During winter, redfish congregate in large schools in deep holes well hidden in the backcountry of the Cape Fear River’s estuaries. While reds will continue to feed through the winter, the cold-blooded nature of these powerful fish mutes their drive to eat, even when a tasty treat dangles inches away from their jaws. Anglers must fish an area thoroughly, making continuous casts to the same places for a chance at converting an inactive group of fish into feeding mode.
Capt. Jeff Wolfe of Seahawk Inshore Fishing Charters finds reds concentrated in deep holes of the backs of creeks at low tide, and through the winter, these spots will hold groups of fish. He fishes these holes religiously, even when fish are not cooperating.
“If I feel like there are some fish there, I may make 20 to 30 casts before one of those fish decides to eat,” he said. “Then, that one bite will trigger a feeding mode, turning on several other fish in the school.”
It only takes one or two fish to commit to feeding to affect the rest of the school. They will all light up, looking to eat anything in sight. In fact, active redfish will turn from a dull gray to a vibrant reddish brown in an instant. Feeding is contagious.
“I will stay in a place for hours sometimes trying to coax inactive fish to bite,” he said. “But, it usually pays off with double-digit catches without moving the boat.”
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