The Rules For Catching The Redfish

As with anything, the more you know, the more likely you'll succeed. The rule is just as applicable with fishing. When we talk about redfish, fall seems to be the primary season that comes to mind. Thus, it has been said that redfish come inside during this season. The simple fact is redfish have been inside the whole time. The reason for thinking otherwise is that during summer months, when tides are often high, redfish migrate into shallow ponds off the beaten path. On the other hand, north winds force tides lower during the seasons of fall and winter, as a result causing redfish to move out into deeper channels, bayous and canals. Here redfish are easier to get to most anglers, leading them to believe that they have "moved in."

In regard to "inside" red fishing, perhaps the furthest season from your mind is summertime, particularly if you're a marsh angler. This is because most anglers would much rather being out on the breezier, open bays and beaches in pursuit of fish. But according to professionals, redfish can be easy targets even during summer months, if you know where to look. During the summer months, you're going to find them in the marsh, over the reefs, in shallow ponds and out in Black Bay at the rigs where the redfish mostly found.

However, among renowned redfish anglers, it is an established fact that limits can be had in the months of July and August just as commonly as October or November. But the choicest months for those in the know are May or June when the weather is more moderate and temperate in comparison to wintertime. This is when there's a lot less wind and a lot more redfish to be found, as many redfish enthusiast can attest to.

As a rule, redfish are predictable to weather changes. Redfish are much more tolerable of very cold weather. Hence, during such conditions redfish continue to feed in their usual haunts. This, of course, doesn't mean that redfish are not influenced to weather changes. Such things as cold temperatures, dirty water and low salinity levels can cause redfish to react either well or not.

To highlight the point, redfish are known to bite like there's no tomorrow a day before a front, and even while a front is moving through. The opposite, though, occurs a day after the front when high pressure starts to build. This the dreaded time when redfish get a bad case of lockjaw, and you would swear that the marsh is devoid of them--only to be made a fool of as they show off their backs in shallow water. To avoid such annoyance, follow the rule of the pros: it is best to fish for redfish the second day after a front passes, when the tides are returning water to the bays. This is the time to look for the first good falling tide after a front. During such conditions be at your favorite spot early, and you can be assured the redfish will have your arms throbbing.

Any red fishing expert is well aware that severe cold fronts can be an angler's most welcomed delight. This is when redfish compact into tight schools, and not necessarily in very deep water. A good example of this is what takes place in dead end canals in very cold weather. Redfish seem to feed best on falling tides; but redfish take feeding on low tides to an extreme. Ideal tides are those at normal stage or a slight bit below normal high that just starts to fall. As the water leaves these marshy, interior ponds it is noticeably clean. Near the end of the falling tide the water becomes murky as the lower parts of the ponds drain, reaching their muddy bottoms. As a rule, then, to give the redfish the best shot at your offering, be at your favorite pond or drainage opening when the tide first starts to fall.

Ideal places to fish are at the mouths of cuts where waters empty into larger areas, such as lakes, lagoons and bayous. As a rule, redfish prefer to position themselves right down stream from the openings. As the waters pass through, redfish have at their disposal an assortment of delectable items: crabs, minnows, and much bait fish-including your bait.

Many successful marsh redfish anglers prefer using live minnows when available, or second choice, artificial plastic minnows. The live bait is either fished under a popping cork or sliding sinker rig. The latter is mostly preferred when fishing brisk moving tides in deeper water.

With new data coming in on redfish and their migratory patterns, biologists have had to revise certain rules about the species. For instance, LDWF marine biologist Harry Blanchet said, "Redfish begin their spawn about the end of August and runs until November, with a peak in late September or October." However, while biologists believe that the actual time for migration beyond their territorial range varies with each fish, they are conclusive in the theory that by the age of seven they have moved offshore.

But in the meantime, head for the marsh and find out why the redfish rules!