Best season
autumn
Best time
5–9 · 17–21
Optimal temp.
18–28 °C
Top bait
Cut Mullet
To target Red Drum successfully, think about season, time of day and weather together. Red Drum bite best in autumn, especially 5–9 · 17–21. The ideal water temperature is 18–28 °C. Proven baits are Cut Mullet, Live Shrimp and Soft Plastic Paddle Tail (DOA, Z-Man). Conditions are most reliable with slightly falling pressure (ahead of a front).
Catch outlook through the year
Best season
Over the year, Red Drum are most active in September–November. The absolute peak is in October.
Best time of day
The most productive times of day for Red Drum are 5–9 · 17–21. These windows reward your time on the water most.
Water temperature
Red Drum bite best at a water temperature of 18–28 °C. Outside this window they become noticeably sluggish.
Weather & air pressure
Red Drum bite most reliably with slightly falling pressure (ahead of a front). Also favourable: overcast skies, low light at dawn and dusk and moving water.
Recommended baits & lures
These baits have proven themselves for Red Drum: Cut Mullet, Live Shrimp, Soft Plastic Paddle Tail (DOA, Z-Man), Gold Spoon (weedless), Live Blue Crab, Crab Chunk, Topwater Walker (Spook Jr), Popping Cork & Shrimp, Live Pinfish and Cut Menhaden.
Suitable waters
You will typically find Red Drum in these water types: Saltwater and Brackish water.
Closed season
No nationwide closed season – varies by region.
Closed seasons and minimum sizes vary by country, state and water. Always check the local regulations before you fish.
When do Red Drum bite at YOUR water?
Baytz. Sense. combines weather, air pressure, moon phase and solunar into concrete bite-time windows for Red Drum – for exactly the water you enter.
Calculate the best time — freeStart free · on Android & in the browser
Frequently asked questions
When do Red Drum bite best?
Best in September–November, especially 5–9 · 17–21. Ideal water temperature: 18–28 °C.
What is the best bait for Red Drum?
Proven choices are Cut Mullet, Live Shrimp and Soft Plastic Paddle Tail (DOA, Z-Man).
In what weather do Red Drum bite?
Most reliably with slightly falling pressure (ahead of a front).
In which waters do Red Drum live?
Mainly in Saltwater and Brackish water.