshore areas.

Redfish Fishing Techniques

Successful redfish techniques include sight fishing with artificial lures, bottom fishing with cut bait, and live bait presentations using shrimp or small crabs. Popular lures include gold spoons, soft plastic baits, and topwater plugs. In Swansboro waters during summer months, anglers find success casting artificial lures across shallow flats during incoming tides when redfish move into feeding areas.

Redfish Is It Good to Eat?

Redfish offer mild, slightly sweet meat with a firm texture that's excellent grilled, blackened, or baked. They're high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids while being relatively low in mercury compared to many saltwater species. Smaller slot-size fish typically provide the best eating quality.

Redfish Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best bait for redfish?

A: Live or cut shrimp, small crabs, and mullet are top natural baits. For artificials, gold spoons, soft plastics, and topwater plugs work excellently.

Q: Where can I find redfish near Swansboro?

A: Look for redfish on shallow grass flats, around oyster bars, creek mouths, and in the backcountry areas of the Township of Swansboro during incoming tides.

Q: Is redfish good to eat?

A: Yes, redfish have mild, sweet meat that's excellent prepared various ways. Slot-size fish (18-27 inches) typically offer the best eating quality.

Q: When is the best time to catch redfish?

A: Early morning and late afternoon provide peak activity, especially during moving tides. Summer months offer consistent action in North Carolina waters.