Redfish Bait Challenge: Dead Shrimp Vs Cut Mullet
- By: Austin Moon
- on
- Found In: Fishing Tips, Live Bait Tips, Weekly Newsletter: 7-18-21
Dead shrimp and cut mullet are two of the most common baits that catch redfish.
But I wanted to test which one would produce more fish (and better quality fish).
So in this video, you’ll learn:
- How to make a Carolina rig for these baits
- If dead shrimp outperforms cut mullet
- And more.
Check it out below!
Dead Shrimp Vs Cut Mullet For Redfish [VIDEO]
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How To Make A Carolina Rig
Step 1: Put a 1/2 oz egg sinker on your main line.
Note: Be sure to use the weight that is appropriate to the current and depths you are fishing.
Step 2: Tie your main line to a swivel.
Step 3: Then tie a leader line to the bottom part of the swivel.
I’m using 20# Ande Monofilament.
Step 4: Tie your hook to your leader line and add bait.
Dead Shrimp – 2/0 Owner Mutu Light Circle Hook
Cut Mullet – 4/0 or 5/0 Owner Mutu Light Circle Hook
Note: Match your hook size to your bait size.
Dead Shrimp Vs Cut Mullet Challenge
Before I could even set up my cameras, I had a redfish on!
I had dead shrimp on one rod and cut mullet on another rod at the same time and in the same place.
My rods were so close to give each bait a fair battle that I got tangled up several times.
The contest started out with one redfish on the mullet and one on the shrimp.
But at the end of the challenge, the cut mullet outperformed in numbers and size of the fish!
Also, I was constantly having to check my shrimp rig because small fish were picking it off the hook.
This is so time-consuming and you could be missing out on fish!
Conclusion
Both dead shrimp and cut mullet soaking on the bottom catch redfish.
But in this challenge, cut mullet more than outperformed dead shrimp (in numbers and in size)!
Have any questions about how to rig up these baits?
Let me know in the comments below!
And if you know someone who uses dead baits for redfish, please TAG or SHARE this with them!
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What rod and reel where used in this video?
Awesome video Austin!
Killed it my man! Way to nail the challenge!
Can’t wait to see more videos buddy! Tight lines!
Thank you so much Matthew!! It was a good time!! I’m ready to get out and do it again!!
Does it really matter there’s going to be no fish in the Tampa bay region
Good info as always !! What size cut mullet were you using ?
Thank you Greg!! I used Mullet the same size as the photo above and cut and hooked them the same way Tony does in this video! https://www.saltstrong.com/articles/cut-up-cut-bait/
Definitely check out that tip, tony shows how to do it with multiples sizes!!
Great idea for a video Austin, and very interesting results. Thank you for sharing with us. You do a great job with your videos and glad to have you on the Saltstrong team sharing your experience with us. 👍
Thank you Jason!! I really appreciate that, and I’m so glad that we have awesome guys like you here!!
A friend of mine told me that cut mullet under the mangroves…Deadly
Thanks for the comment Victor!! Absolutely, I would agree!
Good stuff. I’d like to see how a big chunk of Fishbites does against natural baits for redfish.
Thank you David!! That is an awesome idea!!
thanks – could be less footage of landing and releasing fish, more about rigging bait
Thank you Rick, I appreciate the feedback. Check out this video Tony did on cutting and hooking cut Mullet! https://www.saltstrong.com/articles/cut-up-cut-bait/. I did the same way as Tony but you may find like the way Peter Deeks does it as well! https://www.saltstrong.com/articles/how-to-fish-redfish-highways/
If I am able to catch a variety of sizes of fresh live mullet in the casting net, is it better to use live finger mullet, or to cut up one of the big boys into 1-2 inch chunks, or to cut the finger mullet in half and use those? And second question, how big of a bell did you install in your reel? I would love to use that sound as my alarm clock and wake up to the sound of drag screaming like that.
Thank you Mike!! Both Live and dead can both more excellent for Redfish, but once they get over 7-8 inches id likely opt to use them as cut since they are big!! The sizes of the cut pieces can vary depending on the size of the Mullet, check out this video! https://www.saltstrong.com/articles/cut-up-cut-bait/
I love a loud drag haha!! The Daiwa definitely let you know it’s running!! I think that’s a great idea, id love my alarm clock to be a screaming drag, Id certainly wake up happy!! haha
Great video Austin, cut bait, mullet or ladyfish is popular by me for reds.
Thank you Gary!! Absolutely, both of those are are phenomenal baits for Reds!! I’m wanting to do a test between those as well!