Bull redfish near the beaches

By Tyson Wallerstein, Times Correspondent
Thursday, September 15, 2011

What's hot: Twenty-plus-pound breeder redfish are feeding on bait balls around passes and bridges, as well as beach hard-bottom areas and piers.

What to look for: Terns and pelicans have been taking advantage of the abundance of juvenile baitfish along the beach, and the redfish often can be found in the same areas. Muddy, cloudy water under the birds can indicate the presence of big reds.

Tactics and tackle: Freeline or weigh down a big pinfish or grunt, (depending on the current), off the back of the boat and run a couple of chunks of fresh-cut ladyfish off the sides. While waiting for a bite, increase your chances by chumming with small pieces of ladyfish. Medium-heavy spinning or conventional rods and reels rigged with 40-pound braid and a 40-pound leader work best.

What else: Slot-sized redfish are showing up on the flats in the north Pinellas region. Mullet are working their way onto the flats, and the redfish are mixed in. Low incoming tides are best when targeting reds. Fan-cast topwater plugs if the floating grass isn't too bad. If there's too much grass, try a gold spoon or a weedless jerkbait in avocado red-flake.

Tyson Wallerstein runs Inshore Fishing Charters in the Clearwater/St. Petersburg area and can be reached at (727) 692-5868 or via e-mail capt.tyson@hotmail.com.

Source: http://www.tampabay.com/sports/outdoors/bull-redfish-near-the-beaches/1191775

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