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Fish of South West Florida — Redfish

Redfish rank among the favorites of light-tackle anglers in Florida. This hard-fighting member of the drum family is known for its arm-jarring strikes, long runs and never-say-die attitude.

Like the snook, redfish are found in many coastal regions other than southwest Florida. They can be found along the entire east and west coasts of Florida, on the deltas of Louisiana and Mississippi and on the expansive grass flats of Texas. They can also be found along the beaches and salt marshes of Georgia and the Carolinas.

However, unlike many other areas where seasonal variables greatly effect the availability of this phenomenal species of gamefish, the inshore habitats of southwest Florida are so perfectly suited to the redfish that they are available year 'round and can be targeted using a variety of techniques.

As seasonal phases evolve, redfish can be found: tailing on shallow grass flats, in potholes, under the mangroves, around oyster bars, along the beaches in the passes and at times in schools of five-hundred or more.

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