Florida Tides: When Redfish Bite Best

Tides dictate the movement of water in the ocean and bays. Redfish in Florida adjust their behavior based on these tidal changes.

In Florida, redfish are most active during moving tides, especially the incoming tide when they often venture into shallow flats and marsh inlets to feed. The outgoing tide also attracts redfish to deeper channels and outside edges of flats.

As water rises with incoming tides, redfish often move to shallow areas to feed. These can include grassy flats and marshy inlets. On the other hand, as the tide falls and water recedes, redfish tend to move to deeper waters like channels.

Types of Tides & Their Impact on Redfish Behavior

Diurnal Tides

Diurnal tides mean there’s one high tide and one low tide each day. It’s like the sea has a slow heartbeat. During these tides, redfish don’t rush; they take their time to find food. They’ll often be found in deeper channels when the tide is low, waiting for it to come back in.

When the tide gets high again, they move to shallow areas like flats or marshes to eat. If you want to fish during a diurnal tide, deep channels during low tide and shallow flats during high tide are your best bets.

Best Baits:

• Live bait: Shrimp (3 inches)
• Lure: MirrOlure MirrOdine, Size: 2.6 inches, Color: Green Back/White Belly

Semi-diurnal Tides

Semi-diurnal tides have two high tides and two low tides every day. It’s a faster rhythm for the sea. Redfish have to move quicker during these tides to find their food. When the tide starts rising, redfish will quickly swim to shallower spots like grassy areas.

When it’s going out, they’ll move back to deeper places. If you’re fishing during semi-diurnal tides, look for redfish around the edges of flats when the tide changes and in deeper channels when the tide is at its lowest.

Best Baits:

• Live bait: Crab (2.5 inches across the carapace)
• Lure: Rapala Skitter Walk, Size: 3.5 inches, Color: Redhead

Mixed Tides

Mixed tides are a mix of the two above. Some days might have one high and low tide, and other days two of each. It’s like the sea can’t decide on a rhythm. Redfish have to be smart during mixed tides.

They stay close to places that give them both deep and shallow water options. This way, they can quickly move to find food, no matter the tide. Try spots like mangroves or areas where channels meet flats. These give redfish the best of both worlds.

Best Baits:

• Live bait: Finger mullet (3 inches)
• Lure: DOA CAL Shad Tail, Size: 3 inches, Color: Golden Bream

Spring & Neap Tides for Redfish

Spring Tides

Spring tides happen when the moon is full or new. During these times, the tides are extra high and extra low. For redfish, this means more water to explore and more places to find food. When it’s a spring tide, they like to swim far into shallow areas like marshes and flats.

Check out spots like grassy flats, marsh inlets, and near oyster bars. These places get lots of water and food during the high tides, making them redfish hotspots.

Best Baits:

• Live bait: Pinfish (4 inches)
• Lure: Heddon Super Spook Jr, Size: 3.5 inches, Color: Bone Silver

Neap Tides

Neap tides come during the first and third quarters of the moon. The tides aren’t as extreme during neap tides, so the water doesn’t rise or fall as much. Redfish know this and stay closer to their usual spots. They might not go as far into the shallows or deep waters.

When fishing during a neap tide, try areas like the edges of flats, around mangroves, or in medium-depth channels. These places have steady water levels and offer good hiding and hunting spots for redfish.

Best Baits:

• Live bait: Finger mullet (3 inches)
• Lure: DOA Shrimp, Size: 3 inches, Color: Clear Red Glitter

Key Tidal Moments to Focus On

Incoming/High Tide

Redfish get excited when the tide comes in. This is because more water means more places to find food. They swim to areas like marsh inlets, oyster bars, and shallow grass flats. The rising water brings in tasty snacks like crabs and small fish, and the redfish love to eat them.

Best Baits:

• Live bait: Shrimp (3-4 inches)
• Lure: MirrOlure MirrOdine, Size: 2.83 inches, Color: Silver/Bayou Green Back

Outgoing/Low Tide

As the tide goes out, the water gets lower. Redfish know this and move to deeper places. They swim to deeper channels, holes, or the outer edges of flats. These spots have enough water for redfish to swim comfortably. Fishing in these areas can be great because redfish wait here for food washed out with the outgoing tide.

Best Baits:

• Live bait: Mud minnow (3 inches)
• Lure: DOA CAL Shad, Size: 3 inches, Color: Golden Bream

Slack Tide

Slack tide is like a short break in the water’s movement. During this time, redfish might not be as active. They take it easy and swim slower but will still bite. Anglers should be patient and try slow-moving baits. It’s also good to fish near structures like rocks or pilings, where redfish might rest or look for food during slack tide.

