Ever cast a line and watched the water stay stubbornly still, wishing for that tell-tale tug of a big redfish? It’s a feeling every inshore angler knows well. Choosing the perfect lure for redfish can feel like navigating a maze. Should you use a soft plastic, a topwater plug, or maybe a jig? Each option promises success, but the wrong choice can lead to frustrating days with empty coolers.
Redfish are smart, powerful fighters, and they demand the right presentation. Picking the wrong color or action means missing out on those explosive strikes that make fishing so exciting. We understand that feeling of uncertainty when standing at the tackle shop, staring at rows of brightly colored baits. This post cuts through the confusion.
Inside, we break down the best lures for catching those beautiful speckled beauties in different conditions. You will learn exactly what colors work best in murky water and which retrieves trigger the most aggressive bites. Get ready to upgrade your tackle box strategy. Let’s dive in and discover the secrets to consistently landing more redfish!
Top Lures For Red Fish Recommendations
- Slow-sinking twitch/walking lure with erratic action mimics prominent in-shore forage and catches all species of inshore game-fish, including speckled trout, redfish, striped bass and more.
- Can be fished quickly across the surface in a walk-the-dog fashion to catch active fish hitting the surface, but also can be walked slowly under the surface to catch more inactive fish.
- Strong, #2 saltwater grade hooks and durable corrosion-resistant body and hardware to handle the toughest conditions and even the toothiest fish.
- Features a unique super-slow-sinking action that catches fish with a variety of retrieves; Weighs 5/8-ounce and casts well even against the ever-present wind.
- Effective size and colors: At 3 ½-inches in length, the Mullet fits into the most-effective size category to appeal to all inshore fish; Available in 8 saltwater-specific color patterns that fish love.
- Sprite redfish lure spoon effective on all predatory fish species
- Comes with unique zig zag wobble and red teaser tab adding attraction for predatory fish as is oscillates back and forth
- Effective on all predatory fish species whether on a cast and retrieve, vertical jig, or flutter technique
- Doesn't twist, crimp or weaken line
- Available in gold color; measures 2-1/2-inch length
- WARNING - Do not mix any truscend shrimp lures with other traditional plastics. Store in a separate tray, bag or box.
- REALISTIC ACTION - TRUSCEND shrimp features a segmented body that creates lifelike swimming movements in the water that will have any catch convinced. The special tail creates a kicking action, while the lively moving legs, antenna perform lifelike actions on the retrieve and the drop, which adds more attraction.
- RESISTANT TPE MATERIAL - Ready to take on multiple hits, the extreme strength and supple flexibility of TPE material will last for many, many bites and put other baits to shame. Please do not allow this TPE lures to touch other non-TPE products.
- PREMIUM DESIGN - Featuring a precisely engineered shape, the soft body swimbaits has a realistic swimming action at both ultra-slow speeds and moderately fast speeds. Pre-rigged with ultra-sharp back hook , the jigging Minnow also features ultra-realistic patterns, holographic flash foil and 3D eyes.The weedless jigs fishing lures are the magic baits you win on the battlefield.
- WIDELY FISHING SPECIES - Whether you are fishing reefs, estuaries, rivers, fresh or saltwater, this TRUSCEND Fishing Jigs Lures rigs will become your essential paddle tail lure to target bass, trout, Walleye, pike snook, salmon, redfish and many more.
- Slow Sinking butterfly stroke Action
- Jointed tail
- Wave motion leg
- Prism egg sac
- Weight: 3/4 oz
- Size 1.6inch/4cm.
- 200pcs/pack.Convenient to carry and use, easily attached to the fish hook.
- Floating formula for scent dispersion: attracts the fish, make you put them on hook as much as possible
- Made of plastic material which is reusable and durable.It feels soft and sticky, like a real earthworm.
- Suitable for many species.A realistic Earthworm shaped design, create life-like swimming actions in water, make fish easy to attach.
- REALISTIC LOOKING: You'll get a set of 6 color fishing bait with soft lure featuring a special 3D paddletail design perfect for targeting bass, walleye, pike and muskie. Paddle tail lures are made with 3D fins, gills and eyes for realistic movement
- SLEEK DESIGN: Enhance your fishing experience with Bnqoe pre-rigged soft lures designed specifically for catching lures. Ideal for fresh and salter water fishing, these lures are an essential piece of fishing gear that includes hooks
- PREMIUM LURE: Increase your fishing success with Bnqoe's freshwater saltwater lures. Each lure comes pre-loaded with counterweights, making it ready for immediate use on your fishing adventures. Made of durable soft plastic, they are able to withstand aggressive predator slams and intense fish battles without compromising their enticing swimming action
- FISHING KITS: Choose Bnqoe fishing jig baits for a reliable and productive fishing experience. Soft lures are part of our comprehensive fishing gear to ensure you have everything you need for successful fishing. Manipulate to create subtle disturbances
- VERSATILE SOFT LURE: Pre-rigged soft fishing lures are versatile and effective for a variety of fishing conditions. Fishing lures are part of our premium fishing tackle range
- √ Glow in The Dark - The Luminous Shrimp Lure set is good for night fishing, Luminous material put on the inner hook.
- √ Premium Quality - Shrimp Lures are made of top quality silicone material,This makes lure soft and durable, life-like swimming actions.
