Redfish

Redfish, technically named red drum, are a favorite and staple for Louisiana coastal fishermen and cuisine. The fish’s nickname comes from its reddish-brown body color, and often have one or two black dots on or near its tail. It’s common to hear males making a “drumming” sound with their bodies during spawning season, which is from August to October, in coastal marshes and lakes. Smaller, young redfish can be found in brackish estuaries, while adults live in more open ocean, sometimes found around barrier islands, and are a favorite for many offshore fishermen. Redfish average between 4 to 30 pounds, but can grow to up to 90 pounds, with larger redfish sometimes being called “bull reds”. Redfish are closely related to black drum, also found in Louisiana’s marshes, and eat everything from smaller fish to crustaceans.