Throwing Bass Lures for Redfish – Thinking Outside the Box

Bass Fishing Topwater Baits to Trick Redfish

I am going to leave this a bit vague because when it comes to topwater baits that work for Redfish, not just a walk-the-dog type topwater is required. Buzzbaits, wakebaits, and frogs (yes, I said FROGS) will produce a ferocious strike from a redfish.

If I had to narrow it down to just one however, it must be the often overlooked wakebait. This lure allows you to wake the surface or swim it just below the water’s surface and call fish out from cover. It’s simple to use – you can simply cast and retrieve at various speeds or enact a crank and stop cadence – and redfish love the commotion it produces.

Yes, it is true. A wakebait does not get the love it deserves. But trust me, if you want to catch big bass or wary redfish, a wakebait should be tied on one of your combos. Try it out and see for yourself.

My choice – Berkley Wakebull

Tube Jigs Don’t Just Catch Smallmouth

In the fishing world, a tube jig is synonymous with catching smallmouth bass, but it is also a great versatile lure to use for redfish. It can be made to mimic the small crustaceans redfish like to feed on.

If you ever come across an oyster bed point, grassy edge, or sand hole, casting a tube to that area will almost always elicit a bite if a hungry redfish is nearby. Accuracy is key! A well-placed meal will never go unnoticed.

Similarly, dropping a tube on the outside of a redfish school can pick off a fish or two. These reds are opportunistic and typically race to be the first to eat. Just hop it a little, watch your line and feel for the take… then hang on.

My choice – Strike Kink Coffee Flip-N-Tube

I always like to throw it on a Lifted Jigs Flipping Tube Jighead

Spinnerbait Fishing for Redfish

Time for a math lesson. Redfish = Spoons.

It’s never been a secret that a reds love spoons, but it’s not the spoon that should get all the glory. Bladed jigs and spinnerbaits work just as well and sometimes better than your typical spoon approach.

When redfish are feeding on schooling bait, getting them to pay attention to your lure can be daunting. A combination of flash and vibration will certainly do the trick and very few lures do it as well as a spinnerbait.

It can always be a safe bet to go with gold when selecting a blade color, however depending on your water clarity, silver, black, chartreuse, and pink will also work.

My choice – Aqua Dream’s Aqua Spin Spinnerbait

A Helpful Hint

When fishing for redfish you can always use you bass fishing gear, however make sure you thoroughly rinse your gear with clean water to prevent corrosion from the salt. Same goes for your lures. A good rinse will make sure you won’t have to replace hooks sooner than needed.

Speaking of hooks, for some lures, the factory hooks may not be ideal for redfish. If you are an angler that upgrades your hooks regardless of what species you are after, this may not apply to you. If not, it may be best to upgrade. Redfish can get quite a bit bigger than bass and a straightened-out hook can lose you a fish of a lifetime.

I can debate all day which species is better than the other but what’s the point? I’d rather be on the water catching both. Use what’s already in your tackle box and the next time you are in fishy waters, give it a cast and see for yourself!