Redfish Cup

Top baits for Redfish

See the baits that played in Port Aransas at the 2025 Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup presented by Skeeter!

Posted on
Written by
David A. Brown
Photography by
Dalton Tumblin
Photography by
Steve Bowman
Photography by
Chase Sansom
West Virginia
Redfish have a keen sense of smell, so scented baits like the Berkley Gulp! products are popular choices.
A dark body with a brighter tail is a classic redfish color pattern.
Large swimbaits mimic the mullet big redfish commonly eat. The larger profile tends to weed out the smaller fish and tempt the big ones.
Effective across any redfish habitat, the weedless spoon casts well in windy conditions and avoids snags.
The bladed jig has become a popular choice for inshore redfish anglers, as it emits vibrations that imitate a fleeing crab or baitfish.
Using a permanent marker to darken a more visible braided line minimizes the risk of spooking a redfish in clear water.
The paddletail swimbait presents a baitfish profile redfish instantly recognize as food. This is a good choice for covering water to locate fish.
Despite having their mouths closer to the bottom, redfish will chase topwater plugs. They have to raise their heads for a downward bite, but when these fish are actively feeding, topwater bites are incredibly aggressive.
The popping cork is standard issue for redfish anglers. Ideal for controlled depth presentations, the surface commotion from tugging the cork at a downward angle simulates feeding and attracts predators, which find the bait hanging below irresistible.
Similar to the bass world, spinnerbaits appeal to redfish. Typically, redfish spinnerbaits feature a single gold blade, while stronger wire and hooks are made to stand up to the red’s serious jaw strength.
While gold spoons get a lot of play, redfish pros often turn to copper during sunny conditions.
Compared to bass tackle, saltwater jig heads are built with stouter hooks.
When open hook jig head presentations threaten frequent snags, experienced redfish anglers turn to a weighted swimbait hook rig.
Long casts are essential for covering broad flats to find redfish.
Redfish tournament teams typically start with two different baits to show the fish different looks until they determine a preference.
A screw-lock style hook with a weighted shank offers a strategic alternative to the open hook jig head presentation.
Designed with a scale and fish-friendly clamping jaws, the Boga Grip (angler’s left hand) provides a safe, secure way to hold a redfish.
Sight fishing is a common strategy for close-range redfish pursuits.
Redfish teams keep a deep landing net in close reach. Best to let the fish run out its energy and scoop them when they make a close pass by the boat.
When netting a fish caught on a popping cork, the angler should hold the rod high to keep the cork clear from tangling as their teammate nets the fish.
Redfish rarely “jump,” but smaller fish tend to flip and flop more at boatside, so stay sharp and don’t miss the net shot.
Spinning rods with limber tips facilitate long casts, but you also need plenty of backbone for fighting the fish.
Effective redfish searches require constant casting and constant observation. Subtle signs can lead you to the right area.
Redfish teams efficiently cover broad areas by breaking up the water by zones and distances.
When the plan comes together, sliding a redfish into the net makes all the looking, analyzing and constant casting worth the effort.

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