Best Baits:

• Live bait: Cut mullet (4-5 inches)
• Lure: Rapala Skitter Walk, Size: 3.125 inches, Color: Silver Mullet

Seasonal Tidal Considerations for Redfish

Spring

In spring, Florida’s waters start to warm up. Redfish like to go to shallow areas when the tide is high. This is because baitfish and crabs, their favorite snacks, are also there. Redfish hang out near deeper channels or holes close to the shallows during low tides. It’s a good time to fish near the edges of flats or grassy areas.

Summer

It gets hotter in summer so that redfish might stay in deeper, cooler waters. But, when the tide rises, they still go to the shallows to find food. Fishing near shaded areas like under mangrove trees can be smart this season. That’s because these spots are cooler and have lots of little creatures redfish like to eat.

Fall

In the fall, big groups of redfish gather together. These groups follow the tide to shallow places. They especially love going there during the cooler parts of the day. For anglers, it’s great to fish in areas with oyster beds or grassy bottoms. Redfish find lots of food in these spots when the tide is just right.

Winter

Winter makes the water cold, and redfish become slower. They often stay in deeper spots where it’s a bit warmer. But if a warm day and the tide is high, they’ll visit the shallows. In winter, fishing in deeper channels or holes, especially during mid-day when it’s warmest, can be the key to catching redfish.

For a complete breakdown of the best times to catch redfish in Florida, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the night fishing redfish in Florida, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the moon phase impacts on redfish, check out this guide.

King Tides & Where to Catch Redfish

King tides are exceptionally high tide events, which can significantly impact redfish behavior and movements in Florida.

1. Access to New Areas: King tides allow redfish to access areas that are usually too shallow or not accessible during regular tides. These could be flooded grassy areas, shallow flats, mangrove forests, or previously exposed oyster bars. Anglers should look for redfish foraging in these new areas, especially if there’s abundant baitfish or crustaceans.

2. Increased Foraging: As the king tide floods new territories, redfish can access abundant prey like crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish that usually reside in these areas. They might be seen tailing in shallow water as they dip their noses down to feed, with their tails popping out of the water.

3. Shift in Timing: The extreme high and low tides can alter the usual feeding patterns of redfish. They might feed more aggressively during the flood and less so during the ebb, especially if the ebb tide leaves their feeding grounds too exposed or shallow.

4. Avoiding Predators: The extreme highs of king tides can protect redfish from larger predators like sharks and dolphins. These predators can’t access the shallow areas redfish might enter during a king tide.

5. Challenges for Anglers: Fishing during king tides can be both a boon and a challenge. While it provides an opportunity to sight fish in newly flooded areas, it also means that redfish can be spread out. Precision casting becomes crucial. Additionally, navigating boats can be tricky with submerged obstacles.

6. Post-King Tide: Once the king tide starts receding, redfish might move to channels, cuts, and deeper holes adjacent to the flats. These areas provide an escape route as the water level drops, and they become prime fishing spots as redfish wait for prey being flushed out with the receding tide.

Location Specific: Redfish Tides

Tidal Phase	Redfish Behavior	Optimal Fishing Spots
Incoming Tide	Redfish start to move shallow, patrolling the edges of flats and grassy areas, seeking prey stirred up by the incoming water.	Edges of sandbars, grass flats that border deeper water, and near mangrove or island transitions.
High Tide	Redfish roam deeper into the flats and closer to mangroves. They often venture over seagrass beds, using them as hunting grounds.	Within seagrass beds, around islands, and mangrove-lined shores. Look for “pushes” or wakes that indicate moving fish.
Outgoing Tide	As water starts to flow out, redfish position near drop-offs, channels, or any structures to ambush prey being flushed from the flats.	Mouths or confluences of channels, deeper troughs between flats, and any distinct drop-offs.
Low Tide	Redfish move to deeper pockets, channels, and holes in the lagoon to avoid becoming stranded in the shallows.	Deeper holes within flats, main lagoon channels, and areas with a mixture of sand and seagrass.

Tampa Bay

Tidal Phase	Redfish Behavior	Optimal Fishing Spots
Incoming Tide	Redfish move from deeper water onto the flats. They look for food items being brought in by the incoming tide.	Edges of grass flats, channels leading into flats, and areas near oyster bars or mangrove islands.
High Tide	Redfish can venture deep into mangroves or over extensive seagrass beds. They use these areas as prime feeding grounds.	Tight up against mangrove shorelines, over dense seagrass beds, and around structure such as oyster bars or docks.
Outgoing Tide	As the tide drains, redfish set up in ambush spots. They take advantage of prey being flushed from the shallows.	Mouths of creeks or channels, drop-offs from flats, and edges of oyster bars that face outgoing water.
Low Tide	Redfish gather in deeper holes, channels, or troughs. They seek refuge from the shallow waters of the receding tide.	Deeper pockets or channels on flats, main bay channels, and any pronounced deeper troughs or depressions.

