Key West; Key West Fishing - A Sportfishing Guide to Key West and The
Florida Keys - Key-West-Fishing.com
Redfish (Red Drum)
Family:
Drums
Similar Fish:
Drum family - Atlantic croaker,
spot, spotted seatrout, and black drum
Habitat:
INSHORE - shallow grass flats
Size:
Up to 90 lb.
Description:
Juvenile red fish feed
primarily on small crabs, shrimps, and marine worms. As they grow older,
they feed on larger crabs, shrimps, and small fish. They generally are
bottom feeders but will feed in the water column when the opportunity
arises. A phenomenon called "tailing" occurs when the red drum feed in
shallow water with their head down in the grass and the tail exposed to the
air. Red drum are excellent food. The "Blackened Redfish" craze of the early
80's nearly decimated the populations. Small fish may also be fried, baked,
or broiled; larger fish make good stews.