The Making of a Bull: Biology of Redfish

Introduction

The red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus), commonly called redfish, is one of the most sought-after gamefish along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. From the shallow flats of Texas to the marshes of Louisiana and the beaches of the Carolinas, these copper-colored fighters have captured the hearts of anglers for generations. What makes redfish particularly fascinating is how dramatically they change throughout their lives - transforming from small "puppy drum" in the estuaries to massive "bull reds" prowling the beaches.

Understanding the life cycle of redfish not only makes you a better angler but also helps you appreciate the importance of conservation and sustainable fishing practices. Let's explore the journey of a redfish from spawning to trophy status.

Redfish Biology Basics

Physical Characteristics

Redfish are easily identified by several distinctive features:

• Copper-bronze coloring: Bodies range from bronze to reddish-copper on the back, fading to white on the belly
• Black spot(s): Most redfish have one or more black spots on the tail (near the tail base), though some have none and others have many
• No teeth: Redfish crush prey rather than bite, with powerful crushers in their throat
• Powerful tail: Built for strong runs and fighting in current
• Lateral line: Extremely sensitive to vibrations, helps them hunt in murky water

Why the Spot?

The black spot near the tail is thought to serve as a false eye, confusing predators into attacking the tail instead of the vital head region. This gives the redfish a chance to escape. Interestingly, the number of spots varies greatly - some fish have no spots, while others have been caught with 20+ spots covering their body.

Range and Habitat

Redfish are found from Massachusetts to northern Mexico, but are most abundant from the Chesapeake Bay through the Gulf of Mexico. They inhabit:

• Estuaries and bays
• Salt marshes
• Tidal creeks
• Grass flats
• Oyster bars
• Nearshore surf zones
• Deeper channels and passes

The Life Cycle: From Spawn to Trophy

The Beginning: Spawning (Late Summer - Fall)

When: August through November (varies by location) Where: Near coastal inlets, passes, and nearshore waters Depth: Usually 10-30 feet

The life of a redfish begins when mature bulls (males and females both called "bulls" at large sizes) congregate near ocean inlets and passes. Female redfish can produce millions of eggs in a single spawning season, releasing eggs in multiple batches.

The Spawning Process:

• Bulls gather in large schools
• Spawning typically occurs around sunset and at night
• Females release eggs into the water column
• Males simultaneously release milt (sperm)
• Fertilized eggs drift with currents toward estuarine nursery areas

The Drumming Sound: During spawning, male redfish create a distinctive drumming or croaking sound using their swim bladder. This sound is so loud it can sometimes be heard from the surface - giving the species its "drum" name. Large aggregations sound like distant thunder or a purring engine.

Stage 1: Larvae and Post-Larvae (Birth - 1 Month)

Size: Microscopic to 0.5 inches Location: Tidal currents, moving toward estuaries Timeline: Approximately 24 hours to 1 month

Newly hatched redfish larvae are tiny, transparent, and completely helpless. They drift with tidal currents, gradually making their way from ocean spawning grounds into protective estuarine waters.

Key Characteristics:

• Transparent body
• Extremely vulnerable to predation
• Feed on microscopic zooplankton
• Rely entirely on currents for movement
• High mortality rate (only a tiny fraction survive)

Critical Factor: Successful recruitment of young redfish into estuaries depends heavily on timing of spawning with favorable tide and wind conditions. This is why redfish populations can vary significantly year to year.

Stage 2: Puppy Drum (1-3 Years Old)

Size: 1-18 inches (under 18 inches) Weight: Under 2-3 pounds Location: Shallow estuaries, marsh edges, tidal creeks, grass flats Prime Habitat: Areas with structure (oyster bars, grass, dock pilings)

This is when redfish begin to look like miniature versions of their adult forms and become accessible to anglers. Puppy drum are incredibly aggressive and will hit a variety of baits and lures with enthusiasm.

