Q.Saltwater Species Behavior
Why do redfish tail on shallow flats?
A.
Redfish tail in shallow water (often less than 18 inches deep) when they tip head-down to feed on crabs, shrimp, and worms in the bottom — their tails break the surface as they search for prey. Tailing happens most aggressively on incoming and high tide when water has just flooded onto previously dry flats.
Sight-fishing tailing redfish is one of the most exciting inshore fisheries. Cast small soft plastics or fly patterns 3-4 feet ahead of the tail, then move slowly to imitate fleeing prey. See migration calendar pages for redfish seasonal availability.