Capt. Mike R.
Capt. Mike is a USCG-licensed charter captain with 20 years of experience guiding on the Texas Gulf Coast.
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the powerful bulldogs of the Texas inshore flats. They are known for their aggressive strikes and powerful runs, making them a favorite target for anglers. Having the right tackle is crucial and can make all the difference between a great day and a frustrating one. Here’s a breakdown of the essential lures you should have in your tackle box.
The All-Around Workhorse: Soft Plastics
If you could only bring one type of lure to the coast, it would be a soft plastic paddle tail. A 3 to 4-inch swimbait rigged on a 1/8 to 1/4 oz jig head is the most versatile setup imaginable. It can be effectively worked in shallow water, deep channels, and everything in between.
- Essential Colors: You don't need a hundred different colors. Start with the basics that mimic local forage. "New Penny" is a classic for a reason—it looks like a small crab or shrimp. Other must-haves include "Rootbeer/Chartreuse," "Glow/Chartreuse" for stained water, and a dark color like "Plum" for creating a silhouette in muddy water.
- The Go-To Technique: A simple "hop and drop" retrieve is deadly. Cast it out, let it sink to the bottom, then give your rod a sharp twitch upwards and let it fall back down on a semi-slack line. Most strikes will happen as the lure is falling.
The Heart-Stopper: Topwater Plugs
There is nothing more exciting in saltwater fishing than a Redfish exploding on a topwater lure. These lures are most effective in the low-light conditions of early morning and late evening, or on overcast days when fish are actively looking up to feed in shallow water.
- Classic Lures: The Heddon Super Spook Jr. or a Rapala Skitter Walk are iconic choices. Their side-to-side "walk-the-dog" action is irresistible to shallow-water reds.
- The Technique: This retrieve takes practice. With your rod tip pointed down, use short, rhythmic twitches of the wrist to make the lure zig-zag across the surface. The critical rule of topwater fishing: do not set the hook when you see the splash! Wait until you feel the weight of the fish on your line, then do a firm "strip set" by pulling the line, not just jerking the rod tip up.
The Old Standby: Gold Spoons
Gold and silver spoons are an old-school lure for a reason: they flat-out work. They are nearly weedless, which makes them a perfect choice for casting over the vast seagrass flats of the Texas coast. The flash and vibration perfectly imitate a fleeing baitfish, triggering a predatory response from Redfish.