Redfish is possibly Florida’s most popular game fish these days. This is possibly due to its
increasing numbers, thanks to the enviable fish management program in the state.
Despite its numbers, red fishing trips aren’t as easy as most people think. The right tools, lures
and tackles among others, and the proper retrieve must be used; taking into consideration the
specific saltwater habitat you’re fishing in.
The Only Tactic Used in the Past
Before, there was only one tactic used by many in red fishing: fishing dead on the bottom using
tackles with a heavy terminal, a large saltwater hook and a huge portion of cut bait attached to
it. Ensuring that the boat is anchored well is a must, too. This guarantees that the baits are right
in front of the schools of fish.
In the past few years, red bass fishermen saw that casting different lures and employing other
techniques are more challenging and very satisfying. Aside from the emergence of numerous
fishing reels, rods and various kinds of soft plastics and hard baits designed particularly for red
fishing, there are new boat models created only just for this. In addition to that, various
tournaments with surprisingly high cash prizes have raised the popularity of this specific sport.
Here are my top ten tips which could be very helpful for you, whether you’re red fishing in the
coastal areas of North Carolina to those in Texas. Read carefully and put those in mind and you
will definitely get to catch those redfish once you have put your mind to it.
The Best Rod Combo
It’s best to use a spinning rod measuring about 7 to 7 ½ feet. The butt section should be
medium heavy and the tip medium light so that you can give life to redfish lures. To make long
casts, see to it that the spinning rod is matched with a 4000-size spinning reel that is filled with
a 15-pound, braided line (preferably moss-colored). If you affix the three-foot section of the
fluorocarbon (20 pounds) shock leader, you can fish with different kinds of lures using just one
fishing rod and reel.
Take note that you need to use a loop knot when fastening the shock leader and lure together.
How to Pole the Flats
Polling is exhausting but it is better when you’re on the flats than electric ones. So when you
are close to shallow waters, use short strokes which won’t cause boat wakes. See to it that the
sun is on your back and don’t forget your sunglasses with amber lens.
If you are using an electric trolling motor, see to it that the power is low. Make sure also that
the propeller does not touch the bottom. Being quiet is a must so don’t slam those boat lids or
talk too loud.
How to Wade the Flats
Redfish tend to get super spooky in the flats. When this happens, anchor your skiff then wade
or go for power pole down. When you wade, it’s more likely that you will walk right on a hard
bottom. This is good, though, because it holds tons of redfish from flood tide.
School of Redfish
If the school is tightly knit together – just like sardines in a can – do not bother trying to catch
one. You will be wasting your time. They are in protective mode and won’t eat. But if the fish
swim in different directions, they are looking for food. This is the best kind to go for.
On Flood Tides
Flood tides, when the saltwater covers shallow waters like grass flats, spartina marshes and
oyster bars, are loved by redfish. Here, it’s best to use a half-ounce gold Johnson spoon. Cast
this with a steady retrieve. If the bait fish activity is increased, do a Rapala Skitter Walk
employing the mullet color pattern.
On Falling Tides
At this time, redfish migrate to the deep edge of the flat. For this, use long casts with half-
ounce Johnson gold spoon or an in-line spinner which has a gold blade and white chartreuse
skirt.
On Low Tides
At this time, red fish relocates to the deep edge of the flat, usually on boat docks, grass flats,
sandbars and oyster bars. For this, use a quarter-ounce Jig head that is rigged with a Berkley
Gulp shrimp measuring 3 inches and employing the New Penny color pattern.
In Amelia Island Florida where I live, redfish school near deeper parts of boat docks on oyster
laden mud flats. This is merely their migration routes and feeding points.
Move as Often as You Could
Fifteen minutes is enough to spend on one redfish structure. You would be wasting your time
waiting for the fish to come since, most likely, it’s not going to come soon. If you have not
located a school, move to another structure. It’s very possible that they have relocated nearby.
Go back to the tips mentioned above, based on the tides, and you will chance upon your luck
soon.
Sharpen Your Hooks
I don’t need to expound on the importance of sharpening those hooks. As a fishing aficionado,
we all should know this. But this here is a very important tip:
Always have a pair of Gerber on your fishing belt. These fishing pliers have numerous purposes,
one of which – specifically the file – is to sharpen redfish hooks.
This would be very useful for jig hooks. The long, thin point can get bent when penetrating the
tough redfish’s mouth. So what I do is triangulate that long, thin point with a file so that it will
be shorter, stronger and, most importantly, sharper.
Watch the Tides Before You Go on a Fishing Expedition
Make sure that you are updated with the tide levels. Redfish are quire predictable. They will
show up in the structures they favor day in and day out. But it all depends, as mentioned above,
on the tides. You should be there before high tide so that you’re ready to catch the redfish
when the tide allows.
Even before I go on a fishing expedition with Jason Sullivan on the Rising Tides Charter, I have
planned the whole day based on the tides. www.tidesonline.com is a great resource for this.
Jason, our very competent guide, uses Lowrance HDS-7 which is effective in keeping one
apprised of current levels, while out at sea.
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