Charlotte Harbor Flats
Vast grass flats hold large schools of redfish year-round, perfect for sight-fishing.
Southwest Florida target species
Redfish Fishing
Sight-fishing for tailing redfish on the flats is one of the most exciting experiences in all of inshore fishing.
Average Size
5–20 lbs
Record Weight
94 lbs
Best Season
Year-Round
Typical Depth
1–5 ft
About Redfish
Redfish, also known as red drum, are one of the most popular inshore gamefish in Southwest Florida. Their distinctive copper color and the black spot near their tail make them instantly recognizable on the flats.
Redfish are aggressive feeders that can be found tailing on shallow grass flats, rooting through oyster bars, and cruising mangrove edges. Charlotte Harbor and the surrounding waters offer world-class redfish fishing year-round.
Where We Fish for Redfish
Oyster Bars
Redfish root along oyster bars on every tide, making them predictable and accessible targets.
Mangrove Shorelines
Redfish ambush prey along mangrove edges, especially during high tide when they push into the shallows.
Fishing Techniques
Sight Fishing
Spot tailing or cruising redfish on the flats and present a bait or lure ahead of their path.
Live Shrimp
Live shrimp under a popping cork is a classic and highly effective redfish technique.
Gold Spoons
Weedless gold spoons are a go-to lure for redfish on the flats — they mimic fleeing baitfish perfectly.
Soft Plastics
Paddle tails and shrimp imitations on light jig heads produce consistent redfish action.
Best Times to Fish
Jan
Good
Feb
Good
Mar
Peak
Apr
Peak
May
Good
Jun
Good
Jul
Good
Aug
Good
Sep
Peak
Oct
Peak
Nov
Peak
Dec
Good
Captain's Tips
Polarized Sunglasses
Quality polarized glasses are essential for spotting redfish on the flats. Don't leave the dock without them.
Approach Quietly
Redfish spook easily in shallow water. Use the trolling motor on low and make long casts.
Match the Hatch
Observe what redfish are feeding on and match your bait or lure to the local forage.
Book Your Redfish Charter
Experience world-class redfish sight-fishing with Captain Dylan on the flats of Southwest Florida.
More Southwest Florida Fishing Locations
Boca GrandeTarpon Capital of the World — Boca Grande Pass
Charlotte Harbor700 sq mi of world-class inshore fishing
Punta GordaHeart of Charlotte Harbor — snook, redfish & tarpon
Port CharlotteProductive flats and backcountry creeks
EnglewoodLemon Bay and the Stump Pass area
Pine Island SoundRemote flats and mangrove backcountry
Lemon BayShallow grass flats between Englewood and Placida
Cape HazeOyster bars and flats at the mouth of Charlotte Harbor
Gasparilla IslandHome of Boca Grande and the legendary Pass
Explore SWFL Fishing Charters
Boca Grande Fishing ChartersTarpon, snook & redfish at the world-famous Boca Grande Pass
Boca Grande Tarpon FishingChase giant Silver Kings in the world's best tarpon fishery
Charlotte Harbor Fishing ChartersPunta Gorda, Port Charlotte, Boca Grande & Placida — 700 sq mi of fishable water
Placida Fishing ChartersPlacida Harbor, Gasparilla Sound & the flats surrounding Gasparilla Island
Punta Gorda Fishing ChartersSnook, redfish & tarpon in the heart of Charlotte Harbor
Gasparilla Island Fishing ChartersHome of Boca Grande Pass — the Tarpon Capital of the World
Tarpon Fishing ChartersSouthwest Florida's premier tarpon guide — Boca Grande Pass & Charlotte Harbor
Trips & PricingInshore, tarpon & nearshore packages from $600
Service AreasBoca Grande, Charlotte Harbor & 7 more locations
Photo GalleryReal catches from the flats of Southwest Florida
Customer Reviews5-star reviews from happy anglers
About Captain Matt10+ years experience, USCG licensed
The Boat23 ft Hanson, fully rigged for inshore fishing
Book a CharterCall 941-623-5673 or send a booking inquiry
Fishing ResourcesTide charts, FWC regulations, marine weather & local tips