When fishermen complain that the majority of the redfish they catch are too large for the gambling, you can tell when things have changed.
And I’m not speaking at the jetties or in the beach during the bull dark run. I’m referring to the lagoons and the nearby river systems.
Anglers may start near the Gulf and travel north to catch bull reds in the fall without going abroad.
Along shores north of the jetteies, look for reefs and huge stone deposists.
These areas ‘ red typically move through small schools or occupy a significant portion of a large area of stone.
I aim for menhaden ( shad ) suspended over submerged rocks with large, lipless crankbaits like the Bomber Saltwater Grade Super Pogy. The trick is to look for the” support on the support” symbol. In other words, some kids will bond with the fish because they represent a type of support. Reds prefer huge boulders that have been carved into the rocks by the latest and fallen from the main ceiling holes.
When I’ve got the bait in these locations, I throw out the Super Pogy, letting it drop to the baitfish’s level, and then blow it. I will take a few foot, clip. Take a few feet and spool. The reds typically hit just after the first move and yet hit on the fall.
If there are dolphin feeding in the area, consider yourself fortunate. In my diary, I’ve noted that dolphins have been feeding in the area whenever I’ve caught a lot of bull reds. There were no dolphin feeding, despite the several occasions we had some fish. Dolphins are a great indication of menhaden, which, in my opinion, is essential for bull redfish success, particularly at jetties but also because it can also serve as a channel sign.
From the Gulf and upward of 10 km north, there are other options for large red in the Intracoastal. Big seeds of baitfish that kind of load up will be visible if you run this place on your degree finder. Menhaden is most frequently used, but occasionally flounder. These large reds, which typically halt below the fish, may be drawn in by both.
These reds can suspend up to 20 feet of water, so heavy swimming crankbaits are the answer. Fishermen may throw smaller crankbaits or use medium-speed trolling plugs that are passed through the baitfish colleges. Live baiters is basically fish a Carolina-rigged bream or mullet.
Drifting is a viable option if you do n’t want to troll for these fish. Cut some marker buoys around baitfish schools and then slide over them while slinging the fish you want to fish. Become very aware of the depth and intensity at which you are struck and marked. These colors typically appear in a very specific area and may not even be a few feet away.
