What Is Redfish? A New England Fisherman’s Guide
Have you ever tried redfish? Often called ocean perch, Acadian redfish (Sebastes fasciatus) is a cold-water catch with deep roots in New England fishing traditions. This guide covers everything from species ID to sourcing—and how it stacks up against better-known names like snapper and red drum. Our waters, our redfish Even here in the Northeast, many seafood buyers and diners aren’t familiar with this local catch. That’s surprising since redfish has been part of our fishing grounds for generations—yet it’s only in recent years that it’s found steady footing on menus and in markets. Part of that is its history. In the mid-20th century, redfish was heavily targeted by U.S. and foreign fleets, thanks to its mild flavor and affordable price. Perfect for frozen fish fillets, overfishing pushed stocks into decline over time. And only with coordinated management did the species make its comeback. Where it lives & how it’s caught Redfish thrive in the cold, rocky depths of the Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank—two of the most productive fishing areas for vessels out of New Bedford and beyond. We harvest this species using bottom trawling, also called otter trawling, under strict federal regulations designed to protect seafloor habitats. This means fishing gear is monitored, closed areas are enforced, and seasons are adjusted when needed to safeguard both the stock and its environment. Unlike many species, redfish is harvested year-round, with peak landings in spring and summer thanks to healthy, well-managed stocks. A closer look at the species Acadian redfish goes by many names—Atlantic redfish, ocean perch, and occasionally “golden redfish” in other markets. Scientific name aside, you’ll recognize it by its bright orange-red body, pale underside, large eyes and long dorsal fin. A slow-growing, long-lived fish, it can live over 50 years and reproduces through ovoviviparous births, producing live young rather than eggs. This life history means the fish needs careful management to stay abundant—but when protected, it can provide steady catches for decades. Its mild, slightly sweet, flaky flesh has made it a quiet favorite among chefs, perfect for dishes like fish tacos, pan-seared fillets or baked casseroles. Chefs also appreciate its adaptability—it holds up well in ceviche, fish stews, and even fried sandwiches. Curious to know what you can prepare your own redfish dish? Download our family’s Redfish Tacos Recipe, which features perfectly seasoned redfish fillets, crisp slaw and zesty lime crema. History of redfish in New England Redfish wasn’t always the hidden gem it is today. Between the 1930s and 1960s, it was heavily landed for the booming frozen fillet industry. By the 1980s, decades of high catch rates left the population depleted. That changed with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, stricter quotas, and the establishment of the New England Fishery Management Council. Foreign trawlers were pushed out of U.S. waters, domestic effort shifted and over time, the stock began to rebound. By 2012, NOAA declared the species fully rebuilt—a rare success story in fisheries management. Today, it’s once again a reliable year-round catch for New England fleets, landing in ports from Gloucester to Portland to New Bedford. Redfish vs snapper / red drum One of the most common questions we hear is whether Acadian redfish is the same as snapper or red drum. The answer is simple: it’s not. Gulf redfish (red drum) Sciaenops ocellatus has a streamlined body and a signature black spot near the tail. It’s native from Massachusetts down to the Gulf of Mexico and is a popular sport fish—prohibited from commercial sale in U.S. federal waters. Red snapper Lutjanus campechanus is a reef-dwelling species with firm texture and a nutty flavor, caught in the Gulf of Mexico and western Atlantic reefs—primarily using hook-and-line or traps. Side-by-Side Differences Feature Acadian Redfish (Ocean Perch) Red Drum Red Snapper Habitat Depth Deep rocky bottom Coastal shallows Reef Region Gulf of Maine, Georges Bank East Coast, Gulf Gulf of Mexico Flavor/Texture Mild, flaky Mild, firm Firm, nutty Harvest Method Trawl nets Recreational rod Hook & line, traps Sustainability Redfish is one of New England’s most celebrated recovery stories. NOAA lists Acadian redfish as fully rebuilt, not overfished and not subject to overfishing. Management tools include: Many vessels—including those at Canastra Fishing Company—also work with certification bodies like the Marine Stewardship Council to verify sustainable practices. Community & tradition In New Bedford, the nation’s most valuable fishing port, redfish supports both offshore crews and shore-based jobs. It’s a steady, dependable fishery that helps keep boats working even when other species are out of season. For our family, it’s more than a product—it’s part of our identity. We’ve watched this fishery weather ups and downs, and we take pride in landing a product that meets both our quality standards and our values. For buyers & chefs Redfish offers: Whether pan-fried, roasted or in fish tacos, it delivers flavor without compromise. It’s also a great candidate for introducing consumers to underutilized species—broadening palates while supporting sustainable fisheries. How to cook & pair redfish Pair with crisp white wines like Portuguese Alvarinho or a citrusy Sauvignon Blanc. For beer lovers, a light pilsner or wheat beer balances the fish’s mild sweetness. Keep learning & source direct At Canastra Fishing Company, we believe education is as important as supply. The better you know your seafood, the better you can serve your customers. With that in mind, check out our Acadian redfish product page and learn more about our offering. Ready to order? Drop us a line to talk redfish sourcing today. FAQ: redfish Is ocean perch the same as redfish? Yes—in New England, ocean perch is the market name for Acadian redfish (Sebastes fasciatus). Is redfish sustainable? Yes. According to NOAA, the stock is fully rebuilt and sustainably managed. Can I substitute redfish for snapper in recipes? Absolutely. Its mild flavor makes it a great stand-in for snapper, cod, or haddock.Where can I buy redfish? From reputable wholesalers like Canastra Fishing Co., and from retailers who source Gulf of Maine seafood.