Indian Harbor

Tidal Phase	Redfish Behavior	Optimal Fishing Spots
Incoming Tide	As water rises, redfish move closer to shorelines and flats. They search for food brought in by the tide.	Flats with seagrass, near mangrove-lined shores of the Indian River, and around structure like docks or pilings.
High Tide	Redfish can venture deeper into mangroves, creeks, or canals, using them as feeding grounds.	Near the mouths of creeks and canals, dense mangrove areas, and the edges of deeper channels or holes.
Outgoing Tide	Redfish position themselves in ambush spots, capitalizing on prey flushed from the shallows.	Mouths of small tributaries or canals, drop-offs or ledges, and near oyster beds or other structure.
Low Tide	Redfish seek deeper areas like channels or deeper pockets on flats for refuge.	Main channels of the Indian River, deeper depressions in the flats, or any significant troughs near shorelines.

10,000 Islands

Tidal Phase	Redfish Behavior	Optimal Fishing Spots
Incoming Tide	Redfish move to shallower areas, often entering mangroves, creeks, and flats to feed.	Grass flats, creek mouths, edges of oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines.
High Tide	Redfish can be deep inside mangroves or spread out across flooded flats.	Mangrove roots, shaded areas under mangrove canopies, deeper pockets in grass flats.
Outgoing Tide	As water recedes, redfish begin to leave shallow areas and move to channels or deeper pockets.	Mouths of creeks and rivers, outer edges of flats, and deeper channels.
Low Tide	Redfish are often found in deeper holes, channels, or waiting for the next tide in deeper pockets.	Deeper channels, large holes on flats, and outside edges of oyster bars.

Charlotte Harbor

Tidal Phase	Redfish Behavior	Optimal Fishing Spots
Incoming Tide	Redfish start to venture onto flats, around oyster bars, and closer to mangrove shorelines in search of prey.	Mangrove edges, shallow flats near deeper channels, and around oyster bars.
High Tide	Redfish roam further into mangrove creeks, over seagrass beds, and sometimes even right against the mangroves.	Deep within mangrove creeks, across large seagrass flats, and near mangrove island perimeters.
Outgoing Tide	Redfish position themselves to catch prey being flushed out from mangroves and flats. They may gather near creek mouths and channels.	Mouths of mangrove creeks, edges of flats leading to channels, and around structures like docks or submerged debris.
Low Tide	Redfish seek refuge in deeper channels, holes, and basins. They may also become more concentrated in these areas, making them easier to target.	Main channels, deeper holes within the harbor, and larger basins with consistent depth.

St. Joseph Bay

Tidal Phase	Redfish Behavior	Optimal Fishing Spots
Incoming Tide	As the tide starts to come in, redfish move from deeper channels and holes onto the flats, actively hunting for food.	Seagrass beds, sand holes within the grass flats, and transitions zones between deep and shallow water.
High Tide	With the tide at its highest, redfish often venture deep into the mangroves, marshy areas, or oyster bars. They use this time to forage among the cover.	Edges of oyster bars, mangrove islands, and the deeper pockets or depressions within grassy flats.
Outgoing Tide	As water recedes, redfish will set up in spots that funnel baitfish and other prey out from the shallows.	Mouths of small creeks, cuts in the grass flats, and areas around oyster bars or other structures.
Low Tide	With the water at its lowest, redfish move to deeper channels, holes, and basins to avoid being stranded in shallow water.	Deeper channels in the middle of the bay, known holes or basins within the flats, and near the main channel cuts that lead to the Gulf.

Apalachicola Bay

Tidal Phase	Redfish Behavior	Optimal Fishing Spots
Incoming Tide	As water rises, redfish tend to move from their deeper haunts into the shallows and grass flats, searching for food.	Oyster bars becoming submerged, edges of seagrass meadows, and the points or tips of islands where water flows around.
High Tide	With abundant water, redfish often move deeper into marshy areas or explore oyster reefs and grass beds more extensively.	Deep within marsh channels, around dense oyster beds, and the areas where creeks feed into the bay.
Outgoing Tide	Redfish position themselves in strategic spots to catch bait being flushed out from the shallow areas.	Outflows from the marsh, entrances to tidal creeks, and edges of oyster bars or other structures that bait might pass by.
Low Tide	Redfish retreat to deeper spots to avoid shallow waters. They often congregate in known depressions or channels.	Main channels running through the bay, deeper holes within grassy areas, and larger basins that retain deeper water.

