Redfish Fishing Tips

1. Very large redfish are found around jetties all year, fish jetties and you will have buckets full of redfish. Remember this as one of the best redfish fishing tips.

2. Redfish start popping up around jetties in late summer and early fall. Their numbers only increase through fall and into early winter during annual spawning runs. This time is one of the best times to fish for redfish.

3. When fishing for redfish near jetties, use your depth finder to identify drop-offs.

4. Live baits like mullet, croakers, and mud minnows are great for fishing for redfish. Many anglers use live bait as they work well for redfish and other fish. This is one of the best redfish fishing tips.

5. When you can’t see the redfish along the jetties due to the waves and currents, cast smaller redfish early in the morning along the rocks.

6. Redfish likes structures like rocks, docks, jetties, deep channels, estuaries, and oyster beds. They use the structure as cover from predators and also use it to ambush their prey like mullets, crabs, and shrimps.

7. During winter, redfish are in full survival mode. It wants to avoid predators as well as find areas with mild temperatures. They will move to shallow flats and look for creeks with muddy bottoms that hold heat.

8. In the spring, when the days are warm, redfish will be more active and want to feed as mullets and shrimps will flood the waters. Redfish will move around more comfortably and feed aggressively as their predators will be preoccupied with bigger prey. This is the time for popping corks and topwater lures.

9. During the summer, you have to pay attention to detail as redfish will move to deeper water during July and August around docks and jetties to escape the heat. These are the areas to fish for redfish if you are fishing on a really hot day in July and August.

10. During Fall, redfish’s main goal is to eat as much as it can to put on weight in anticipation of winter. They will move into the shallows to feast on shrimps. Armed with this information, you can target them in the shallows. You want to use live bait like crabs and shrimp. In winter, you want to use mullet and menhaden as live bait.

11. When fishing for redfish in skinny rivers and creeks, you can use artificial baits like topwater jigs, popping corks, and rattling plugs.

12. The color of the lure you choose should depend on the fishing environment. Notwithstanding, you want to have a collection of yellow, green, white, and other bright colors. Always scent your lures with oils as redfish hunt using their sense of smell.

13. Redfish survive in waters of different depths, clarity, and salinity. This implies that there is more than one way to bait your line. Always try to keep your bait close to the ground as they are bottom feeders.

14. In very clear waters, you want to cast in front of your target instead of on top of it. Even though they strike a lot of bait, they can also be very suspicious of things.

15. Redfish bury their heads in the ground while their tails slice through the water. This creates a “V”-shaped wake on the water tops. When you spot it, cast your lure about 3 feet ahead of it.

16. When your target advances to your bait, twitch it slightly. That action will make your lure appear as if it is naturally reacting to the presence of a predator as a real bait fish will do. Twitching, hopping, and “stop-and-going” your bait will gain the attention of Redfish and get them fired up.

17. Redfish eats Ladyfish and don’t be surprised that it can eat a whole 3-pound ladyfish. Therefore, if you can locate areas with ladyfish, even the big ones, you will have located a possible food source for Redfish.

18. If you see small birds feeding on shrimps, that is a sign that redfish will come to that area also to feed on shrimps.

19. Even though casting jigs into the waters works, you can be more successful using a popping cork with a good shrimp-imitating jig in brown or off-white. It works well when the cork is popping, shaking, and rattling across the surface during the retrieve.

20. Redfish will not hit a lure retrieved in a straight during cold fronts. They prefer artificial lures or baits that wobble. In this situation, you have to manipulate a lure or bait like a jig-and-minnow, mullet, or mud minnow on a jig.

21. Very large redfish will move into inlets and passes lined by rock jetties during the fall.

22. Use side-scan sonar to locate redfish. It locates bait, individual redfish, oyster bars, channels, and little humps.

How To Catch Redfish From Shore

When fishing redfish from the shore, study the shore to find any structure. Look for troughs, deep holes, points, jetties, shore breaks, and sand bars that redfish can move through. Redfish will be moving through troughs in search of baitfish. Rock pilings and jetties will also have redfish. They will be looking for crabs near large rock pilings and jetties.

Place baits or lures in different areas on the shore to increase your chances of finding redfish. Put bait in the first trough, on the backside of the shore breaks, at the edges of sand bars, and on top of the sand bar. Casting is one of the fishing methods often used to catch redfish from shore.

How To Catch Redfish In Florida

When fishing for redfish in Florida, look at structures like piers, docks, beaches, oyster bars, mangroves, and grass flats. They will be near structures looking for baitfish. Redfish are usually found in shallow waters near mangrove shorelines or grass flats.

Fish for redfish in these areas to increase your chances of landing them. Baits and lures are used when fishing for redfish. Baitcasting is the popular fishing method used by anglers when fishing for redfish in Florida.

How To Catch Redfish In Galveston

Redfish can be found in estuaries, shallow bays, jetties, and bayous. They are usually in these areas looking for baitfish. You can use live, dead, or artificial bait when fishing for redfish. Live shrimp, crabs, and mullet are some of the bait that can be used when fishing for redfish. Spoons, jigheads, and plastic worms also work for catching redfish.

