When the Gulf heat starts to break and the first hints of fall drift across the water, anglers along the Gulf Coast know one thing: bull red season is here. Late summer through fall is when schools of massive redfish—often topping 30 to 40 inches—push into coastal passes, beaches, and bays. They’re hungry, aggressive, and the kind of fish that make your drag scream.
These fish aren’t just any redfish; locals know them as “pumpkin bulls” thanks to their bronze-orange glow in the autumn sunlight. It’s a nickname that perfectly captures the season—and one we at Tide Wear carry with pride in our Pumpkin Bull Hats.
Why Fall is Prime Time for Redfish
Bull reds can be caught year-round, but the late summer and fall run is legendary. As bait schools migrate, redfish stage up in large numbers near passes, jetties, and flats. Cooler mornings trigger their feeding instincts, and anglers with patience (and a few live mullet or popping cork rigs) are rewarded with fights they won’t forget.
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Where to Find Them: Look for birds diving over bait balls, current rips at passes, and shallow flats on incoming tides.
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Best Baits: Live pogies, finger mullet, and crab are can’t-miss choices. Artificial fans swear by gold spoons, popping corks with shrimp imitations, and swimbaits.
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When to Go: Dawn and dusk see the most action, but overcast fall days can mean all-day bites.
The Spirit of the Pumpkin Bull
At Tide Wear, we built our Pumpkin Bull Hat to celebrate the same Gulf tradition. It’s not just a hat—it’s a symbol of the season. Just like bull reds, the hat carries that deep coastal orange pop that stands out at the dock, in the marsh, or out on the town.
When you hook into a pumpkin bull, you’re part of a Gulf Coast story that goes back generations. Wearing the Pumpkin Bull Hat keeps that story alive—one cast, one tide, one fish at a time.
Tide Wear on the Water
This fall, whether you’re pushing through Perdido Pass, drifting along the Orange Beach flats, or making a run out of Venice, bring your gear and bring your Tide Wear. The Pumpkin Bull Hat isn’t just about looking good—it’s about representing the passion, patience, and payoff of chasing redfish in their finest season.
So load the cooler, tie your knots tight, and keep your eyes peeled for that bronze flash in the tide. It’s pumpkin bull season—time to fish hard and wear it proud.