Everglades National Park

Tidal Phase	Redfish Behavior	Optimal Fishing Spots
Incoming Tide	Redfish move from deeper channels into the shallower areas, exploiting the flood of water to hunt prey in newly accessible spots.	Mangrove-lined shorelines, points where water flows around, and flooded grassy flats.
High Tide	At peak water levels, redfish delve deep into mangroves, creeks, and ponds, foraging extensively in these high-water sanctuaries.	Deep within narrow creeks, mangrove fringes, and areas with submerged structures or fallen trees.
Outgoing Tide	As water drains, redfish stage in areas that funnel bait out from the shallows, capitalizing on the egress of food.	Mouths of creeks, cuts between islands, and channels leading out to bigger bodies of water.
Low Tide	With shallows exposed, redfish gather in deeper pockets, channels, and basins, waiting for the tide to turn.	Deep main channels, larger basins, and any noticeable depressions in flats that hold water.

Cedar Key

Tidal Phase	Redfish Behavior	Optimal Fishing Spots
Incoming Tide	Redfish begin to push onto the flats and around oyster bars, hunting for crustaceans and baitfish as waters rise.	Edges of flats, oyster bars, and any areas where water flows into backcountry creeks.
High Tide	At the peak of the tide, redfish roam freely, often venturing deep into grassy areas or along mangroves in search of food.	Among the grassy flats, mangrove shorelines, and shallow ponds.
Outgoing Tide	Redfish set up in ambush points, ready to capture bait as it’s pulled out with the receding water.	Mouths of creeks, channels, depressions on flats, and edges of oyster bars.
Low Tide	With shallower regions becoming exposed, redfish are confined to deeper holes, channels, and troughs, where they await the next tide cycle.	Main channels, deep holes on flats, and larger basins.

Matlacha Pass

Tidal Phase	Redfish Behavior	Optimal Fishing Spots
Incoming Tide	As water begins to flood the flats, redfish move in from deeper channels, hunting for food, especially around structures and oyster bars.	Entrance points to grass flats, oyster beds, and mangrove edges where the current brings in bait.
High Tide	Redfish are often found cruising deeper into mangrove areas or lurking around structures in search of prey.	Deep within mangroves, around oyster bars, or submerged structures.
Outgoing Tide	As water drains from the flats, redfish position themselves in areas to ambush prey being pulled out by the outgoing waters.	Mouths of creeks, edges of oyster bars, and transition zones between flats and channels.
Low Tide	With many flats exposed, redfish are concentrated in deeper pockets, channels, and holes waiting for the tide to turn.	Deeper channels, holes within flats, and areas that retain water during low tides.

Hernando Beach

Tidal Phase	Redfish Behavior	Optimal Fishing Spots
Incoming Tide	As the tide starts to rise, redfish begin to explore the flooded grass flats and oyster bars. They hunt for crabs, shrimp, and small fish.	Focus on the entrances to channels and cuts, oyster bars, and shallow grassy areas that are starting to fill with water.
High Tide	With the highest water levels, redfish often roam deep into the grass flats and mangroves. They’re actively feeding, especially if it’s early morning or late afternoon.	Fish around the mangrove edges, especially if they’re adjacent to deeper waters, and in the middle of grass flats where water is deeper.
Outgoing Tide	As the water starts to recede, redfish position in strategic points to capitalize on the flow. They’ll ambush prey being swept out.	Concentrate on the mouths of channels, cuts, and the outer edges of oyster bars. Look for deeper troughs on the flats where fish might congregate.
Low Tide	Many flats get exposed, and redfish are often found in deeper channels, holes, or pockets. They’ll be more cautious but still feeding.	Look for channels, deeper pockets within the flats, and any depressions. Remember, areas that retain water during low tide can be hotspots.

Fort Pierce Inlet

Tidal Phase	Redfish Behavior	Optimal Fishing Spots
Incoming Tide	As the tide comes in, redfish move from the deeper waters of the inlet towards the shallower flats and mangrove-lined shores of the lagoon, hunting for food.	Target the edges of channels that lead into the lagoon, sandbars, and shallow grassy flats adjacent to deeper channels.
High Tide	At peak water levels, redfish tend to roam the grass flats, oyster beds, and mangrove fringes of the lagoon, seeking prey hidden among the vegetation.	Focus on mangrove shorelines, oyster beds, and areas where small creeks or channels flow into the lagoon.
Outgoing Tide	As the tide goes out, redfish position themselves to ambush prey being carried out from the lagoon’s shallow areas into the inlet.	Fish the mouths of small creeks, channels, and around sandbars close to the inlet. The transition areas between flats and deeper water can be productive.
Low Tide	With many of the lagoon’s flats exposed, redfish retreat to deeper channels, holes, or basins in the lagoon and closer to the inlet.	Look for deeper cuts, channels, and basins within the lagoon. The edges of the inlet where water remains deep can also hold redfish.

