Top Spots for Catching Redfish in Southwest Florida

Southwest Florida is one of the best places in the world to chase redfish. These hard-fighting gamefish thrive in shallow estuaries, mangrove shorelines, and grass flats, making them a favorite target for both boaters and kayak anglers. If you’re planning a trip, here are some of the top areas to focus on.

Mangrove Shorelines
Redfish love structure, and mangroves offer them both protection and an ambush point for baitfish. Look for mangrove edges with current moving in or out — especially where there are small cuts, creek mouths, or deeper troughs close to the trees.

Grass Flats
Healthy seagrass is prime redfish habitat. Flats in 2–5 feet of water often hold schools of fish feeding on shrimp, crabs, and pinfish. A soft plastic paddletail or gold spoon is hard to beat here. Early mornings and late afternoons usually produce the best action.

Oyster Bars
Redfish feed heavily around oyster beds, especially on a moving tide. Cast your bait or lure just upcurrent and let it drift naturally alongside the oysters. Be ready — these strikes are usually aggressive.

Passes and Channels
In the summer and fall, schools of larger redfish often stage near passes, inlets, and deeper channels. These spots are excellent for anglers using cut bait, live pinfish, or larger lures that mimic mullet.

Backwater Creeks and Bays
When the water heats up or during cold fronts, redfish move deep into sheltered backwaters. These hidden areas can hold some of the best action when pressure is high on the open flats.