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Bield:Fish
Single-species migration calendar

Red Drum in Central Florida East Coast may fishing.

Sciaenops ocellatusSeasonal MovementGood

Same.

Year-round calendar

Each month encodes typical migration status. The current month is outlined in gold. Tap a cell for the month-specific note and water temperature.

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JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecJan — Good Year-round resident fish — winter schooling on flats. Typical water temp: 64–70°FGoodFeb — Good Same. Typical water temp: 66–72°FGoodMar — Good Spring flats fishing. Typical water temp: 70–76°FGoodApr — Good Strong sight-fishing on tailing reds. Typical water temp: 74–80°FGoodMay — Good Same. Typical water temp: 78–82°FGoodJun — Good Summer flats and mangrove pattern. Typical water temp: 82–86°FGoodJul — Good Hot water — fish in deeper edges or shaded structure. Typical water temp: 84–88°FGoodAug — Good Same. Typical water temp: 84–88°FGoodSep — Good Cooler nights bring fish back to flats. Typical water temp: 80–84°FGoodOct — Good Strong fall fishing. Typical water temp: 74–80°FGoodNov — Good Cooling water concentrates fish. Typical water temp: 70–76°FGoodDec — Good Winter resident pattern. Typical water temp: 66–72°FGood

Migration pattern

Year-round resident with strong seasonal movement between flats, mangroves, and inlets. Cooler water concentrates fish on flats; hot water pushes them to deeper and shaded structure.

Best locations

  • Mosquito Lagoon
  • Banana River
  • Sebastian Inlet
  • Indian River Lagoon flats

Top lures

  • Live mullet under popping cork
  • Cut mullet on bottom
  • Gold spoons
  • Soft plastic shrimp
  • Topwater plugs (skinny water)
Verify with current conditions

Migration timing varies year to year. Cross-reference NOAA marine forecasts and a local source the week of your trip.

Red Drum in other regions

Get a notification when red drum show up.

Bield: Fish ties NOAA buoy data and water temperature readings to species arrival windows so you're on the water the day they arrive in Central Florida East Coast.

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