Catching redfish year-round requires anglers to be adaptable and use the right lures for different conditions. Redfish, or red drum, are a popular target in both shallow coastal waters and deeper estuaries, making them a versatile species for anglers. Whether you're fishing in warm summer waters or cooler winter conditions, choosing the right lure can make all the difference.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best lures for catching redfish year-round. We’ll look at the types of lures that work well in various seasons and conditions, ensuring that you have the tools you need to target redfish no matter the time of year.
Top Lures for Catching Redfish Year Round
Redfish can be found in a variety of habitats year-round, but their behavior changes with the seasons, which affects their feeding patterns and location. Understanding how redfish behave in each season will help you select the best lures for consistent success.
Spring and Summer: Active and Feeding Aggressively
In spring and summer, redfish are typically more active and are often found in shallow waters, especially as they move closer to shore to feed. During these warmer months, redfish can be found in grass beds, around oyster reefs, and near drop-offs where baitfish are abundant. They are more likely to chase down fast-moving lures that mimic their prey, such as mullet or shrimp, including the highly effective artificial shrimp lure.
Fall: Feeding Heavily Before Winter
During the fall, redfish feed aggressively to build up energy for the colder months. They are often found in the shallows, near estuaries, and around structures like docks and bridges. At this time, redfish are more likely to strike lures that imitate baitfish, and they will actively chase moving lures.
Winter: Slower and More Cautious
In the winter, redfish move to deeper, cooler waters and are less active. During this time, they are still feeding but at a slower pace. The key to winter fishing for redfish is to use slow-moving lures that stay near the bottom, where redfish are more likely to be holding. They are often found in deeper areas, such as channels, drop-offs, and the mouths of estuaries.
Best Lures for Catching Redfish Year-Round
Here’s a breakdown of the best redfish lures for catching redfish across the seasons. These lures work in various conditions and will help you increase your chances of landing a redfish throughout the year.
1. Soft Plastics
Great redfish lures, such as soft plastics, are some of the most versatile and effective lures for redfish. Available in various shapes and sizes, they can be rigged in different ways to mimic the movement of shrimp, baitfish, or other prey. Soft plastics work well year-round, as they can be fished slowly in winter or retrieved quickly in warmer months.
-
Best Time to Use: Year-round, with the option to adjust retrieval speed and rigging based on season and conditions.
-
Recommended Rigging: Texas rig, Carolina rig, or jighead rig.
Popular Soft Plastic Lures:
-
Soft Plastic Shrimp: Soft baits like these are ideal for imitating shrimp, a favorite food of redfish.
-
Paddletail Shads: Mimic baitfish like mullet or menhaden, which are commonly found in redfish habitats.
-
Curl-tail Grubs: Offer subtle vibrations in the water, making them effective for redfish.
2. Topwater Lures
Topwater lures are incredibly effective for redfish, especially in the warmer months when they are actively feeding near the surface. The splash and noise of a topwater lure can draw redfish in from a distance, especially in shallow waters or near structures.
-
Best Time to Use: Spring and summer, especially during dawn and dusk when redfish are actively feeding near the surface.
-
Recommended Retrieval: Steady retrieve with occasional pauses to mimic struggling baitfish.
Popular Topwater Lures:
-
Poppers: Create a loud popping sound when retrieved, attracting redfish that are actively hunting near the surface.
-
Walking Baits: These lures glide across the water, creating a side-to-side action that mimics an injured fish.
-
Buzzbaits: These lures create a commotion on the surface, making them great for attracting redfish in shallow waters.
3. Jigs
Jigs are a go-to choice for redfish, as they are incredibly versatile and effective for fishing in a variety of conditions. The movement of a jig can mimic a distressed baitfish or shrimp, which redfish find irresistible. Jigs are effective when fishing over sandy bottoms, near structures, or around grass beds.
-
Best Time to Use: Year-round, but particularly effective in the fall and winter when redfish are feeding more slowly.
-
Recommended Rigging: Jig head with soft plastic trailers, fished slowly along the bottom.
Popular Jig Options:
-
Lead-head Jigs: These are a classic choice for redfish and can be paired with soft plastic trailers to mimic various types of prey.
-
Spoons: Flashy and effective for drawing redfish in, spoons can be jigged in deeper waters to mimic injured fish.
-
Johnson Silver Minnow: A popular choice among anglers, the Johnson Silver Minnow is highly effective in various fishing conditions, especially in grassy or patchy bottoms and around oyster beds. Its weedless design and ability to perform well in challenging weather, such as windy conditions and dirty water, make it a versatile and effective lure for attracting redfish.
4. Crankbaits
Crankbaits are highly effective for covering larger areas and targeting redfish that are actively feeding on baitfish. These lures dive and wobble, mimicking the movement of small fish. Crankbaits are particularly effective during the warmer months when redfish are in shallow waters and chasing schools of baitfish.