- √ Lifelike Looking - High-quality forged shrimp, vivid and lifelike looking, easy to catch fish.
- √ Easy to Use - The Shrimp Lures are very easy to use.Just need to connect the fishing line,hook it up and use to lure the best fish you ever could.
- √ Good for - Catfish, Bass, Perch, Whiting, Snapper, Snakehead, Flounder, Jewfish, Kingfish, Mandarin Fish, Trout.
- The three choices are the top purchased colors among the Heddon Saltwater family Bone, Black Shiner, and Red Head Holographic; Gives inshore anglers three options of the Super Spook Jr to solve the issue of having to decide what colors are needed for a quick trip
- Each color choice fits a certain situation like dark or sunny skies or for targeting certain species
- The three and a half inch Heddon Super Spook Jr. features an internal rattle, super strong hardware, durable body construction and highly productive decorating schemes
- A great multi-species topwater lure, the Super Spook Jr. will catch bass, striper, pike and musky with its renowned "walk the dog" action
- A consistent action of quick snaps of slack line will get the Super spook junior to its desired walking action
Choosing the Best Lures for Redfish: A Simple Buying Guide
Redfish, also known as red drum, are exciting fish to catch. They fight hard and taste great. To catch more of them, you need the right lure. This guide helps you pick the perfect one.
Key Features to Look For
When buying a redfish lure, look closely at a few things. These features help you attract and hook the fish.
- Action: This is how the lure moves in the water. Some lures wiggle, and some dart. Redfish often like lures that move naturally, like an injured baitfish.
- Vibration/Sound: Some lures make noise or vibrate. This sound travels well in murky water and gets a redfish’s attention quickly.
- Color Matching: The color must match what the redfish are eating nearby. In clear water, natural colors work best. In cloudy water, bright colors like chartreuse or white stand out more.
- Hook Quality: You need strong hooks. Redfish have tough mouths and pull hard. Sharp, strong hooks mean fewer fish get away.
Important Materials
The material of the lure affects how it sinks, swims, and lasts.
Most good redfish lures use durable plastics or hard bodies. Soft plastic lures are popular because they feel natural when a fish bites. Hard baits, like plugs or spoons, are great for covering a lot of water quickly.
Metal spoons are very tough. They resist damage from shells or rocks on the bottom. Always check the hook material; stainless steel or high-carbon steel resists rust, especially when fishing in saltwater.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Lure Quality
Good quality lures catch more fish and last longer. Poor quality lures break easily or don’t attract fish.
What makes a lure better?
- Realistic Eyes and Finishes: Lures that look real often fool smart fish. High-quality paint jobs stay on longer, even after many fish bites.
- Weight Distribution: The weight inside the lure controls how it sinks and casts. Well-balanced lures cast farther and swim correctly, even in currents.
What lowers the quality?
- Soft Plastic Durability: Very cheap soft plastics tear easily on the first few casts or immediately after a fish bites.
- Flimsy Hardware: Thin split rings or weak snaps will break under the stress of a large redfish.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where and how you plan to fish. Different situations need different lures.
Shallow Water Fishing (Flats): When fishing over shallow sand or grass flats, you need lures that don’t snag easily. Weedless soft plastics rigged on weedless hooks are perfect here. They float or slowly sink, mimicking shrimp or crabs.
Deeper Water or Surf Casting: If you cast far into the surf or fish near jetties, you need weight. Heavy spoons or jig heads help you get the bait down deep quickly and keep it there against the waves. These baits often imitate larger baitfish.
Topwater Action: Sometimes, redfish feed right on the surface. Topwater plugs create a lot of commotion. These lures are exciting to use because you see the explosive strike!
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Redfish Lures
Q: What is the best all-around color for redfish lures?
A: White or natural shrimp colors work well in most conditions. They imitate common prey.
Q: Should I use scented lures for redfish?
A: Scent can help, especially when the fish are not very aggressive. It gives them extra time to hold onto the lure before spitting it out.
Q: Are topwater lures only good in the morning?
A: Topwater lures work best when fish are actively feeding, which is often early morning or late evening. However, a sudden splash can trigger a strike anytime.
Q: How do I prevent rust on my metal spoons?
A: Always rinse your metal lures thoroughly with fresh water after every saltwater trip. Then, let them dry completely before storing them.
Q: What size hook is generally best for average-sized redfish?
A: A hook size between 1/0 and 3/0 usually works well for standard slot-sized redfish.
Q: Should I use a leader line when fishing for redfish?
A: Yes, always use a leader. Redfish have abrasive gill plates and sharp teeth. A strong fluorocarbon leader protects your main line.
Q: What is the main difference between a jig head and a spoon?
A: A jig head usually holds a soft plastic body and sinks straight down. A spoon is a solid piece of metal that wobbles or flashes as it is retrieved.
Q: Do redfish prefer fast or slow retrieves?
A: It depends on the water temperature and the fish’s mood. In cold water, retrieve slowly. In warm water, a faster retrieve often triggers reaction strikes.
Q: How do I choose the right weight for my jig head?
A: Use enough weight so your lure stays near the bottom where the redfish feed, but not so heavy that it snags constantly. Match the weight to the depth and current.
Q: Are expensive lures always better for redfish?
A: Not always. A very expensive lure that gets lost immediately is less useful than a simple, high-quality soft plastic that you can afford to replace.