Redfish Fishing Tips
Aug 17th, 2009 by admin
Redfish, spot-tail bass, red drum, channel bass… you can call them whatever you like. The fact is that they are one of the most popular fish that can be found in saltwater. They fight really hard, but they’re also excellent table fare.
You can go redfish fishing almost any time of the year and you will have a good chance of catching a redfish. However, if you are after “bull red,” your best chances might be in the months of fall. During autumn the large redfish move into the bays and inlets which makes them more accessible to majority of anglers.
When going on a redfish fishing trip, you will need a stout rod, plenty of 30-pound line, a wire leader, and a sharp circle hook. You will also need enough weight to keep your bait near the bottom.
If you are fishing for large refish you will need some good natural baits such as live minnows, crabs, shrimp mammies, and cut bait. Reds seem to love large hunks of cut mullet. Despite being smelly redfish absolutely love this thing! Keep in mind that the size of bait depends on the size of fish. You will need substantial bait for a larger redfish. If your bait is too small, redfish might not expend the energy to seek it. You should also make sure that your bait is fresh by changing it periodically.
What are the best locations for redfish fishing?, I recommend to look for deep thoughs, drop-offs, and calm areas near fast-moving currents. The mouths of tidal creeks and rivers are always a good place to start. Any place that attracts and holds baitfish is also great, including grassy flats, oyster beds, and structures like piers and jetties.
Cast your bait near any of these and just wait. When the redfish strikes, wait a couple of seconds, and then set the hook. If it’s a bruiser, you should be ready for a good battle! If you’ve hooked a really large redfish, loosen your drag a little and let the fish tire himself out and lose all the energy before trying to land him. However, you should keep the line quite tight to avoid the fish tangling the line on rocks and pilings.
When you’ve landed your fish, always measure it to make sure it is within legal limits. If the fish is too small or too big, or if you don’t want to eat it, just release it unharmed. I hope you found this article useful and I wish you all the best for your redfish fishing future.
