The Lure You Should Be Using For Redfish In Shallow Water
- By: Wyatt Parcel
- on
It’s a little unorthodox…
But extremely effective!
Using a topwater lure to target redfish in super shallow water is not the traditional strategy yet it works.
So in this new video, you’ll learn the best way to use topwater lures to catch shallow water reds.
Check it out below!
Use This Lure To Catch Redfish In Shallow Water [VIDEO]
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Typically, anglers use a finesse presentation with jerkbaits and slow-moving retrieves to target tailing redfish in the shallows.
But topwater lures fire up the redfish bite!
A topwater lure will be eye level with the fish in this super shallow water.
And first thing in the morning during summertime, these redfish cannot resist it!
Topwater lures are best reserved for the early morning as the sun is rising and the water is cooler.
Put your hand on the horizon and if the sun is above your hand, stop using topwaters as it probably won’t be very effective!
Setting The Hook With Topwater Lures
Don’t set the hook when you see the blow-up…
Wait until you feel the weight of the fish!
Sometimes redfish will pull it under the water but have not eaten it yet.
So don’t rush it, wait until you know the fish has taken the bait!
Changing Your Treble Hooks To Single Inline Hooks
Make sure you are using single inline hooks because you don’t want to snag anything in the shallow water.
Grass and debris will affect your presentation.
Also, single inline hooks help you to set the hook better, they keep you safe, and they are better for fish.
Here are my favorite topwater lures and hooks:
Note: If you see that any of this tackle is out of stock, click the Notify Me When Available button. You’ll get an alert when inventory is back in!
And if you want 20% off of these lures, click here to join us in the Insider Club.
Have any questions about using a topwater for shallow water redfish?
Let me know down in the comments!
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To me it’s a no-brainer if the reds are extremely active blowing up on baitfish constantly that is it would be foolish not to use a topwater especially for reds considering unlike trout or snook that hit from below a reds mouth being not made for that kind of ambush always hits either from the side or headon
Way to Go Wyatt! Great tips! I always learn something from your videos!
Good Job as always Wyatt!! I got one this afternoon using the Spook Jr tight on the grass..
Nice work Michael!!! Those red’s mouths aren’t really built to hit topwaters but when they do decide to hunt one down, they sure do whack it!
What rod lenght, action & power with what size line & leader size do you use?Rod brand & reel inches per revoultion?
I prefer a medium fast action rod, preferably 7ft-7’6”. My rod is custom but I would recommend a TFO or one of the Salt Strong Customs, paired on a 2500-3000 class reel. I am a stickler for higher gear ratios with my topwaters, and am a big fan of the Daiwa Ballistic 2500XH and it’s 6:2:1 gear ratio. Gives a little bit more ease to picking up that slack to walk the dog!
Nice video, I myself use a more soothing rhythm to keep the cadence when walking the dawg
Haha! I like to hum The Bee Gees “Stayin’ Alive” to keep cadence!
Thank you
Absolutely Jerry! Thanks so much for watching sir!
Love your videos and I use z-man extensively, but why not branch out into other areas besides Florida? You have the whole east coast to fish, and there are many West Coast fishermen who I believe would join your club if you focused a bit on our waters. That would give you guys a chance to explore other areas and see how your gear and knowledge do in new places.
Hey Steve! We actually do focus on areas outside of FL! This video was actually filmed in Corpus Christi, TX!
In the video, there was some wind. I think that might be a factor sometimes on topwaters, even in this scenario. I would like to know what Wyatt says about having a ripple on the water with topwaters in this shallow water scenario.
I believe that a little ripple on the water is a bit better than glass calm for topwater! Not too choppy to where it’s hard to walk the dog, but just enough to break up the vibration of line as you twitch the topwater! As you saw in the video, you’re still able to catch fish with this method under either set of conditions!
Before I moved from Ga to NW Fl. I used to bass fish @ Lake Allatoona/Acworth. When I threw a topwater, after it hit the water on a calm morning, I’d wait for the ripples to settle…. I reckon that applies to the reds/trout as well?
Either works, but I definitely prefer a slight ripple or chop on the water… just enough to break up the vibration of line as you twitch the topwater! As you saw in the video, you’re still able to catch fish with this method on glass calm or choppy waters.
What the heck kind of name is that weird very weird but I guess if your looking for attention you got it whatever
Some of the jointed wake baits that float work well too! I use the little rubber bait harness rings to keep my front in line hook against the body of the lure, even more weedless!!
Those wake baits can get it done too! I find that they’re useful for someone who hasn’t mastered walking the dog, but spook lures that walk side to side seem to elicit more strikes from my observations…