-
Best Time to Use: Spring, summer, and fall, when redfish are chasing baitfish near the surface or in shallow waters.
-
Recommended Retrieval: Slow to medium retrieve to keep the crankbait within the strike zone.
Popular Crankbaits:
-
Shallow-diving Crankbaits: Ideal for fishing near the surface in shallow waters.
-
Lipless Crankbaits: Effective in deeper waters where redfish are feeding on baitfish near the bottom.
5. Live Bait
Redfish anglers find that live bait is one of the best ways to target redfish, as it closely mimics the natural food sources they feed on. Live shrimp, mullet, and crabs are particularly effective in both shallow and deep waters. When rigged properly, live bait offers a natural presentation that redfish find irresistible.
-
Best Time to Use: Year-round, but especially effective during winter when redfish are less active and prefer slower-moving prey.
-
Recommended Rigging: Hooked on a circle hook with a bobber or free-lined in shallow waters.
Popular Live Bait:
-
Live Shrimp: A favorite food for redfish, perfect for both shallow and deep water.
-
Live Mullet: Great for attracting larger redfish, especially in areas with an abundance of baitfish.
-
Live Crabs: Redfish love crabs, especially in brackish waters and estuaries.
6. Spoons
Johnson Silver Minnows are a great option for attracting redfish, particularly when fishing in deeper waters or areas with strong currents. The flash and vibrations created by spoons mimic struggling baitfish, making them effective for both redfish and other predatory species.
-
Best Time to Use: Fall and winter, especially when redfish are feeding on schools of baitfish near the bottom.
-
Recommended Retrieval: Jigging or steady retrieve, depending on water depth and current.
Popular Spoon Options:
-
Gold or Silver Spoons: Mimic the flash of a baitfish, making them highly effective for redfish in deeper waters.
-
Flutter Spoons: Designed to imitate an injured fish with a fluttering motion that draws redfish in.
Techniques for Using Lures to Catch Redfish Year-Round
Here are some essential techniques for successful redfish fishing using lures effectively throughout the year:
1. Slow and Steady Retrieve
When redfish are not actively chasing fast-moving prey, a slow and steady retrieve with soft plastics, jigs, or live bait is often the most effective method. Allow your lure to stay near the bottom or just above submerged structures, where redfish are likely to be feeding. Be patient and adjust your retrieve speed to see what works best for the fish.
2. Topwater Action During Low Light Conditions
Redfish are more likely to feed actively in low light, especially during dawn or dusk. Topwater lures like poppers or walking baits are great for these times, as they mimic struggling baitfish. Retrieve your topwater lures with a steady motion, allowing the lure to splash or walk across the surface to entice a strike.
3. Fish the Tides
Tides have a significant impact on redfish behavior. They are more likely to be active during rising or falling tides, so plan your fishing trips around these times. Use lures that can cover large areas and attract fish as they move in and out of shallow flats, estuaries, and channels during the tidal changes.
4. Work the Structure
Redfish love to hide near structures, such as rocks, oyster beds, submerged logs, and seagrass. Cast your lures around these areas and let them sink naturally before beginning your retrieve. Use jigs, soft plastics, or a shrimp lure that can be fished close to the bottom or along the edges of these structures to mimic the natural movement of prey.
Conclusion
Catching redfish year-round requires versatility in your tackle box. By choosing the right lures for different seasons and fishing conditions, you can increase your chances of landing a redfish in any situation. Whether you’re using soft plastics, crankbaits, live bait, or topwater lures, understanding the behavior of redfish and adapting your approach is key to success. With the right gear, techniques, and knowledge of seasonal patterns, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a skilled redfish angler, no matter the time of year.
FAQs
What is the best time of year to catch redfish?
Redfish can be caught year-round, but they are most active in the spring, summer, and fall when water temperatures are warmer. Winter fishing can be slower, but redfish can still be caught with the right techniques.
What type of lures should I use for redfish in shallow water?
In shallow water, soft plastics, topwater lures, and spoons are particularly effective for targeting redfish. Focus on lures that mimic the movement of baitfish, such as mullet or shrimp.
Are live baits effective for redfish?
Yes, live baits such as shrimp, mullet, and crabs are highly effective for redfish. Live bait closely mimics their natural food sources, making it a great option year-round.
How do I fish for redfish during the winter months?
During winter, redfish tend to move to deeper waters, so slow-moving lures like jigs and soft plastics are more effective. Focus on areas near drop-offs and deeper channels, and use heavier lures to reach the bottom.
What size hook should I use for redfish?
A 3/0 to 5/0 circle hook is ideal for redfish, particularly when fishing with live bait. Adjust the size of the hook based on the size of your bait and the redfish you're targeting.
Recent post