Behavioral Characteristics:

• Extremely aggressive feeders
• Travel in small schools
• Prefer shallow water (1-4 feet)
• Active during tidal movements
• Feed on small crabs, shrimp, and baitfish
• Very structure-oriented

Where to Find Them:

• Oyster bars and reefs
• Grass flats edges
• Dock pilings and marinas
• Marsh drains and points
• Shallow potholes in flats
• Tidal creek mouths

How to Target Puppy Drum:

Best Techniques:

• Light tackle (6-8 lb line)
• Small gold spoons
• 1/8-1/4 oz jigheads with paddle tails (2-3 inch)
• Popping corks with live shrimp
• Small topwater plugs
• Live mud minnows or finger mullet

Strategy:

• Fish during moving tides (incoming and outgoing)
• Target visible structure
• Look for nervous water (baitfish fleeing)
• Cast to edges and let tide bring bait to fish
• Work shallow water early morning and late evening

Why They're Great for Learning: Puppy drum are perfect for teaching kids and beginners. They fight hard for their size, aren't too picky about presentations, and are plentiful in many estuaries. They're also excellent table fare at this size (where legal to harvest).

Stage 3: Rat Reds (3-5 Years Old)

Size: 18-23 inches Weight: 3-6 pounds Location: Deeper estuaries, channel edges, deeper grass flats, nearshore structure Prime Habitat: Transitioning between shallow and deeper water

"Rat reds" is an unofficial term for redfish that have outgrown puppy drum status but aren't yet slot-sized. They're in an awkward middle phase - too big to be considered small, but not quite big enough for the slot.

Behavioral Characteristics:

• More cautious than puppy drum
• Begin to travel in larger schools
• Spend time in deeper water but still visit shallows
• Feed on larger prey items
• Start showing more selectivity in feeding
• Can tolerate wider salinity ranges

Where to Find Them:

• Channel drop-offs and edges
• Deeper grass flats (4-8 feet)
• Bridge and pier pilings
• Deeper oyster bars
• Points and structure with moving water
• Sloughs and deeper holes in flats

How to Target Rat Reds:

Best Techniques:

• Medium tackle (10-15 lb line)
• 1/4-1/2 oz jigheads with 3-4 inch paddle tails
• Suspending twitch baits
• Soft plastic jerkbaits
• Live shrimp under popping cork
• Cut mullet or crab on bottom rigs
• Spoons (gold and silver)

Strategy:

• Fish deeper during midday, shallower during low light
• Target transition zones between shallow and deep
• Look for current seams and edges
• Fish around baitfish schools
• Use electronics to locate structure

Note on Regulations: In many states, rat reds fall just below or at the lower end of the slot limit. Always check local regulations, as they vary significantly by state. Some areas protect all redfish under 18 inches, while others have different rules.

Stage 4: Slot Reds (5-10 Years Old)

Size: 18-27 inches (varies by state) Weight: 3-8 pounds Location: Full range of estuarine and nearshore habitats Prime Habitat: Grass flats, oyster bars, marsh edges, nearshore reefs

This is the golden stage for most anglers - the coveted slot redfish. These fish are legal to harvest in most states (within the slot size limits), fight incredibly well, and are at their peak for eating quality. Slot reds represent the sweet spot of redfish fishing.

Behavioral Characteristics:

• Often travel in schools of similar-sized fish
• Highly aggressive when feeding
• Create wakes and "tailing" behavior in shallow water
• Feed heavily on crabs and shrimp
• Will eat small fish and baitfish
• Very responsive to sight fishing techniques
• Strongest pound-for-pound fighters

Where to Find Them:

• Shallow grass flats (tailing zones)
• Oyster bars during tide changes
• Marsh edges and drains
• Points and current breaks
• Shallow reefs (nearshore)
• Under working bird activity
• Sand bars and drop-offs

How to Target Slot Reds:

Best Techniques:

• Sight Fishing: Spotting and casting to visible fish (most exciting)
• Wade Fishing: Grass flats during low light
• Topwater Lures: Walk-the-dog style plugs, poppers, prop baits
• Soft Plastics: 3-5 inch paddle tails, jerkbaits, creature baits
• Gold Spoons: Classic choice, especially in muddy water
• Live Bait: Live shrimp, mud minnows, mullet, blue crabs
• Fly Fishing: Clouser minnows, crab patterns, shrimp flies

Sight Fishing Tactics (The Ultimate Experience):

• Tailing fish: Cast just beyond the tail, retrieve past the fish's face
• Cruising fish: Lead the fish by 5-10 feet, let them intercept
• Nervous water: Cast into the disturbance, work lure slowly
• Waking fish: Cast ahead of the wake's direction

Best Times:

• Early morning (first light to 9 AM)
• Late evening (4 PM to dark)
• During falling or rising tides
• Overcast days (all day bite)
• Spring and fall (prime seasons)

Fighting Slot Reds: Slot reds are known for powerful initial runs and dogged fights. They'll make screaming runs, often heading straight for structure. Keep the rod bent, maintain steady pressure, and be ready for direction changes. A 5-pound slot red will fight like a fish twice its size.

