Red drums, also called redfish, are popular game fish found in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea. These fish are popular among recreational anglers because of their coppery-red color and fighting spirit. Here are some tips and tricks to help you catch red drum.
Understanding Red Drum
It’s important to know their habitat and behavior before you start fishing. Red drum prefer shallow waters near shores and areas with underwater structures like rocks, oyster beds and grassy areas. They are known for their powerful strikes and long runs. They feed on a wide variety of prey including shrimp, baitfish, crabs and other crustaceans. These habits will help you select the best fishing spot for red drums and the right bait.
Red Drum Fishing Gear: What You Need to Know
Gear for red drum fishing includes a medium to heavy spinning reel and a rod with a fast-action. You will also need a braided line with a high-pound-test rating as red drums are strong fish. You can use soft plastics, jigs and topwater plugs as lures. Red drum can be caught using live or cut baits such as shrimp, mullet or prawns.
Red Drum Fishing Techniques
Red drum can be caught using a variety of fishing techniques. Sight fishing is a popular technique where you cast your bait to red drums in shallow water. Trolling is another technique, whereby you use a boat and slowly pull your bait in front of you. You can also cast your bait near underwater structures, or along the shoreline in areas where red drums are likely to feed.
When is the best time to fish for Red Drum?
Red drums can be caught all year round, but their spawning period, which usually occurs in late summer or early fall, is the best time to catch them. Red drum are more active during this time and likely to be eating, making them easier to catch. Red drum are more active in the early morning and late afternoon.
The Right Bait to Fish for Red Drums
The key to choosing the right bait for reddrum fishing is to select a bait that closely resembles the natural prey of the fish. Red drum can be caught using baits such as shrimp, crabs and baitfish. You can also use lures like topwater plugs and jigs. Red drum can be caught using live baits such as shrimp, mullet or prawns.
Topwater Plugs are great for Red Drum Fishing
Topwater plugs have become a popular lure when fishing for red drums, as they mimic both the sound and movement associated with a fleeing fish. Use a topwater lure for red drum fishing by casting your lure near underwater structures, or along the shoreline, and using a series short, sharp jerks, to create a popping noise on the surface of water. This will attract red drums and encourage them to strike at your bait.
Red Drum Fishing with Jigs
Jigs can be used as a red drum lure to imitate crabs and shrimp. Use a jig to catch red drums by casting your lure near underwater structures, or along the shoreline, and retrieving it with short, sharp jerks. This will create a bouncing action on the bottom of water. This will stir up sediment and attract the red drums to your bait.
Use Soft Plastic Baits to Catch Red Drum Fishing
Soft plastic lures are versatile and can be rigged a variety of ways to imitate prey like shrimp, baitfish, or crabs. Use a soft plastic lure for red drum fishing. Rig it on a hook or jighead and cast it near underwater structures. Retrieve your bait with short, sharp jerks in order to create a realistic motion that mimics what you are trying to imitate.
Red Drum Fishing with Live Bait
Red drum can be caught using live or cut bait, such as shrimp or mullet. Live bait can be used to catch red drums. To use it, you will need to rig the bait on a hook. Cast your bait near underwater structures or along shoreline. Allow your bait to sit on the surface for a few minutes to attract reddrum, then use a slow and constant retrieve to get them to strike.
Red Drum Fishing Tips
Here are some tips that will help you increase your chances of catching a red drum:
- Use a strong leader and fishing line to control the fighting spirit of the fish.
- Red drums are more likely than other species to feed on incoming or ebbing tides.
- Red drums prefer habitats with underwater structures like rocks, oyster beds and grassy areas.
- Red drums can be difficult to catch and may require patience and persistence.
- Try out different techniques and lures to find the best bait for your fishing spot.
Conclusion
Fishing for reddrum is a rewarding and fun activity that requires a little knowledge and skill. You can increase your chances to catch red drum by understanding the fishes’ behavior and habitat. You can also choose the right gear, bait, and fishing techniques. Grab your gear and head to your favorite fishing location. See if you can reel a big reddrum in today!