Crystal River

Tidal Phase	Redfish Behavior	Optimal Fishing Spots
Incoming Tide	As water moves in from the Gulf of Mexico, redfish often shift from the deeper areas towards shallow grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove-laden shores to feed.	Target areas near the mouth of the river, especially transition zones where deeper channels meet shallow flats, and around oyster bars and islands.
High Tide	At its highest point, redfish venture further into the grass flats and shallow areas, seeking out prey hidden in the seagrass and along mangrove edges.	Look for areas of thick seagrass, mangrove tunnels, and the edges of small islands where redfish can hunt in the shallows.
Outgoing Tide	As the tide begins to fall, redfish set up in areas where they can ambush prey being swept out from the grass flats and into the main river channels.	Fish near cuts, channels, and depressions in the flats, especially where smaller tributaries drain into the main river.
Low Tide	With shallower areas exposed, redfish concentrate in deeper holes, channels, and basins in and around the river system.	Seek out deeper channels within the river, basins, or any deeper holes in nearby flats where redfish can find refuge during low water.

Santa Rosa Sound

Tidal Phase	Redfish Behavior	Optimal Fishing Spots
Incoming Tide	Redfish often move from deeper channels into shallow flats, seagrass meadows, and areas near mangroves or structures to feed. They follow baitfish and crustaceans that the tide brings in.	Aim for shallow grass flats near deeper channels, points and inlets, or areas with structure like docks, mangrove edges, or rock piles.
High Tide	With the tide peaking, redfish roam further into shallower regions, probing spots previously too shallow. They’ll be searching the seagrass, around oyster bars, and along the edges of structures for food.	Focus on thick grass beds, the edges of mangroves or oyster bars, and spots where there’s a confluence of currents near structures.
Outgoing Tide	Redfish set up to ambush as water levels recede. They position themselves in areas where smaller prey is being pulled out from the flats towards the deeper channels.	Target constrictions like cuts, creek mouths, and outflows, and especially transition zones where the flats give way to deeper water.
Low Tide	The shallows get exposed, and redfish relocate to deeper pockets, channels, and holes, staying close to places that can offer them both safety and a steady flow of food.	Seek out the main channels, deeper pockets within the flats, and significant depressions or holes where fish gather during the lowest tides.

Destin

Tidal Phase	Redfish Behavior	Optimal Fishing Spots
Incoming Tide	Redfish move into shallow bayous, grass flats, and near structures to find food.	Edges of grass flats, near boat docks, bayou entrances, and sandbars.
High Tide	Redfish can be found in deeper portions of bayous or roaming wide flats looking for baitfish and crustaceans.	Deeper sections of bayous, grass flats, and areas with underwater structures like old pilings.
Outgoing Tide	As water drains from bayous and flats, redfish tend to retreat to channels or deeper pockets, waiting for bait to be flushed out.	Mouths of bayous, deeper channels, drop-offs from flats, and around bridges.
Low Tide	Redfish are often found in deeper channels, passes, or holes where they can stay safe and still find food.	Main channels, deeper holes in the bay, and passes leading to the Gulf of Mexico.

Links to Tide Charts Specific to Florida Regions

1. NOAA Tides & Currents – A trusted source for tide predictions across the U.S., including Florida. NOAA Tides & Currents for Florida
2. Tides4Fishing Florida – Provides detailed tide tables and charts tailored for fishing. Tides4Fishing Florida
3. Saltwater Tides – Offers tide tables for different parts of Florida. Saltwater Tides – Florida
4. Florida Sportsman – Has a section dedicated to tide charts specifically for Florida regions. Florida Sportsman Tide Charts

Recommended Apps or Tools for Tide Tracking:

1. Tides Near Me – An easy-to-use app that provides tide information for nearby locations.
2. Tide Charts – Free – Allows users to view tide tables and predictions for specific Florida locations.
3. My Tide Times – Tide Tables, Forecasts & Tides! – Provides tide times for thousands of locations worldwide, including Florida.
4. FishBrain – While primarily a fishing app, it includes tide charts and lunar tables.
5. TideTrac – A user-friendly app designed for tracking tides and currents.