Fishing for redfish is one of the most exciting experiences for anglers, and using topwater lures is an exhilarating way to target these powerful fish. The sight of a redfish smashing a topwater lure is unmatched in fishing, making it a favorite technique for both seasoned and novice anglers alike. Redfish are known for their aggressive feeding behavior, particularly in shallow coastal waters, making topwater lures an effective tool for catching them.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best techniques for using topwater lures to catch redfish. From selecting the right lures to employing the most effective retrieval methods, this guide will help you increase your chances of redfish success on the water.
Fishing Topwater for Redfish
To maximize your success with topwater lures, it’s important to understand redfish behavior. These fish are opportunistic predators and will strike at lures that mimic their natural prey. Redfish are commonly found in shallow coastal waters, near grassy flats, mangroves, oyster beds, and around submerged structures. They are most active during feeding times, particularly at dawn and dusk, when they are hunting for small baitfish and crustaceans.
Redfish are typically ambush predators, using the cover of shallow water and structures to sneak up on prey. This makes them particularly responsive to the splash and action of a topwater lure. Understanding where and when redfish are likely to strike helps you time your casts and retrieves for the best chance of success. Additionally, selecting appropriate hooks, such as single inline hooks over treble hooks, is crucial to ensure a solid hook set in the fish's mouth.
Selecting the Right Topwater Lures for Redfish
The type of redfish lure you choose plays a significant role in the effectiveness of your fishing technique. Redfish are aggressive and curious predators, so using the right topwater lure to mimic the movement of baitfish or crustaceans is key.
Poppers
Poppers are one of the most popular topwater lures for redfish. These lures create a distinctive splashing and bubbling sound when popped across the surface, which mimics the sound of baitfish struggling or jumping. The commotion of the popper can draw redfish in from a distance, enticing them to strike. Poppers are among the proven lures for attracting redfish.
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Best for: Active redfish in open water or near submerged structures.
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Tip: Use a quick, rhythmic popping motion with your rod tip to create the ideal sound.
Walk-the-Dog Lures
Walk-the-dog lures, such as pencil poppers or certain jerkbaits, are versatile redfish lures designed to move in an “S” pattern across the surface. This erratic movement imitates the unpredictable swimming of injured fish, which often triggers a redfish’s predatory instincts.
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Best for: Shallow flats, around mangroves or oyster beds where redfish are actively hunting.
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Tip: Keep your rod tip low to the water and use sharp, steady twitches to create the “walk” motion.
Chuggers
Chuggers are similar to poppers but typically create a louder splash and a more pronounced wake when retrieved. The larger surface disturbance can attract redfish from greater distances. Chuggers are considered among the top redfish lures for their ability to attract redfish from greater distances.
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Best for: Areas with lots of surface activity or where larger redfish are feeding.
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Tip: Use a fast retrieve for maximum surface disturbance when targeting redfish in high-activity feeding zones.
Buzzbaits
Buzzbaits are unique topwater lures with a spinning blade that creates a buzzing sound and surface disturbance. This is especially effective in murky waters, where visibility is lower, and fish rely on sound to find prey.
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Best for: Murky or choppy water, particularly in estuaries or around tidal flats.
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Tip: Keep a steady, slow retrieve to maintain the buzzing sound on the surface, which can be irresistible to redfish.
Walkers with Props
Topwater lures with built-in propellers create a unique disturbance on the surface, combining the benefits of both poppers and buzzbaits. The spinning blades create a splash and ripples that mimic a distressed fish, perfect for attracting redfish in calm to slightly choppy waters.
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Best for: Calm waters where a gentle splash is required to draw in redfish.
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Tip: Experiment with speed—sometimes a slow, deliberate retrieve can make a big difference.
Exploring Other Lure Options for Redfish
Redfish are opportunistic feeders, and their diet consists of a wide variety of prey, including crustaceans, baitfish, and mollusks. As a result, anglers can use a range of lures to catch redfish, including subsurface lures that imitate these prey species.
Subsurface Lures for Redfish
When the topwater bite is slow or when redfish are holding in deeper water, subsurface lures can be incredibly effective. These lures are designed to mimic the natural prey of redfish, such as shrimp, crabs, and small fish, making them an excellent choice for targeting these fish in various conditions.
One popular option is the soft bait, which can be rigged on a jig head to create a lifelike swimming action. Soft baits are versatile and can be used in different environments, from grassy flats to deeper channels. They are particularly effective when redfish are feeding near the bottom or around structures like oyster bars and mangrove roots.
Another proven lure is the weedless spoon, such as the Johnson Silver Minnow. This lure is designed to glide through vegetation without getting snagged, making it ideal for fishing in areas with heavy cover. The spoon’s flash and wobble mimic a fleeing baitfish, enticing redfish to strike.
For anglers targeting big redfish, the Heddon Super Spook Jr. is a top choice. This lure’s erratic action and loud rattles can draw strikes from even the most cautious fish. It’s especially effective in murky water, where the noise and movement help redfish locate the lure.
In addition to these options, anglers can also use lures that imitate finger mullet, a common prey item for redfish. These lures can be particularly effective during the fall, when mullet are abundant and redfish are feeding heavily in preparation for winter.
By incorporating a variety of lures into your tackle box, you can increase your chances of success and adapt to different fishing conditions. Whether you’re throwing topwater lures or working subsurface baits, understanding the behavior and preferences of redfish will help you select the right lure for the job.
