REDFISH TIPS

Tips to Try * Redfish are very aware of what's going on above the surface of the water when they are on the flats. They can see and hear anglers, especially when they are in boats. This is why wading for them often results in more hook-ups than staying on the boat. Be quiet and keep a low profile.

* Sightfishing for redfish is one of the most exciting types of fishing for saltwater anglers. The principle of the technique is not to cast until you see the fish. You can locate them on the flats by looking for the fish's tail which breaks the surface when they stick their nose in the mud to feed (what anglers call tailing redfish) or when you can see the hump of water they push in front of them as the cruise across the flats. When you find tailing fish wait for them finish eating and begin to move. As they swim away cast your bait ahead and past the fish. The idea is to have your bait intersect the fish's path and hopefully catch it's attention. When their nose is in the mud, the fish often cannot see your bait. Redfish associate with stingrays. And stingrays, when they feed, stir up the bottom and create what anglers call a "mud." This highly visible sign should be an automatic signal to cast towards the muddy area. Redfish frequently hang around the rays looking for food that is stirred up by the rays. Redfish don't move around too much. If you find fish on a flat or in a channel, it's a good idea to go back to the same spot the next day. Chances are good that the fish will be there again.