Red Drum Fishing in Florida
When red drum are caught across Florida, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Red Drum catch through the year
Recreational catch in Florida by two-month season. The peak window is highlighted.
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Seasonal catch, tides, and the day's conditions worth knowing for your spots, plus the occasional PATHR update. No spam.
Catching red drum in Florida
Red Drum catches in Florida run hardest around Nov-Dec, with the strongest two-month windows in Nov-Dec and Sep-Oct. Anglers keep about 9% of what they catch and release the rest. All of this comes from NOAA’s recreational catch survey, so it maps the season rather than any single day.
To turn the season into a trip, line the peak window up with the daily bite. Check the Florida fishing times for the solunar windows, the tide charts for moving water, and the sunrise and sunset times for first and last light.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to catch red drum in Florida?+
Catches peak around Nov-Dec (November and December). The strongest two-month windows are Nov-Dec and Sep-Oct. This is based on NOAA's 2024 recreational catch survey, so it reflects the typical season rather than a live report.
Do anglers keep or release red drum in Florida?+
Across Florida, about 9% of the red drum caught are kept and 91% are released. That works out to roughly 1.5M kept and 15M released in 2024.
How many red drum are caught in Florida?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 17M red drum caught by recreational anglers in Florida in 2024, making it the #5 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this red drum data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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