Table Fare: Slot reds are considered the best size for eating. The meat is firm, white, and mildly flavored. Popular preparations include blackened, grilled, fried as fish fingers, or in fish tacos. However, many anglers practice catch-and-release even within the slot to maintain healthy populations.

Stage 5: Over-Slot Reds (10-20 Years Old)

Size: 27-35 inches (varies by state) Weight: 8-20 pounds Location: Deeper estuaries, passes, nearshore waters Prime Habitat: Channels, deeper structure, passes

Over-slot fish are redfish that have grown beyond the legal harvest size. In most states, these fish must be released to protect the breeding population. These are the fish transitioning from estuary life to joining the adult spawning population.

Behavioral Characteristics:

• Begin to spend more time in deeper water
• Less likely to tail in super shallow water
• Often solitary or in smaller groups
• Feed on larger prey items
• Start to move toward passes and inlets
• Become more migratory

Where to Find Them:

• Deep grass flats (6-12 feet)
• Main bay channels
• Pass edges and drop-offs
• Deeper oyster reefs
• Bridge pilings and structure
• Nearshore artificial reefs

How to Target Over-Slot Reds:

Best Techniques:

• Heavier jigheads (1/2-3/4 oz) with large paddle tails (4-6 inch)
• Large topwater plugs
• Cut bait on bottom (mullet, menhaden, crab)
• Live bait (live mullet, ladyfish, pinfish)
• Large suspending twitch baits
• Heavy spoons

Strategy:

• Fish deeper water and channels
• Target passes during tide changes
• Use heavier tackle (15-20 lb line)
• Focus on larger baits and lures
• Be prepared for long fights

Why They're Protected: Over-slot fish are approaching or have reached breeding size. Protecting them ensures a healthy spawning population. In many fisheries, these fish represent the future of the population - they're too valuable to harvest.

Stage 6: Bull Reds (20-40+ Years Old)

Size: 30-50+ inches Weight: 15-60+ pounds (with some exceeding 60 lbs) Location: Nearshore ocean waters, passes, deep channels, and seasonally in the surf Prime Habitat: Nearshore reefs, jetties, passes, surf zone (seasonal)

This is the ultimate prize - the bull redfish. These are massive, powerful fish that can take anglers into their backing in seconds. Bulls are primarily ocean dwellers that move inshore for spawning, creating seasonal runs that drive anglers wild.

Behavioral Characteristics:

• Mature breeding fish (both males and females)
• Highly migratory, following baitfish and water temperatures
• Feed aggressively on large prey
• Create "drum" sounds during spawning
• Extremely powerful - capable of 50+ yard runs
• Less wary than smaller redfish
• Will feed in heavy surf and current

Life History of Bulls:

• Spend most of their lives in nearshore ocean waters
• Return to passes and inlets to spawn (late summer/fall)
• Can live 40-60+ years
• Continue growing throughout their lives
• A 40-inch bull might be 20-30 years old
• Largest recorded was over 60 pounds

Where to Find Bull Reds:

Year-Round Locations:

• Nearshore reefs (within 5 miles of shore)
• Deep channels and passes
• Jetty systems
• Inlets and pass mouths
• Artificial reefs offshore

Seasonal Locations (The Bull Red Runs):

• Spring Run (March-May in some regions): Bulls move inshore following warming water and baitfish
• Fall Run (August-November): The spawning run - bulls aggregate near passes and inlets, some enter the surf zone
• Surf Zone: During the runs, bulls patrol the beaches feeding on baitfish and crabs

Surf Fishing for Bull Reds (The Classic Pursuit):

Best Times:

• September through November (peak of fall run)
• During mullet runs along the beach
• First and last light, but also during the day
• Incoming and outgoing tides
• During or after storms (fish feed heavily)

