Hernando Beach Inshore Fishing Inshore flats fishing Redfish, Snook, Trout, Snapper and Grouper

How to Find Redfish

I thought I would try to add some tips, tricks and how-to blogs about once a month. To start with and the most helpful for the novice angler is How to Find Redfish.

I moved to Hernando County from Palm Beach County, where the fishing was very different. The only shallow water was at the boat ramp. So I had no experience fishing for redfish, but I love to fish. I picked up a few tips like locations and baits. You can see a blog ( Redfish ) with a map of this area and known locations of where redfish tend to be. To see the blog click here

Before you start out, you need to have the right tools and some information.
You will want to use a 10# class set up, similar to what you would use for bass fishing. For redfish, trout, snapper and snook, I use same out fit, a Hurricane Calico Jack IM6 rod with a Shimano Stradic 2500 reel, spooled with 15# power-pro braid. This is not to say, you need to spend $200 on an outfit to catch redfish. There are many brands to choose from, some more expensive and some less. Find an outfit that will fit your budget, and buy two, one for you and one for your wife (or at least tell her that...;-)

Reel:
The reel needs to be smooth, have a good drag system and is easy to cast. And most import able to handle saltwater. If you plan on use it for more than a few months, wash it every time you take it out. Strip the line off every few months and clean the spool and the line.

Rod:
I like a one piece, they have better actions, stronger and over better performance than a two piece rod. Also look for a rod with a hook keeper near the handle, this will save the guides from becoming a the hook keeper and eventually breaking. The rod also needs to be washed every time you take it out.

Line:
I use Power Pro braid, this is the best line, it is durable and cost effect. Even through it has a higher starting cost, over time it is actually cheaper to use Power Pro than using mono. Here's why; When you have monofilament line at best it will last about 5-8 trips before it needs to be replaced. Mono is about 1/2 the cost of Power Pro, yet Power Pro will last 50-60 trips or about 10 times as long. Therefore you would have to buy 10x mono to every one spool of Power Pro, making mono 5 time the cost as Power Pro. Out of all the braids I have used them all and the one draw back to braid lines is the ability for the line to tie, wrap and tangle within itself. Power Pro seems to be the easiest to untangle and tends to knot up less than the other braids. There are other benefits, such as futher casting distance, and you will never get a hook set like you will with Power Pro. Not to mention is make a really cool sound when fish is taking drag. Ok I think you get the picute, I'm a big Power Pro fan. While I am not sponsed or endorsed in any way by Power Pro, but if you are a Power Pro rep, I sure could use a new spool 15# moss green... LOL

Hooks:
Circle hooks work the best, 3/0 or 4/0 circle hook. No need to set the hook the hook will set itself. When the rod bends over just pick it up and start fight.

Leader:
I use 20# fluorocarbon leader tied direct to the Power Pro with a Uni to Uni Splice to connect the leader to the Power Pro.

Bait:
Pick up a dozen or so live jumbo shrimp. You can use smaller shrimp but they tend to get pecked off by the pin fish and they do not provide the weight for long cast. If you can not get the distance needed you can add a split shot to the leader. I hook the shrimp using a 3/0 circle hook, inserting the hook through the tail coming from the underside through the top of the tail in the second from last tail segment. This allows the shrimp to sit upright with the hook pointing up. It reduces snags and increase hook sets.

Trolling motor is also an important tool, however you can use the currents and wind if you do not have a trolling motor. However it will require a lot more work and provide less opportunity.

The approach is also very important. Typically when I am going to a new spot I take a look at Google maps and zoom in on the area to plan the trip. Checking the winds to decided my approach. A light wind I may travel against the wind, and stronger wind I'll go with the wind. I also try to plan the trip on a rising tide, since redfish like shallow water, I want to make sure I can get out and I tend to leave about an hour after the top of the tide.

Now you have your approach, the tide and wind is in your favor, your are ready to find the redfish. The basic concept is pretty simple, you want to use the trolling motor to pull you along the shoreline, following the creeks and bays. You want to keep casting distance from the shoreline and cast the shrimp towards the shoreline. Key targets are points, small areas of grass, small island, etc.

Cast the shrimp forward and let it sit until you approach the area (never more than a minute), then reel it in. Repeat, repeat repeat, once you catch a redfish, note the location and tide phase. Continue to work along the shoreline until you catch another and note the tide phase.

After a while you will notice a pattern and learn what type of area the redfish are seeking. Each area will be somewhat different. When you catch a redfish, it was there for a reason, remember redfish fish for a living and not by choice. Chances are the reason had something to do with the tide phase and the role the tide plays with food supply. What does this mean, there is a good chance that you have found a place where the redfish will continue to visit for years. I have a location that hold 3-5 fish, yet I have grilled at least 30 over the last 10 years, from that very spot. Most of the time when the tide is right, there will be 3-5 fish the same area, under the same mangrove, facing the same direction.

If you happen to take some pictures of redfish do not mind it I post them on this web site, please send the pictures and a brief story about the fish to zippyjr123@gmail.com and I will put them on the Redfish blog.

Good Luck.
zippyjr