Sight casting, fly fishing, surf angling, and wading are some of the fishing methods anglers used when fishing for redfish.

Best Live Bait For Redfish

1. Shrimp

Shrimp is a highly effective and widely used bait for redfish fishing, valued for its natural scent and appeal to these bottom-dwelling predators. Anglers often use live or fresh-dead shrimp rigged on hooks, either whole or in pieces, to entice strikes from redfish. Redfish have a keen sense of smell and are attracted to the scent of shrimp, making it an irresistible bait choice.

Additionally, the natural movement of live shrimp in the water can mimic the behavior of prey species, further enticing redfish to strike. Shrimp can be presented in a variety of ways, including under a popping cork, free-lined, or Carolina rigged, allowing anglers to adapt to different fishing conditions and depths. With its effectiveness in attracting redfish and widespread availability in coastal waters, shrimp remains a preferred bait choice for anglers targeting these prized gamefish.

2. Pilchards

Pilchards, also known as scaled sardines or white bait, are highly effective and sought-after bait for redfish fishing. These small, silvery fish are abundant in coastal waters and possess a natural scent and appearance that is irresistible to redfish. Anglers often use live or fresh-dead pilchards rigged on hooks, either whole or cut into chunks, to entice strikes from redfish. Pilchards emit a strong scent that can attract redfish from a distance, even in challenging conditions.

Additionally, their natural swimming action in the water mimics that of injured prey, making them highly effective at triggering strikes. Pilchards can be presented using various techniques, such as free-lining, drifting, or under a popping cork, allowing anglers to adapt to different fishing conditions and depths. With their effectiveness in attracting redfish and availability in many coastal areas, pilchards remain a favored bait choice for anglers seeking to hook into these prized gamefish.

3. Crabs

Crabs are a natural and highly effective bait for redfish fishing, prized for their scent, flavor, and appeal to these bottom-dwelling predators. Anglers often use live or fresh-dead crabs rigged on hooks, either whole or in pieces, to entice strikes from redfish. Redfish are known to feed on crabs as part of their natural diet, making them particularly responsive to this bait option. The scent of the crab, along with its natural movement in the water, can attract redfish from a distance, even in murky or turbid conditions.

Additionally, crabs provide a hearty meal for redfish, which can result in more aggressive strikes. Anglers can present crabs using various techniques, such as bottom fishing, freelining, or Carolina rigging, depending on the fishing conditions and target depth. With their effectiveness in attracting redfish and availability in coastal waters, crabs remain a favored bait choice for anglers looking to hook into these prized gamefish.

4. Mud Minnows

Mud minnows, also known as muds, bull minnows, or killifish, are a popular and effective bait choice for redfish fishing. These small, hardy fish are found in coastal waters, estuaries, and marshes, making them readily available to anglers targeting redfish.

Mud minnows emit a natural scent and movement that is irresistible to redfish, enticing strikes even in challenging conditions. Anglers often use live or fresh-dead mud minnows rigged on hooks, either whole or hooked through the lips or tail, to entice strikes from redfish. The lively swimming action of mud minnows in the water mimics that of injured baitfish, making them highly effective at triggering strikes.

Mud minnows can be presented using various techniques, such as freelining, Carolina rigging, or under a popping cork, depending on the fishing conditions and target depth. With their availability, durability, and effectiveness in attracting redfish, mud minnows remain a favored bait choice for anglers seeking to hook into these prized gamefish in coastal environments.

5. Mullet

Mullet is a natural and highly effective bait choice for redfish fishing, prized for their size, scent, and appeal to these predatory gamefish. These schooling fish are abundant in coastal waters and estuaries, making them a readily available bait option for anglers. Mullet emits a strong scent that can attract redfish from a distance, even in challenging conditions.

Additionally, their size and natural swimming action in the water makes them an enticing target for redfish. Anglers often use live or fresh-dead mullet rigged on hooks, either whole or cut into chunks, to entice strikes from redfish. Mullet can be presented using various techniques, such as freelining, drifting, or Carolina rigging, depending on the fishing conditions and target depth. With their effectiveness in attracting redfish and availability in coastal environments, mullets remain a favored bait choice for anglers seeking to hook into these prized gamefish.

6. Pinfish

Pinfish are a natural and effective bait choice for redfish fishing, known for their availability and appeal to these predatory gamefish. These small, silvery fish are commonly found in coastal waters, estuaries, and marshes, making them easily accessible to anglers targeting redfish. Pinfish emit a natural scent that can attract redfish from a distance, even in challenging conditions.

Additionally, their size and lively swimming action in the water make them an enticing target for redfish. Anglers often use live or fresh-dead pinfish rigged on hooks, either whole or cut into chunks, to entice strikes from redfish. Pinfish can be presented using various techniques, such as freelining, drifting, or Carolina rigging, depending on the fishing conditions and target depth. With their effectiveness in attracting redfish and availability in coastal environments, pinfish remain a favored bait choice for anglers seeking to hook into these prized gamefish.