Techniques:

• Cut Bait Fishing: Large chunks of mullet, menhaden, or ladyfish on bottom rigs
• Live Bait: Live mullet, menhaden, or spot on fish-finder rigs
• Lures: Large spoons (2-4 oz), swimbaits (6-10 inch), topwater plugs (large), heavy jigs (1-2 oz)

Gear:

• Surf rods: 9-12 feet, heavy power
• Conventional or large spinning reels
• Line: 20-30 lb mainline, 40-50 lb leader
• Circle hooks for bait fishing (5/0 to 8/0)
• Pyramid sinkers (3-8 oz depending on current)

Strategy:

• Set up multiple rods (where legal) with cut bait
• Fish the troughs (deeper water between sandbars)
• Target areas with baitfish activity
• Cast beyond the breaking waves
• Use fresh bait - change every 20-30 minutes
• During active feeding, switch to lures for sport

Jetty and Pass Fishing for Bulls:

Techniques:

• Heavy jigs bounced along bottom
• Live bait drifted with current
• Large soft plastics (6-8 inch paddle tails)
• Cut bait on bottom near structure

Strategy:

• Fish during tide changes (especially outgoing)
• Target current seams and eddies
• Fish deep pockets near structure
• Use heavy tackle - bulls will run into pilings
• Be ready for other species (tarpon, sharks, snook)

The Fight: Fighting a bull redfish is an unforgettable experience:

1. Initial Run: Bulls often make a blistering 50-100 yard run immediately
2. Dogged Resistance: They use their broad sides to fight the current and pull
3. Multiple Runs: Just when you think they're done, they'll make another run
4. Surf Fighting: In the surf, they use waves to their advantage
5. Stay Calm: Keep steady pressure, let the drag work, and be patient

Conservation Note: Bull redfish are the breeding stock - the future of the fishery. In most states, bulls must be released. Even where harvest is legal, many anglers practice catch-and-release for these magnificent fish. A quick photo and release ensures these genetics remain in the population.

Redfish Growth Rates and Size Charts

Average Growth Rate

Redfish growth rates vary by region, water temperature, and food availability:

Age	Average Length	Average Weight	Life Stage
1 year	10-12 inches	0.5-1 lb	Puppy Drum
2 years	14-16 inches	1-2 lbs	Puppy Drum
3 years	18-20 inches	2-4 lbs	Rat/Slot
4 years	21-23 inches	4-6 lbs	Slot
5 years	23-25 inches	5-7 lbs	Slot
6-7 years	26-28 inches	7-10 lbs	Upper Slot
8-10 years	28-32 inches	10-15 lbs	Over-Slot
15-20 years	35-40 inches	20-30 lbs	Bull
25-30 years	42-48 inches	30-45 lbs	Large Bull
35+ years	48+ inches	45-60+ lbs	Trophy Bull

Note: Growth rates are faster in warmer waters (Gulf of Mexico) compared to cooler waters (Carolinas, Chesapeake Bay).

World Records

• All-Tackle World Record: 94 pounds, 2 ounces (North Carolina, 1984)
• State Records: Vary from 40s to 90+ pounds depending on state
• Average Bull: Most bulls caught weigh 15-35 pounds

Factors Affecting Redfish Populations

Natural Factors

Water Temperature:

• Optimal range: 65-85°F
• Spawn when water temps reach 70s-80s
• Stress or die below 45°F or above 95°F
• Cold stunts can kill large numbers of fish

Salinity Tolerance:

• Highly adaptable (0-70 ppt)
• Can survive in pure freshwater temporarily
• Prefer 10-30 ppt (brackish to marine)
• This adaptability helps them colonize diverse habitats

Hurricane Impacts:

• Can destroy marsh habitat (negative)
• Can create new structure and channels (positive)
• Freshwater influx can stress or displace fish
• Storm surge can redistribute populations

Predation:

• Larvae and juveniles: eaten by everything (fish, crabs, birds)
• Puppy drum: larger fish, dolphins, birds
• Adults: sharks, dolphins
• Bulls: primarily large sharks

Disease and Parasites:

• Relatively hardy fish
• Spaghetti worms common (harmless to humans)
• Occasional skin parasites
• Generally healthy populations

Human Impacts

Overfishing (Historical):

