Fishing Tactic For Timid Spring Redfish

The spring and early summer months can sometimes be challenging for multiple reasons. Constant changes in the water temps as well as large tide changes are a factor. These early season factors will many times make the Redfish more skittish. The fish become somewhat moody and their feeding habits are inconsistent. However, there’s a simple strategy that can save your redfishing day. It allows you to increase your fishing distance from the fish and lower the chances of spooking them during those days of being fussy.

First, rig a 5-6 foot leader with a good size popping cork. Then just a few inches below the cork, attach a split shot weight to the leader that will allow you to cast as far as possible. The size of the weight will be determined by your needs and area factors such as wind and current. Then tie on a #2 hook. Next, you’ll want to attach your bait option. Live shrimp is good. I always like to break off the tail of the shrimp to give the appearance of a wounded shrimp.  Then position your boat up current and cast as far as you can. Leave your reel’s bale open and let your bait just bounce on the bottom. This may require you to attach a smaller split shot to the leader near the hook.

Since the leader moves ahead of the bait, the shadow of the float passes over prior to the bait’s arrival and therefore will spook your target. This setup also allows you fishing over oyster beds and minimize being snagged thanks to the upward pull of the float and drifting motion. It’s a great way to fish the shallows that are too shallow for your boat while allowing the float to carry the bait into the potential strike area.

This tactic is great for fishing for Speckled Trout. The rig allows you to drift the bait over to a drop off that is a popular place that holds trout. Once over the ledge the bait simply drops off into the decline.