7. Grunts

Grunts are a natural and versatile bait choice for redfish fishing, valued for their availability and appeal to these predatory gamefish. These small, silvery fish are often found in coastal waters, estuaries, and nearshore reefs, making them readily accessible to anglers targeting redfish. Grunts emit a natural scent that can attract redfish from a distance, even in challenging conditions.

Additionally, their size and lively swimming action in the water make them an enticing target for redfish. Anglers commonly use live or fresh-dead grunts rigged on hooks, either whole or cut into chunks, to entice strikes from redfish. Grunts can be presented using various techniques, such as freelining, drifting, or Carolina rigging, depending on the fishing conditions and target depth. With their effectiveness in attracting redfish and availability in coastal environments, grunts remain a favored bait choice for anglers seeking to hook into these prized gamefish.

8. Pigfish

Pigfish are a natural and effective bait choice for redfish fishing, prized for their availability and appeal to these predatory gamefish. These small, colorful fish are often found in coastal waters, estuaries, and marshes, making them easily accessible to anglers targeting redfish. Pigfish emit a natural scent that can attract redfish from a distance, even in challenging conditions.

Additionally, their size and lively swimming action in the water make them an enticing target for redfish. Anglers commonly use live or fresh-dead pigfish rigged on hooks, either whole or cut into chunks, to entice strikes from redfish. Pigfish can be presented using various techniques, such as freelining, drifting, or Carolina rigging, depending on the fishing conditions and target depth. With their effectiveness in attracting redfish and availability in coastal environments, pigfish remain a favored bait choice for anglers seeking to hook into these prized gamefish.

9. Atlantic Croaker

Atlantic croaker are a versatile and effective bait choice for redfish fishing, prized for their availability and appeal to these predatory gamefish. These small, silvery fish are abundant in coastal waters, estuaries, and marshes, making them readily accessible to anglers targeting redfish. Atlantic croaker emit a natural scent that can attract redfish from a distance, even in challenging conditions.

Additionally, their size and lively swimming action in the water make them an enticing target for redfish. Anglers commonly use live or fresh-dead Atlantic croaker rigged on hooks, either whole or cut into chunks, to entice strikes from redfish. Atlantic croaker can be presented using various techniques, such as freelining, drifting, or Carolina rigging, depending on the fishing conditions and target depth. With their effectiveness in attracting redfish and availability in coastal environments, Atlantic croaker remain a favored bait choice for anglers seeking to hook into these prized gamefish.

10. Ladyfish

Ladyfish, also known as skipjacks or tenpounders, can be a viable bait option for redfish fishing in certain situations. While not as commonly used as some other baitfish species, ladyfish can still attract redfish due to their lively swimming action and natural scent. These fish are often found in coastal waters, estuaries, and nearshore areas, making them accessible to anglers targeting redfish. Ladyfish emit a scent that can attract redfish from a distance, especially in murky or turbid conditions.

Anglers commonly use live or fresh-dead ladyfish rigged on hooks, either whole or cut into chunks, to entice strikes from redfish. However, because of their softer flesh and tendency to fall apart easily, ladyfish may not be as durable as other bait options. Despite this drawback, when presented effectively, ladyfish can still be a productive bait choice for anglers seeking to hook into redfish in coastal environments.

11. Ballyhoo

Ballyhoo, with their slender bodies and iridescent colors, are primarily associated with offshore trolling for pelagic species, but they can also serve as effective bait for redfish fishing in coastal waters. These small baitfish emit a distinct scent that can attract redfish, and their lively swimming action in the water makes them enticing prey. While not as commonly used as other baitfish species for redfish, ballyhoo can still elicit strikes from hungry redfish when presented effectively.

Anglers often use live or fresh-dead ballyhoo rigged on hooks, either whole or cut into chunks, to entice strikes from redfish. However, because of their delicate nature, ballyhoo may not be as durable as some other bait options. Despite this, when presented properly, ballyhoo can be a productive bait choice for anglers targeting redfish in coastal environments, especially in areas where these baitfish are abundant.

What is the best bait to catch redfish?

One of the best baits to catch redfish is mullet.

What is the best time of day to fish for redfish?

The best time to fish for redfish is early morning and late evening.

How deep do you fish for redfish?

You can fish for redfish from any water depth.

How do you attract redfish?

You can attract redfish by using live bait like mullet, mud minnows, croakers, blue crabs, etc.

What color lures do redfish like?

Redfish like the color gold. Therefore gold lures are used to attract redfish.

What do redfish like to eat?

Redfish like shrimp, crabs, and mullet in summer and fall. In winter and spring, they feed on mullet, pinfish, Atlantic croaker, marine worms, etc.

The Bottom Line

Redfish is an exciting and challenging gamefish that anglers like to target. They eat almost anything and are found all over the United States. In this article, we shared redfish fishing tips to help you catch more redfish and become a more successful angler.

This article on pike fishing tips will help you be a more successful angler for pike fish. Similarly, this article on how to catch flounder will help you catch more flounders.

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