• 1980s commercial overfishing nearly destroyed Gulf stocks
• Led to implementation of strict regulations
• Success story: populations have largely recovered due to management

Habitat Loss:

• Marsh loss from development and erosion
• Loss of seagrass beds
• Degraded water quality
• Loss of oyster reefs

Pollution:

• Agricultural runoff
• Urban development
• Oil spills
• Heavy metals and contaminants

Climate Change Concerns:

• Rising sea temperatures
• Sea level rise (could create more marsh habitat)
• Stronger hurricanes
• Changes in salinity patterns

Conservation and Regulations

Why Slot Limits Exist

Most states use slot limits to protect redfish populations:

Typical Slot Limit Example: 18-27 inches (varies by state)

Purpose:

• Protect juveniles: Fish under 18" get to grow and spawn at least once
• Protect breeding adults: Fish over 27" are part of the spawning stock
• Sustainable harvest: Allows harvest of fish at peak eating quality
• Maintain genetic diversity: Large, old fish have proven genetics

State-by-State Variations

Regulations vary significantly - always check local rules:

Texas:

• Slot: 20-28 inches
• Daily limit: 3 fish
• One "trophy" over 28 inches allowed

Louisiana:

• Slot: 16-27 inches
• Daily limit: 5 fish

Florida:

• Slot: 18-27 inches
• Daily limit: 1 fish in Atlantic, 2 fish in Gulf

North Carolina:

• Slot: 18-27 inches
• Daily limit: 1 fish

South Carolina:

• Slot: 15-23 inches
• Daily limit: 3 fish

Alabama:

• Slot: 16-26 inches
• Daily limit: 3 fish

Note: Regulations change - always verify current rules before fishing.

Best Practices for Catch and Release

Handling:

• Wet hands before touching fish
• Support the fish horizontally (under belly and tail)
• Don't squeeze or hold by jaw only (they have heavy bodies)
• Minimize air exposure (under 30 seconds out of water)
• Remove hooks quickly - use dehookers or pliers

Photos:

• Have camera ready before lifting fish
• Keep fish low over water (in case dropped)
• Take photo quickly
• Consider in-water photos for bulls

Revival:

• Hold fish upright in water facing current
• Support under belly and hold tail
• Move fish forward and backward to flow water over gills
• Release when fish can swim away strongly
• In surf: release in trough, not on sandbar

Circle Hooks:

• Use circle hooks with bait to reduce gut hooking
• Don't set the hook - just reel tight
• Circle hooks usually catch fish in corner of mouth
• Easier releases and better survival

Why It Matters:

• Bull reds can live 60+ years - they're irreplaceable
• Each bull can spawn millions of eggs per season
• Catch-and-release maintains trophy fisheries
• Good handling ensures fish survive to spawn

Redfish Fun Facts

1. They Can "Hear" with Their Body: Redfish have an incredibly sensitive lateral line system that detects vibrations in the water. This is why lures that create vibration (rattles, thumping tails) work so well.

2. The Drum Sound: Male redfish create drumming sounds using their swim bladder by contracting special muscles. The swim bladder acts as a resonating chamber. Large aggregations of spawning bulls create a sound that can be heard from boats.

3. Color Changes: Redfish can slightly change their coloration to match their environment. Fish over grass flats may be lighter copper, while those over dark bottom may be darker bronze.

4. No Teeth, No Problem: Despite having no teeth, redfish have powerful pharyngeal teeth (crushers) in their throat that can crush shellfish and crabs with ease.

5. Spot Variations: The number of spots varies dramatically. Most have 1-3 spots, but some have been caught with 40+ spots covering their entire body. Some have no spots at all. The variation is purely genetic.

6. They're Ambush Predators with a Twist: While many ambush predators wait motionless, redfish actively root in mud with their snouts, using their sensitive barbels to locate buried prey like crabs and worms.

7. Salinity Superpower: Redfish can tolerate nearly fresh water to full-strength seawater. They've been caught 50+ miles up rivers in essentially freshwater.

8. They Can Live Longer Than Your Dog: Bull redfish can live 40-60+ years. That bull you release today might have been born when Kennedy was president.

9. Million-Egg Spawners: A large female bull redfish can produce 1-3 million eggs per spawning event, and spawn multiple times in a season. Despite this, very few survive to adulthood.

