Top Redfish Fishing Countries

Redfish, commonly referring to the Red Drum (*Sciaenops ocellatus*), is a popular game and commercial fish found primarily in the warm coastal waters of the western Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. This robust, copper-bronze fish is renowned for its fighting spirit and distinctive black spot near the tail. The United States, particularly along the Gulf Coast in states like Louisiana, Texas, and Florida, is the leading country for redfish fishing, both recreationally and commercially. While red drum are native to North America, countries like Mexico also have significant fisheries, especially in the Gulf region. Strict management and conservation efforts in the U.S., including catch limits and aquaculture, have helped sustain healthy populations after heavy overfishing in the 1980s. Today, redfish remain a prized catch for anglers and an important species for the fishing industry in these coastal nations.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.