Where To Sight Fish For Redfish In The Winter
- By: Pat Ogletree
- on
Note: This blog post on where to sight fish for redfish in the winter was originally shared on December 7th, 2022, but the information will help you catch more redfish right now!! Be sure to scroll down to check out all of the HELPFUL comments below this article!
I finally got to fish in an area that I’ve been wanting to fish for a long time.
This place I’m talking about is up near Jacksonville, Florida, and is filled with GATOR trout up to 30 inches or more!
Although I didn’t hook into any big trout, I caught the most beautiful redfish I ever have in my life.
Take a look here!!
Sight Fish For Redfish In The Winter [VIDEO]
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Tackle & Gear Used On This Trip:
- Lures:
- Reel:
- Braid & Leader:
The clouds were way down low and the fog made it hard to see off into the distance.
I was fishing along some weed lines when I spotted a redfish lurking around right on the edge of the grass.
So I took a pause to think about what I wanted to throw since I know the fish is sitting right there.
I figured the Slam Shady Jerk Shad would be my best chance at hooking up.
The most important thing at this point is to figure out which direction the fish is facing and make a cast there so the fish swims into your offering and strikes.
Almost immediately after casting right in front of the fish, I hooked up and the fight was on!
I had thought about throwing topwater and had some success earlier in the day, but the water was very calm and to avoid spooking off the fish, I went with the subsurface jerk shad.
The pattern on this trip was to have eyes on the grass lines for any surface action, then stop and make casts anytime you see fish.
In the case of the fish in the video, I had to follow it for a while around several points before it took my lure.
As long as that fish is cruising the weed lines eating bait, it is still a catchable fish.
Tailing redfish or fish cruising up and down grass lines are happy, active, feeding fish.
Keep your distance and lead the fish to your offering with your cast placement.
Furthermore, pay close attention to individual weeds or grass that is behaving a bit off.
If you see some grass or weeds moving the other way from the rest or vibrating at all, odds are that’s because of a fish.
Always keep your eyes peeled on the actual weeds along the shoreline.
Lures & Hooks
The topwater lure I was using on this trip is our 3.5-inch Moonwalker Topwater lure.
This is one of our proprietary lures designed to dart back and forth across the surface.
Also, the Slam Shady Jerk Shad was a success and caught a few fish on this trip.
The Slam Shady color is mostly white with some grey and silver flecks sprinkled throughout the lure.
I’m a traveling fishing coach that jumps up and down the East Coast and Gulf to fish in all sorts of different environments.
The Slam Shady lure color has produced fish for me in every single state I’ve fished in.
The last lure I was using on this trip was the Slam Shady 2.0 paddletail which is a 3.5-inch swimbait.
We also have larger sizes called the BOMBER which are 5-inch paddletail lures.
I had the soft plastic lures rigged up on our Hoss Helix Hooks.
These hooks have screw locks at the top to secure the lure in place.
This is the best hook to use to maintain a completely weedless presentation.
Conclusion
These are just some of the most beautiful redfish you’ll ever see!!!
This place was LOADED with redfish and will definitely be a trip that sticks with me for a long time.
I might just end up in your local waters on my next trip!
Do you have any questions about the tips in this video or this fishing trip in particular?
Go ahead and let me know in the comments!!
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:
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 Pat
Thanks for the info! I’ve had similar success with my ZMan paddletail, Smoky Shad on 1/8 oz. jighead, working it very slow, and some success with my Super Spook Jr. and She Pup topwaters.
I wonder how long the trout stay in their
Beautiful fish! Nice job Pat!
Thank you Roman!!
Very informative. How to approach and stalk a Red is helpful. I fish along the Laguna Madre in CC TX and we have many areas with grass banks but learning how to use my kayak and casting approach. Do you have any segments on Braid & Leader:connections. Proper methods to connect the two lines: 10 lb power to 20 Ande mono line?
Tony, thanks for watching!
Most of our coaches prefer the FG knot for braid to leader connections. Here’s a link on how to tie it:
https://saltstrongdev.wpengine.com/articles/fg-knot/
Where were you fishing near jacksonville?
Thanks for watching Richard!
That was in Guana Lake, Ponte Vedra. South end towards the dam.
You are absolutely crushing it right now, man!! Great trip and even better tips!
So kind of you to say! Appreciate it buddy!
Those foggy mornings are the best!! Great report Pat!
It was pretty cool being out there!
gosh, Pat, those were some beautiful Redfish!! I haven’t come across a Red I didn’t think was pretty but they were some outstanding fish you caught, congrats and thanks for the illustration
Thanks Angelo! Those were probably the prettiest reds I’ve ever seen.
Exciting redfish day. I almost thought I was with you..Lol! I’ll definitely use the pointers you provided. Thanks as always and enjoyed the video.
Thanks for watching Danny!
It was a fun one!