Typically, live and cut bait are used to catch bull reds around Georgetown and the rest of the places they call home during the fall. However, these fish are so aggressive and trigger-happy, a laundry list of artificial options can be just as effective and loads of fun.
The best lures should mimic large baitfish or shrimp, but the most-important factor is weight. The lures must weigh enough to get to the bottom. Bucktails and large jigs between 5/8- and one ounce are preferred under most conditions. Trailers and jig bodies should be six inches long and resemble baitfish, soft crabs or shrimp. A wide variety of colors can be used, including white, chartreuse and natural colorations. D.O.A. makes a 6-inch shrimp that is heavy enough to get down to the depths required, and redfish are not very likely to refuse something that looks like a shrimp right in front of their face.
Artificial lures should be jigged off the bottom by using a short twitch-and-fall technique. The erratic motion of the lure will trigger bites.
While spinning and casting gear are most-often used, these big redfish can be caught on fly-fishing gear, but heavy, sinking lines (400- to 500-grain) and exceptionally heavy flies are required. Heavy 12- to 14-weight rods are strongly suggested, as well as short leaders (four feet or less) rated at 50- to 80-pound test. The short leaders prevent the fly from riding up off the bottom. Flies should be between eight to 10 inches long and brightly colored. The best opportunity to catch a trophy redfish on the fly is during the tidal change when the current slows.
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