6 Pro Tips for Catching Bull Redfish

6 Pro Tips for Catching Bull Redfish

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A gulf anglers favorite time of year has arrived. It's Bull Redfish season again! We want to make sure you have and know all you need to land these giants. Let's go...

6 pro tips for catching Bull Redfish this year:

1. Time of the Season 

When's the best time of year to fish for bull reds? Guides and experts agree, we are nearing peak bull red season right now!
 
The fall months between September and November is when the magic happens. Reds start to school up and fatten up, preparing for the colder months. Now's the time to book your charter.
 

2. Location

Redfish are beginning their annual migration in the US. 
They’ll head out of the bay systems and into the deeper Gulf, so make your way to the coast!
 
There are plenty of great bull red spots in the US but here are some of our favorites:
• Port O’Connor, Texas
• Galveston, Texas
• Mosquito Lagoon, Florida
• Pine Island Sound, Florida
• Venice, Louisiana

3. Gear

Bull reds can weigh anywhere from 15 to even 60 pounds if you're lucky enough to hook an absolute monster. You're going to need a rod that can handle that weight and bend. The last thing you want is to be miles from shore with a snapped rod and exhausted, jello-arms.
 
We highly recommend at least a 7' rod with Medium Heavy or Heavy Power. These will help you fight the fish more effectively. Reds can bend the hell out of these and they'll pop straight back in-line for your next cast.
 
And for or a limited time, get FREE SHIPPING on all BCS3 models + a free Yeti mug with your order! (must add yeti mug to cart)

*All BCS3 Inshore rods are covered by Sawgrass’s limited lifetime warranty.

4. Bait

Cut bait is our go-to for bull reds. Since they're built primarily for bottom foraging, their sniffers are bloodhound sharp and they love the stink of cut bait. 
 
A 10-12in Mullet will do the trick. Other good options are live Crab, Ladyfish and Pinfish
 
Throw your cut bait on a heavy circle hook with the tip exposed and launch it.
 
*Pro Tip: Opt for fresh over frozen if you can. frozen bait will get mushy quicker and tends to fall off your hook. Plus, frozen bait tends to attract more catfish than reds.

5. Where to Find Them

The giant redfish we're after don't stay in one spot like their younger siblings. They school up and swim until they find food, eat, and keep moving. This can make them extremely hard to locate and catch up to when you do. Here's what we recommend:
 
Signs to look for:
• Bait fish like mullet running, splashing and jumping from the water.
• Large schools of smaller fish on the surface. This will stand out as darker or oily water and can be acres wide.
• Pelicans. They'll circle bait fish on the top of the water and are a good indicator from far away.
 
You've found the signs, now what?
Throw your bait ahead of the running fish or into the school. You can use a bobber to keep your bait near the surface. If you do, pop the bobber a few times to make noise and attract the redfish.
 
Be patient but don't stay too long, they will keep moving.

6. Fighting

You've got your heavy gear, cut bait on the hook and you're in a prime location. Now for the fun part!
 
If you've ever hooked a redfish, you know they'll take bait and run. There's nothing like the rod bend and preceding reel scream.
 
Stay calm. Don't jerk your rod around too much, as you risk breaking your line or releasing your hook.
 
Use steady pressure to tire the fish out. They'll typically have a long first run followed by one or two shorter runs. Then a final burst when they see your boat.
A smoother, consistent pressure will wear them out a lot quicker and bring them in faster.

Congrats, you just landed a bull redfish! Now grip, grin, snap a photo, and tag us on Instagram with #sawgrassfishingrods
you're sure to make it into our next newsletter!
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