Redfish, also known as red drum, are among the most popular sport fish targeted by anglers along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts. To catch redfish effectively, selecting the right bait is crucial. From live bait to artificial lures, understanding what redfish love can dramatically improve your fishing success. In this guide, we’ll cover the 6 best baits for redfishing success to help you outsmart these savvy game fish.
Live Shrimp: The All-Time Favorite
One of the most popular and effective baits for catching redfish is live shrimp. Redfish are natural predators of shrimp, and this bait works like a charm whether you’re fishing inshore or offshore. The scent and natural movement of shrimp make them irresistible to redfish.
To fish with live shrimp, use a popping cork setup. This method works by allowing the shrimp to swim naturally while the popping cork creates a noise that mimics a shrimp in distress, attracting redfish from a distance. Attach the shrimp by hooking it through the tail or just behind the head, allowing it to move freely.
Blue Crab: A Nutrient-Rich Delicacy for Redfish
If you’re looking for a bait that is not only effective but also hardy, then blue crab is an excellent choice. Redfish have a strong affinity for crustaceans, and blue crab ranks high on their list. These crabs provide a strong scent in the water, which helps lure the fish from further distances.
To use blue crab as bait, you’ll want to remove the claws and cut the crab in half. Some anglers prefer using just one of the crab’s halves, while others use the entire piece to target larger redfish. Attach it securely to the hook and drop it near structures like oyster beds or grass flats where redfish love to hunt for crabs.
Mullet: A Versatile Bait for All Conditions
Mullet is another favorite among redfish anglers because it can be used both as live bait and cut bait. Mullet swim naturally in the waters where redfish thrive, making them a familiar and desirable prey. When used as live bait, mullet is particularly effective because of its frantic swimming motion that attracts the attention of redfish.
For anglers who prefer cut bait, mullet offers an equally effective option. Cut a mullet into pieces and drop it near drop-offs, channels, or grass flats, which are prime feeding areas for redfish. The oily nature of mullet ensures that it produces a strong scent in the water, drawing redfish from nearby.
Pinfish: The Perfect Inshore Bait
Pinfish are highly effective for targeting redfish, especially in inshore waters. Known for their durability and availability, pinfish are often found in the same habitats as redfish, making them a natural prey choice. When used as live bait, pinfish swim energetically, creating movement that grabs a redfish’s attention.
To use pinfish as bait, hook them through the back near the dorsal fin to keep them alive and active. Drift the pinfish along grassy shorelines or near mangroves where redfish are known to congregate. Their erratic movements will entice redfish to strike aggressively.
Artificial Lures: A Top Choice for Experienced Anglers
While live bait is often considered the go-to for redfish, artificial lures have proven to be highly effective, especially for those who enjoy more active fishing. Artificial lures are versatile and can mimic the appearance and movement of various natural prey like shrimp, crabs, and baitfish.
Some of the best artificial lures for redfish include soft plastic paddle tails, jerk baits, and topwater lures. These lures come in various colors and sizes, making it easy to tailor your setup based on water clarity, weather conditions, and the behavior of the redfish. The advantage of artificial lures is that they allow for repeated casts and are reusable, saving you money in the long run.
When fishing in shallow waters, a gold spoon is a particularly effective lure for redfish. Its reflective surface creates a flashing effect in the water, attracting redfish from a distance. The spoon’s wobbling motion closely mimics the behavior of injured baitfish, triggering the redfish’s predatory instincts.
Cut Bait: Simple but Effective
Cut bait is one of the simplest yet most effective methods for catching redfish. You can use a variety of fish for cut bait, but mullet, menhaden, and ladyfish are some of the top choices. The scent of the cut bait spreads through the water, making it easy for redfish to locate even from a distance.
To use cut bait, slice the fish into manageable chunks and fish it on a circle hook. Cast near structures like jetties, oyster beds, or deeper channels where redfish tend to feed. Cut bait is particularly effective in murky waters, as redfish will rely more on scent than sight to locate their prey.
Bonus Tip: Match the Hatch
One of the most effective strategies for redfishing is to “match the hatch,” meaning you should use baits that resemble the natural food sources in the area you’re fishing. Whether it’s live bait or artificial lures, using something that the redfish are already feeding on increases your chances of success.
For example, if you’re fishing in an area where mullet are abundant, using live or cut mullet will yield better results than using shrimp or crabs. Paying attention to the local ecosystem and adjusting your bait accordingly can make all the difference in your redfishing endeavors.
Conclusion: A Winning Formula for Redfishing
To achieve success in redfishing, choosing the right bait is essential. Whether you prefer the reliable effectiveness of live shrimp, the durability of blue crab, or the versatility of artificial lures, using the appropriate bait for your specific conditions will drastically improve your catch rate. By experimenting with these 6 best baits for redfishing success, you’ll be well on your way to landing that prized red drum on your next trip.