Big Tides, Big Fish, Big Fun: Fall Redfish Action Is On
This is one of the most exciting times of the year. The winds shift, the water cools, and the tides start to play their magic — all the ingredients for redfish to go on a feeding binge. Whether you’re sight-casting on the flats or banging structure in deeper channels, redfish provide a heck of a fight. And when they school up in the fall, their aggression and hunger make for some of the best fishing we see all year.
Why Fall Is Prime Redfish Season
As the summer heat subsides and water temperatures begin to decline, redfish in the Tampa Bay / St. Pete region start making subtle behavioral shifts. They move from summer patterns into fall patterns — congregating in tighter schools, pushing into creek mouths and edges, and actively chasing bait.
During high tides, redfish leave their deepwater sanctuaries and invade the flats looking for easy meals in skinny water. Schools will often work shallow sections, edges of mangroves, oyster bars, grass flats, and cutouts around structure. The fall bite can be fast and furious — one cast, one shot, one hookset.
What You’ll Experience on a Fall Trip
Imagine glassy flats, a falling tide, and a redfish tailing 30 yards out. You make a cast, the fish eats, line zings off the reel — and you’re hooked into a copper-sided red that screams across the flat. That’s the fight we chase.
Here’s what you can expect:
-
Tight schooling: Instead of lone redfish, you’ll often see groups working together.
-
Varied presentation: Soft plastics, shrimp imitation, or live bait all have a place. During this time, small pinfish or medium whitebait are top choices.
-
Transition zones: The edges between flats and deeper holes become hunting ground.
-
Structure calls: Drop-offs, oyster bars, mangroves, and creek mouths become staging points.
-
Tactical approach: Stealth is key. Light tackle, quiet drifts or poling, and precise casts separate success from heartbreak.
No two trips are ever the same, and that’s part of the excitement of fall fishing.
Why Fish with Rock Bottom in Fall
-
Local expertise: Captain Brett has navigated these waters since 2001 and knows how redfish shift with tides, seasons, and structure.
-
Tailored charters: Whether you want the flats experience, backcountry ambushes, or casting along structure, we can craft a trip to suit.
-
Great gear & learning focus: We don’t just want you to catch fish — we want you to understand the “why” behind every bite.
-
All skill levels: Even if you’re a first-timer, we’ll get you into fish and make sure you have a blast.
-
Fall advantages: Cooler weather, fewer crowds, amazing visuals, and hungry fish make this one of our favorite seasons.
Trip Tips & Tactics for Redfish Season
-
Watch the tides — Peak redfish action often occurs on incoming or high tides, when shallow areas become available and bait is pushed in.
-
Go light and quiet — Use finesse rods, thin line, subtle presentation. Redfish spook easily.
-
Match the hatch — In fall, baits like small pinfish, whitebait, shrimp, or crab arouse attention.
-
Poling / drifting — Moving slowly, using stealth, or poling across flats gives you a shot without spooking fish.
-
Be ready to adapt — If one spot dries up, slide to the next. Redfish may roam.
-
Stick with conservation — When we land and release, handle them carefully so they go back strong.
What Makes Fall Redfish Trips Unforgettable
-
Action that starts early and lasts — Unlike summer patterns where fish can be picky, fall often brings longer windows of opportunity.
-
Bigger fish in tight schools — Fish feel secure feeding together, and you may land a bull among the bunch.
-
Changing light and water — Morning fog, shifting colors, and clearer water let you see fish better and make more informed casts.
-
Blending species — While redfish are the stars now, you may also encounter trout, snook, sheepshead, or black drum, making it a dynamic day.
-
Less traffic, more intimacy — With fewer boats on the water in fall, you get more of the river, creek, flat, and backcountry to yourself.
How to Book & What to Expect
Booking is simple. Once aboard the Rock Bottom, Captain Brett will walk you through tackle setup, spotting fish, approach strategies, and hookset techniques. You’ll be casting, adjusting, and learning all day long — but don’t worry, we do the heavy lifting. Just bring sunscreen, drinks, and your sense of adventure.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason our guides get fired up for this time of year. Fall brings together fish behavior, tides, and opportunity in the perfect alignment. Redfish are hungry, aggressive, and visible. Whether you want to scratch off a bucket-list fight or just spend a day casting at tails, this is the season.
So let’s get you on the water. Join us for one of our fall redfish charters and experience big tides, big fish, and big fun with Rock Bottom Sportfishing.
Tight lines,
The Rock Bottom Team