Best Techniques for Using Topwater Lures for Redfish
Now that you know which topwater lures work best for redfish, it’s important to master the retrieval techniques that will make those lures more effective. Each type of lure requires a different presentation to mimic the actions of baitfish and get the best response from redfish.
1. Steady Retrieve
The steady retrieve is one of the simplest yet most effective techniques when using topwater lures. For lures like walkers or prop baits, you can retrieve the lure at a consistent speed across the surface, allowing it to create subtle ripples and splashes.
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How to Do It: Cast the lure towards areas where redfish are likely to be, such as grass flats, drop-offs, or structures. Keep a steady retrieve, making sure to maintain a constant speed so the lure stays near the surface, creating a consistent wake.
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Tip for Anglers: This technique works best when the redfish are actively feeding and the water is calm.
2. Pop-and-Pause Retrieval
Poppers are designed for a "pop-and-pause" retrieve, where you create short bursts of action with your rod tip and then let the lure sit still for a moment before popping it again.
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How to Do It: Cast the popper out and, with quick twitches of your rod, make the lure “pop” on the surface. After each pop, allow the lure to rest for a second before repeating the motion.
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Tip for Anglers: The pause is crucial as it mimics the behavior of an injured fish, and redfish are more likely to strike during the still moments when they perceive an easy meal.
3. Walk-the-Dog Technique
This technique is often associated with "walkers" or pencil poppers. The goal is to create an erratic, side-to-side motion across the surface, mimicking an injured or fleeing baitfish. Redfish are drawn to this movement and will often strike at it aggressively.
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How to Do It: Cast the lure out and twitch your rod tip sharply to the side, allowing the lure to dart from left to right in an “S” pattern. Keep the line tight and adjust your twitches based on the conditions and fish behavior.
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Tip for Anglers: Vary your speed and action depending on how the redfish are reacting. If they’re following but not striking, speed up or make the twitches more pronounced to grab their attention.
4. Slow and Steady Buzzing
When using buzzbaits or chuggers, a slow and steady retrieve is often best. The blade of the buzzbait or the splash of the chugger creates a disturbance on the surface that redfish find irresistible, especially in murky or low-visibility conditions.
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How to Do It: Cast your buzzbait or chugger near structures or along the edges of flats. Keep a steady retrieve, maintaining the buzz or splash on the surface. Don’t rush—allow the sound and commotion to build, attracting the fish.
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Tip for Anglers: Buzzbaits work well in areas with low visibility, where redfish are relying on sound more than sight to find prey.
5. Targeting the Right Areas
Topwater lures are most effective in shallow waters where redfish are actively feeding. Look for the following types of environments:
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Shallow Flats: Ideal for using poppers or walkers.
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Grass Beds: Redfish often feed around submerged grass, where topwater lures can easily mimic struggling baitfish.
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Mangroves and Oyster Beds: These areas provide shelter for redfish and are prime feeding zones, making them perfect targets for topwater lures.
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Tip for Anglers: Always focus on areas where redfish are likely to be feeding, such as near the mouths of estuaries, drop-offs, or around structure. If the fish aren’t biting, try varying your presentation or changing locations. Using proven lures in these environments can significantly increase your chances of success.
When to Fish with Topwater Lures for Redfish
The best time to use topwater lures for redfish is typically during early morning or late afternoon, when the fish are most actively feeding. These times coincide with low-light conditions, which increase the likelihood of successful strikes. Additionally, topwater lures can be effective when water temperatures are moderate, as redfish tend to be more active during these periods.
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Best Conditions: Overcast days or mornings and evenings with calmer seas and low light provide ideal conditions for topwater fishing. Redfish are often found in shallow water during these times, making them more likely to strike at surface lures.
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Seasonal Timing: Topwater lures work well in the warmer months when redfish are feeding heavily in the shallows. They can also be effective during periods of feeding frenzies, particularly when baitfish are plentiful.
Conclusion
Using topwater lures for redfish is one of the most thrilling ways to target these powerful fish. By selecting the right lure, mastering the right retrieval techniques, and fishing at the right times and locations, you can increase your chances of success. Whether you are popping, walking-the-dog, or slowly buzzing your lure across the surface, the action of redfish attacking a topwater lure is an experience you won’t forget. Armed with the techniques and insights shared here, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying successful and exciting redfish fishing trips.
FAQs
What is the best topwater lure for redfish?
Popular topwater lures for redfish include poppers, walk-the-dog lures, chuggers, and buzzbaits. Choose based on the water conditions and how active the fish are.
When is the best time to use topwater lures for redfish?
The best time is during early morning or late afternoon when the light is low, and redfish are actively feeding. Overcast days can also be ideal for topwater fishing.
What retrieval technique should I use for topwater lures?
The best retrieval techniques include steady retrieves, pop-and-pause motions for poppers, and twitching the rod tip to create a walk-the-dog motion for pencil poppers or jerkbaits.
How do I know if redfish are following my topwater lure?
If redfish are following but not striking, try varying your retrieval speed or adding more action to the lure. They may be interested but need a more pronounced movement.
Can topwater lures be used in both shallow and deep waters?
Topwater lures are most effective in shallow waters where redfish are actively feeding on the surface. For deeper waters, consider using subsurface lures or weighted jigs.
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