10. They're Drum, Not "Red" Fish: The original common name was "red drum" because of the drumming sound and reddish coloration. "Redfish" became more popular, but scientifically they're drums (family Sciaenidae).

Seasonal Migration Patterns

Spring Migration Pattern

March-May: As water temperatures rise

• Juvenile and slot reds move into shallow grass flats
• Begin feeding heavily after winter slowdown
• Bulls may move closer inshore following baitfish
• Prime sight-fishing season begins
• Fish become more aggressive

Summer Pattern

June-August: Peak warm water period

• Redfish spread throughout estuaries
• Tidal movement becomes critical for feeding
• Early morning and evening bites are best
• Fish seek cooler, deeper water during midday
• Slot reds tailing heavily on shallow flats at dawn

Fall Migration Pattern

September-November: The golden season

• The Bull Red Run: Mature bulls aggregate near passes and inlets for spawning
• Bulls enter surf zone, creating legendary beach fishing
• Slot reds feed aggressively to prepare for winter
• Huge schools form in estuaries
• Water temperatures still warm - all-day bite possible
• Mullet run coincides with peak redfish feeding

Winter Pattern

December-February: Slow period

• Redfish become lethargic in cold water
• Move to deeper holes and channels
• Feeding windows narrow to warmest part of day
• Bulls retreat to offshore waters
• Cold snaps can cause fish kills if severe
• Smaller baits and slower presentations needed

How to Age a Redfish

Want to know how old that fish you caught is? Biologists use several methods:

Otoliths (Ear Bones):

• Most accurate method
• Redfish otoliths show annual rings like tree rings
• Requires removing and sectioning the otolith
• Used in scientific studies

Length-Based Estimates:

• Rough guidelines based on average growth rates
• Wide variation due to environment and genetics
• 18-inch fish: typically 3-4 years old
• 27-inch fish: typically 7-10 years old
• 40-inch bull: typically 20-30 years old

Scale Analysis:

• Less accurate than otoliths for redfish
• Can show some growth patterns
• Rarely used for redfish specifically

The Future of Redfish

Thanks to strict conservation measures implemented in the 1980s and 1990s, redfish populations have rebounded dramatically from historic lows. The recovery is considered one of the great success stories in fisheries management.

Keys to Continued Success:

• Maintaining slot limits and harvest restrictions
• Protecting spawning aggregations
• Preserving and restoring marsh and estuarine habitat
• Monitoring populations through tagging and research
• Education and ethical angling practices
• Climate adaptation strategies

Threats to Watch:

• Coastal development and habitat loss
• Water quality degradation
• Climate change impacts
• Increasing fishing pressure in popular areas

What Anglers Can Do:

• Practice proper catch and release
• Follow regulations strictly
• Support habitat restoration projects
• Report tagged fish to researchers
• Use circle hooks with bait
• Avoid fishing for spawning aggregations
• Educate others about conservation

Conclusion

The life cycle of a redfish is a remarkable journey spanning decades - from a microscopic egg drifting with the tide to a massive bull patrolling the nearshore reefs. Each stage of their life presents unique opportunities for anglers and plays a critical role in maintaining healthy populations.

Understanding where redfish are in their life cycle helps you target them more effectively, appreciate the fish you catch, and make ethical decisions about harvest and release. That slot red tailing on the flat today might be a 40-pound bull in 20 years, spawning millions of eggs to ensure future generations of anglers can experience the thrill of the copper-backed fighter.

Whether you're chasing puppy drum in the marshes, sight-casting to slot reds on the flats, or battling bulls in the surf, remember that each redfish represents decades of survival and the delicate balance of a healthy ecosystem. Respect the fish, follow the regulations, and help ensure that the next generation can experience the making of a bull.

Key Takeaways:

• Redfish can live 40-60+ years - they're long-lived fish
• Puppy drum (under 18") are estuarine residents and aggressive feeders
• Slot reds (18-27") are the prime target for most anglers
• Bulls (30-50"+) are spawning adults that should be released
• Spawning occurs in late summer/fall near inlets and passes
• Habitat protection and slot limits have led to population recovery
• Each fish you release today is an investment in tomorrow's fishery
• The spots are believed to confuse predators - nature's clever design