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Red Drum

First Cast species profile

Red Drum

Sciaenops ocellatus

A copper-backed inshore bruiser that feeds aggressively across flats, passes, jetties, and marsh drains when tide movement concentrates bait.

Bite estimate

Reading conditions for your fishing location…

Movement & conditions

Near San Antonio, TX · change location

Reading conditions and distribution for Red Drum…

Predicted zones combine environmental and historical fisheries data. They do not represent live fish locations.

Movement and migration guide

No movement profile is matched to Red Drum yet — this searches the Field Guide by name.

Where to fish

Best when tide or wind moves bait across grass, drains, shell, or sandy potholes.

Grass flatsMarsh drainsOyster reefsJettiesPassesSandy potholes

Regulation card

3 fish per day; 20 - 28 in; season open. One red drum over 28 inches may be retained per license year with a properly completed Red Drum Tag; one additional oversized fish requires a Bonus Red Drum Tag.

Bag limit: 3 fish per day

Length: 20 - 28 in

One red drum over 28 inches may be retained per license year with a properly completed Red Drum Tag; one additional oversized fish requires a Bonus Red Drum Tag.

Source: TPWD Outdoor Annual 2025-2026

What to throw

Live shrimp, Mullet, Gold spoon and Paddle tail soft plastic, Gold spoon, Popping cork rig around Grass flats, Oyster reefs, Jetty edges.

SaltwaterGrass flatsOyster reefsJetty edgesMarsh drains

Recommended setup

7' medium spinning rod, 3000 reel, 15 lb braid, 20-25 lb fluorocarbon leader.

Medium spinning rod

Rod

Good all-around setup for soft plastics, spoons, and live bait.

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Paddle tail soft plastic

Lure

Reliable search bait around grass flats, potholes, and marsh drains.

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Gold spoon

Lure

Covers water quickly and draws strikes from cruising redfish.

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Popping cork rig

Rig

Keeps shrimp or soft plastics visible over shell and grass.

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Gear & Tackle Box

Rods & Reels

Ugly Stik GX2 7' Spinning Rod/Reel Combo Travel Kit

Beginner-friendly travel spinning setup for all-around bank, pier, fresh, and light inshore use.

Rods & Reels

Abu Garcia Max Pro Spinning Combo

All-around spinning setup for bass, trout, and redfish.

Rods & Reels

Ugly Stik Bigwater Fishing Rod & Penn Pursuit IV Spinning Reel Combo

Surf, pier, jetty, and bigger fish combo.

Line & Leader

Reaction Tackle Fluorocarbon Leaders

Beginner-friendly leader option for freshwater and Texas inshore fishing.

Illustration: Texas Parks & Wildlife Department