Catch GIANT Bull Redfish on The Flats (Step-By-Step Guide)
- By: Luke Simonds
- on
There’s nothing quite like watching a rod tip load up with a monster redfish in just feet of water…
And Capt. Peter Deeks just dropped a goldmine of tips to help YOU do exactly that.
In this quick lesson, he breaks down the complete strategy he uses to target trophy bull redfish on shallow flats using cut bait—and why windy days can actually be your best shot at fooling the biggest fish around.
Want more tips like this AND full access to Smart Fishing Spots?
Unlock everything as an Insider → Join here
Here’s what you’ll learn:
-
Where to find the biggest redfish (hint: it’s not the same place as the slot fish)
-
How to use wind and scent to your advantage
-
Why cut bait rigged correctly outperforms everything else
-
The exact 3-rod setup Capt. Deeks uses to cover more water and draw strikes
-
How to position your boat to maximize your chances
-
Recommended rods, reels, line, and hooks for landing these bruisers quickly (and safely)
This technique is simple, effective, and doesn’t require a fancy boat—just a little know-how and a handful of oily cut bait like mullet, ladyfish, or pogies.
Recommended Gear:
- Rod: 7’6″ Medium Fast Action (like the Slam Stick Inshore Rod)
- Reel: 3500-4000 size spinning reel (like the Daiwa Saltist MQ)
- Line: 30 lb leader
- Hook: 5/0 circle hook
- Weight: Split Shot
Final Tip:
If you’re already an Insider Member, be sure to log in and check the Smart Fishing Spots App to find nearby flats and drop-offs that line up with what Peter shares in this video.
If you’re not an Insider yet, now’s the time—especially if you want to master this system before fall redfish season hits full stride. Check out everything you get as an Insider here!
Tight lines,
Luke Simonds
Salt Strong Co-Founder
Related categories:
STOP WASTING TIME ON THE WATER!
Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club.
Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish ever trip
- Weekly “spot dissection” videos that walk you through all the best spots in your area
- Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else
- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).
STOP WASTING TIME ON THE WATER!
Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club.
Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish every trip
- Weekly “spot dissection” videos that walk you through all the best spots in your area
- Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else
- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).
Thanks Captain Peter Deeks! Great intel.
Sounds like a sound plan but me being an only lure angler that hates dealing with the stink and mess of bait plus the fact my confidence in bait for me is lacking plus the fact that I donot pursue any kind of fish species just for the soul purpose of catching them because I eat my catch to me God put fish in the earth’s seas lakes and rivers to eat for us and other forms of wild life and besides to spend time and money on tackle, fuel, and in your case bait just to catch something is not in my game plan I always have something to show for my efforts and its not just a picture or video either but thats me what others do with there fishing time is totally up to them besides while others are pursuing tarpon or bull reds or anything else that’s not very good table fair that just leaves more for me also in the past i have caught several very large reds with lures so just to make things clear im not knocking your way of fishing its just not mine but thanks for the info and all you do🤔😉👍
Thanks Capt. Deeks for sharing the results of your big red fish success and your gained knowledge from fishing.
What about in the gulf coast like Tampa bay, is there any tactics that you would do differently?, I know captain Peter deeks fishes the east coast mostly. So just wondering if there’s different approaches on the gulf side ?
Great advice need to put it into play. Thanks
Love the simplicity of your method. Thanks Captain!
Wow. Great video with lots of great info! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for all the wonderful tips. 🤗🎣🙏💯
Thanks for a lot of info in a short time. Does the time of year make a big difference. Just curious. Thanks again.
I also had this question. Commenting to come back to it.
Capt. Peter – thank you for such a clear, concise, and excellent video! I’ve had good luck with cut bait and Reds up along the Mangroves but not so much when they aren’t in the shallow water. Now I know why.