Anyone of you thinking about going on a trip for redfish fishing? I know many of you are, but do you have the skills at least some basic one on redfish fishing? Well, this time I am going to let you know about some redfish fishing techniques for beginner. I took this article from howstuffworks.com and for sure this is something very interesting.
Now before you go and start packing your gears for redfish fishing trip, get a pen and a piece of paper to write down what you should prepare for your trip. Do the fishing preparation well and you will fish well, enjoy your redfish fishing trip.
Article from www.howstuffworks.com
Spot tail, puppy drum, bull red, channel bass, or redfish -- call them what you will, these trophy fish are making waves in the Gulf of Mexico and along the southern Atlantic coast. Named for their copper-colored bodies, the redfish also have one or more black spots just before their tail fin. Redfish are considered a warm-temperature and tropical saltwater fish regardless of habitat because of their jaw structure, thereby placing them in the same category as stingray and catfish. [source: Fish4Fun, McQueen, Smith]
Edible up to about 15 pounds, redfish flesh becomes strong tasting and coarse at heavier weights. The trophy fish can weigh up to 90 pounds and be greater than 36 inches long. [source: Fish4Fun]
At one point, the redfish was a threatened species because of aggressive commercial fishing operations. Declared a "restricted species" in 1989, the fish, which can live up to 45 or 50 years, have made a comeback. [source: Florida Outdoors] Various states have both prohibited commercial fishing and imposed strictures on game fishing. For example, anglers in Virginia are limited to a maximum of three redfish per day in the 18- to 26-inch class. And both North Carolina and Florida authorize only one 18- to 27-inch redfish per day.
Although redfish aren't considered fussy eaters, they are easiest to catch with cut bait. Sail along to the next section to find out more.
Catching Redfish with Cut Bait
| Dead Sticking An alternative to fishing with cut bait is to use a lure that's left along the bottom of the water. Anglers simply toss it out and wait. This strategy plays into where redfish feed -- along the ocean floor. Adding scent to the lure is crucial to the technique. This method also has the advantage of not frightening the fish, as boats with motors or too much movement may do. Deadsticking is often used in mangroves as well as in open water. [source: McQueen] |
Redfish, which travel in large schools for breeding purposes, prefer a diet of finger mullet, shrimp or crab. They are bottom-feeders, relying heavily on their sense of smell to catch prey. In fact, smell, sound and sight all help this fish find food -- and redfish eat a lot. High rates of consumption fuel their rapid growth. Redfish can be 12 inches long by the end of their first year. [source: Florida Outdoors]
Unlike live bait tossed into grass or mangroves to lure the redfish out, cut bait won't swim away. This gives the angler a major advantage, as the scent of cut bait will entice the redfish out of its protective cover. Two- to 4-inch mullets (also known as "finger mullets") are the easiest cut bait to find. Other cut bait favorites include menhaden, spots and pinfish. A nice alternative is a mantis shrimp, or "shrimp mammy/mammie." If you're wondering what a shrimp mammy looks like, picture a praying mantis/mini-lobster (one that could fit in the palm of your hand) hybrid. Mantis shrimp can be purchased from commercial shrimp trawlers. [source: McNally]
Leaving the rod in the holder with a loosened drag is key to using cut bait. However, if using a circle hook, setting the hook is unnecessary. Instead, merely lift the tip of the rod and wind in all the slack. [source: Kibler] The only occasion not to use cut bait -- or tossed live bait, for that matter -- is when diving birds are around. Gulls and terns are equally interested in catching redfish and will grab them first. [source: Katsarelis]
Although some anglers enjoy catching redfish by wading in the surf or in shallow, reed-filled water (a favorite of the species), many others prefer to fish from a boat. Trolling is the most effective approach, especially using a flat-bottomed boat. Read on to find out why trolling is a preferred method.
Trolling for Redfish
A shallow draft boat, which can also be poled, works well for trolling. In fact, in some regions, being able to pole the boat is required. Check out the sidebar for one such location. The redfish can hear and see boats, so as you approach their area, it's probably best to turn off the motor. (This skill of redfish explains some anglers' preference for wading -- it's much less obtrusive. [source: Florida Outdoors])
There are places where the grasses are too thick for trolling, where doing so would definitely damage the motor. Be prepared to change your plans for trolling if necessary. And be certain that someone is paying attention to the depth of the water.
Slow trolling is one method of catching redfish. For example, outside Mississippi's barrier islands, large schools of redfish congregate during the months of August and September. Charter fishing boats are out in force. When a school has been spotted -- generally feeding -- the word is passed around by means of VHF radio. After spotting the fish, it's important to stay in a big circle along the outer edge of the school, rather than running through the school. This keeps the redfish on the surface, where they are more easily caught. This is the time to slow to a near-idle speed and allow the bait to sink. You will want to take your fishing rod from its holder and move the tip up and down to keep the spoons fluttering. [source: Brodie]
Ok so now you are at least know what to prepare and some basic skills in redfish fishing for beginner. Good luck and have a pleasant redfish fishing trip.
