Change weights, change out blades for best results when reds are on jetties
One guide has a few tips that will help freshwater fishermen be able to fish their spinnerbaits for redfish off the Georgetown jetties this spring.
Steve Roff of Barrier Island Guide Service (843-466-7337) said he’s been experimenting with different combinations of blades and sizes to find the perfect spinnerbait to tempt early spring reds.
“The most important part is finding the correct weight and presentation for the more lethargic fish,” Roff said. “Most fish are not going to strike a spinner that is whipping right past them.”
In order to slow down his presentation, has started attaching his Strike King spinnerbaits with a snap swivel instead of having to tie on a new blade every time he changes up.
“When I want a slower fall and a slower retrieve I will (fish) a longer, willow-leaf blades,” Roff said. “If the fish are really active, I will tie on a smaller Colorado blade and speed up my presentation. It’s all about finding what presentation the fish will hit on that day.”
Roff doesn’t think the color of the bait’s skirt has any effect on reds, but he’s been fishing chartreuse skirts most of the time, and he’s been using a soft-plastic paddletail or a curlytail as a trailer.
Roff is pitching is spinnerbaits at the jetties, allowing it to drop to the depth he thinks the fish are holding.
“Sometimes I will add a few split shot to help weigh the bait down on windy or swift current days,” explains Roff. “When fishing jetties with spinnerbaits, it’s important to keep an eye on the point of the hook. They can get beaten up and dulled down by the rocks.”
Roff stressed that fishermen be prepared to lose a few baits when pitching them towards the riprap. If you let the bait sink too far, it stands a good chance of being lodged in the rocks. And he warns fishermen that after hooking several big reds on the same bait, the wire tends to break, so switch baits out when needed.
“There is a big difference between fishing in the rocks and fishing in the reds,” Roff said.
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