Red Fish Help!

[TROP]

I have a friend down in Florida that is trying to fish for REDS. He is in the waters not to far from the Space Center. The water is shallow ( 2ft the deepest).. He has caught a few on power bait. He said that they see over 100 fish aday and they are all big fish but won't bite. He doesn't have the internet so I told him I would try to find out some info for him. What is the best bait or lure for the REDS at this time of the year. I told him maybe they are spawning and won't bite, but I know nothing about the REDs. Any help would be great. I may go down in a few week and fish with him. I'm in New Jersey now. Any help tip would be great.
Thanks!
TROP

[Surfergirl]

I know that redfish will not bite if they are pushing water.
And they tend to feed at night if there is enough light at night.
I have used Bass Assassin swim-tail grubs in chartreuse or electric chicken colors.
Small to medium topwater plug that creates a commotion will attract them early and late in the day.
sometimes it is best to use cut bait like mullet, croaker, pinfish.
As far as I know about them, I think they spawn offshore and after they reach about 30 inches, that is why there is a limit on their size.
I have caught them offshore out of Galveston on squid when I was fishing for snapper. I think they will eat just about anything whey they are tailing.

I hope this helps.

[gottaflylee]

See if I can explain this...

Get a DOA, rootbeer/ with a charturse tail. Rig it on a worm hook and insert a plastic rattle, not glass, into it. Work it with short twitches and pauses. Will post a picture tonight if you like...

[unoyankeefan]

Well a lot of people can talk to you with a lot of good ideas but I think the main answer to your friend is to ask a good question. What bait is running right now this time of year in that area? The rule of tumb is to "match the hatch". Once he identifies what type of bait is running and what size is it then it's easier to steer him toward what may work. You can always inspire that impule strike with just about any decent bait but odds go up if it somewhat resembles what the fish see swimming by. Of course there are great artificials out there but it's real hard to top the real thing. Having patience and having decent casting skills puts you in the best position with live bait on a good ol Carolina Rig.

Alex Mercer

[ReelCommotion]

All responses are good.....also, sometimes they are leader shy, try a flouro leader. I use 8 lb power pro with a 10 lb flouro leader. We are having good luck free lining DOA's and live bait. Right now the reds are smashing cut mullet and half chunks of blue crab. Send him a good luck!!

[Redfish44]

Try early morning and especially late evening hours with everything that has already been said. Maybe even at night. I would definately try live bait whether it be finger mullet, mud minnows or pin fish. Rig a finger mullet on a popping cork and see if that works. Good luck.

[btglenn]

If your going with artificials im with Capt Lee and will add that the silver mullet color seems to work magic on them. (i assume you meant the jerk baits) both work anyways

never seen a red turn down fresh cut shrimp freelined either

by the way, how do you get the rattle to stay in those jerk baits Lee

[Glueman]

I agree with Unoyankeefan! live bait, live bait, live bait! If you go to a Great Steak house and someone puts a veggie burger in front of you are you going to say " wow this is much better than a piece of Aged black angus". If you cant get LIVE bait, us fresh cut bait and let it soak a while. Artificials do work but that is my last resort.

How is he fishing! Could his boat or wading be spooking the fish? You can see tons of fish but if they see or hear you first, dinner is over!

[gottaflylee]

If your going with artificials im with Capt Lee and will add that the silver mullet color seems to work magic on them. (i assume you meant the jerk baits) both work anyways

never seen a red turn down fresh cut shrimp freelined either

by the way, how do you get the rattle to stay in those jerk baits Lee

Hehe, I'll be home the end of next week, I'll show ya...

[TROP]

Thanks everyone for your help!!
If you think of anything else let me know.
Thanks Again!
TROP
jstropea@yahoo.com
tropeajs@apci.com