How To Find, Stalk, & Sight Fish Schooling Redfish
- By: Evan Jacobs
- on
Especially around this time of the year, fish can be either super aggressive or extremely PICKY.
As was the case on a trip just a couple of weeks ago.
I was able to find a few schools of redfish but it took a lot of work and effort to trigger any strikes.
Check out the video below to find out what helped me get tight lines on a tough day!!
How To Find, Stalk, & Sight Fish A School Of Redfish [VIDEO]
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Equipment Used:
Setup #1
- Rod: TFO 7’6 Pro Medium
- Reel: Daiwa Fuego LT 2500
- Lure#1: Mulligan Paddletail
- Lure #2: Z-Man MinnowZ (slam shady color)
- Hook #1: Hoss Helix Hook 1/8 oz.
- Hook #2: 1/16th oz Slayer Inc Predator Jig head
- Line: 10lb Berkley x9 Braid
- Leader: 20lb High-Seas Fluorocarbon
Setup #2
- Rod: 7’2 Fenwick HMG Medium Power Fast-Action Spinning Rod
- Reel: Shimano Stradic 2500
- Lure: Power Prawn USA
- Hook: Texas Eye Jighead 1/4 oz.
- Line: 15lb PowerPro
- Leader: 20lb High-Seas Fluorocarbon
Gear:
On-The-Water Action
With a super high tide on the way, my plan was to check areas with flooded grass for redfish digging around for a meal.
In each area that I thought might hold redfish, I stood up on my kayak to try and see if there were any fish.
I ended up finding a few in shallow water in protection from the wind in the middle of dense grass.
I managed to push my kayak through a small opening in the grass to get closer to the fish.
These fish were hitting the surface feeding on small fry bait and small mullet and I could also see a tail or two stick out of the water!
So I decided to put a bit of space between me and the fish and set up behind a grass patch to remain stealthy.
It is critical to leave space between you and the school of fish so as not to spook them away.
There were definitely times I was battling the grass and reeled my lure back with a clump of grass on it.
But that is better than completely blowing out the area and spooking the entire school of fish.
Most of the fish were on the smaller side until I finally hooked into a much nicer fish that started pulling drag!!
Sure enough, it was a SOLID slot redfish caught on the Slam Shady Mulligan.
Soon after releasing that fish, the wind and tide started to shift and the fish followed suit and moved out.
I followed them as closely as I could and then got a shot at intercepting them as they swam through chokepoints in the grass.
I kept this up as the tide went out and the current picked up.
After using the Mulligan for a while, I switched that out for a 3-inch Z-Man MinnowZ on a lighter 1/16 oz. jighead.
With a little scent, that continued to get the job done.
These fish definitely became aggressive and locked into the smaller profile.
Conclusion
This is easily one of my favorite trips in recent memory and one I’ll remember for quite a while!
If you can find a school of redfish and continue to stalk and sight fish, you’ll no doubt have a banner day as I did.
Especially right now, these fish are easily skittish and willing to strike smaller profiles and lures.
Do you have any questions about the trip or redfish fishing in general?
Go ahead and let me know down in the comments section!!
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Finding The Fish Help
In order to help make sure that you are targeting the right areas based on the latest feeding trends and upcoming weather forecasts, make sure to use the following 3 resources because they will save you a ton of time.
1. Weekend Game Plans (updated weekly)
These regional game plans will show you exactly what types of spots to target in under 10 minutes… just click the video to start, and you’ll be informed on what to do on your next trip.
2. Smart Fishing Spots Platform (updated every 15 minutes)
This exclusive software literally shows you where the most fish are likely to be feeding based on exactly when you’ll be fishing. It factors in the tides, wind, and weather to help you quickly see which areas to target throughout the day.
3. Community Reports (live feed)
The Insider Community platform is what you can use to see what is biting near you, and you can get to know other members who fish in your area. Plus, you can use it to keep a log of your catches so you can use past trips to help predict future catches.
Related categories:
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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).
Very interesting information!! Got an OBX trip coming the end of next month with surf, and and pier options….gonna try and see if this works🎣🎣
Glad you liked it Sharon! I hope this helps!