Natural bait is a popular choice for redfish anglers due to its effectiveness and environmental friendliness. Redfish, also known as red drum, are a prized sportfish found in the inshore waters, bays, and estuaries of the southeastern United States. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best natural baits for redfish, the factors to consider when selecting natural bait, and how to use it effectively to improve your chances of catching a redfish.
Overview of Redfish
Redfish, or red drum, is a species of fish that is typically bronze or reddish in color with a black spot near its tail. Native to the Atlantic coast of North America, redfish are generally found in coastal waters ranging from Massachusetts to the Gulf of Mexico. They are a popular sportfish known for their size, fight, and delicious taste.
Redfish can be found in various habitats, including bays, estuaries, and inshore waters. They are opportunistic feeders that eat a variety of prey such as mollusks, crustaceans, and small fish.
Importance of Using Natural Bait
One of the most significant advantages of using natural bait is its environmental friendliness. Synthetic baits, such as plastic lures, can be harmful to the environment and marine life. Using natural bait is a safer and sustainable alternative.
Natural bait is also often more effective than synthetic bait. Redfish are conditioned to eat natural prey, and using natural bait allows anglers to mimic their prey, which can increase their chances of catching a fish. Finally, it's important to note that using natural bait for redfish is often required by law. Many states have regulations regarding the use of synthetic baits in certain areas or during specific times of the year, so it is essential to check local regulations before heading out to fish.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Natural Bait
When choosing natural bait for redfish, several factors must be considered, including seasonal availability, redfish feeding habits, the sizes of redfish being targeted, and local environmental conditions.
Seasonal Availability of Bait
One of the most significant factors to consider when selecting natural bait for redfish is the seasonal availability of bait. The availability of bait often determines which type of bait is most effective at any given time. For example, mullet is generally abundant in the fall while shrimp is more abundant during the summer months.
Redfish Feeding Habits
Redfish are opportunistic feeders and will eat a variety of prey, depending on their location and the available bait. Knowing what redfish are feeding on is critical in selecting the best natural bait. For example, if redfish are feeding on crabs, using a crab bait would be more effective.
Size of Redfish Targeted
The size of redfish being targeted is another important factor when selecting natural bait. Larger redfish may prefer larger baits, such as mullet or pinfish, while smaller redfish may be more attracted to shrimp or smaller baitfish.
Local Environmental Conditions
Local environmental conditions also play a role in determining which natural bait is most effective. Factors such as water temperature, salinity, and vegetation can influence what types of natural bait are available and what redfish are feeding on.
Live Baits for Redfish
Live bait is one of the most effective ways to catch redfish. Using live bait allows anglers to mimic the movement and scent of natural prey to attract redfish. Here are some of the best live baits for redfish:
Shrimp
Shrimp are a popular live bait for redfish due to their availability and attractiveness to fish. There are several types of shrimp that can be used as bait, including white, brown, and pink shrimp. Shrimp can be rigged on a hook through the tail or under the horn. Fresh live shrimp should be kept in an aerated bait bucket and used as soon as possible.
Crabs
Crabs are another effective live bait for redfish. Blue crabs and fiddler crabs are two types of crabs commonly used as bait. When rigging crab bait, it is important to remove the claws and legs to reduce their ability to escape from the hook. Crab bait should be presented on the bottom and allowed to move naturally with the current.
Mullet
Mullet are a popular baitfish for a variety of gamefish, including redfish. Finger mullet and creek chubs are two types of mullet commonly used as bait. Mullet can be rigged on a hook through the lips or under the dorsal fin. When presenting mullet as bait, it is important to keep them alive and active to attract more fish.
Pinfish
Pinfish are a small baitfish that are often used as live bait for redfish. They can be found in a variety of habitats, including grass flats and near structure. Pinfish are often used when targeting larger redfish, as they can be more difficult for smaller fish to swallow. When rigging pinfish bait, it is important to hook them through the lips or nostrils to maximize their movement in the water.
Cut Baits for Redfish
Cut bait refers to pieces of baitfish that are cut into smaller chunks and used as bait. Using cut bait is an effective way to attract redfish when live bait is not available. Here are some of the best cut baits for redfish:
Mullet
Mullet can be used as cut bait when live mullet is not available. To prepare mullet for cut bait, simply cut them into smaller chunks and remove the scales and bones. Mullet can be presented on the bottom using a variety of rigs, such as a fish finder rig or Carolina rig.
Ladyfish
Ladyfish, also known as skipjack, are a baitfish that are often used for cut bait. They can be found in schools near the surface of the water and are relatively easy to catch. To prepare ladyfish for cut bait, simply cut them into smaller chunks and remove the scales and bones. Ladyfish can be presented on the bottom using a variety of rigs, such as a fish finder rig or Carolina rig.
Menhaden
Menhaden, also known as pogies, are a baitfish that are often used for cut bait. They can be found in large schools near the surface of the water and are relatively easy to catch using a cast net. To prepare menhaden for cut bait, simply cut them into smaller chunks and remove the scales and bones. Menhaden can be presented on the bottom using a variety of rigs, such as a fish finder rig or Carolina rig.
Dead Baits for Redfish
Dead bait refers to baitfish that are fresh or frozen and used as bait for redfish. Dead bait is often used when live bait is not available or practical. Here are some of the best dead baits for redfish:
Shrimp
Fresh or frozen shrimp can be used as dead bait for redfish. When rigging shrimp as dead bait, it is important to remove the head and tail to maximize scent dispersion in the water. Shrimp can be presented on the bottom using a variety of rigs, such as a fish finder rig or Carolina rig.
Crabs
Whole or pieces of crabs can also be used as dead bait for redfish. When rigging crab bait, it is important to remove the claws and legs to reduce their ability to escape from the hook. Crab bait should be presented on the bottom and allowed to move naturally with the current.
Alternative Natural Baits
In addition to the live, cut, and dead baits mentioned above, there are several alternative natural baits that can be effective for