What Lures Are Best for Redfish?

Snag red drum up and down the Atlantic Coast and throughout the Gulf of Mexico by following our redfish lure tips. Explore the benefits of spoons, artificial crabs, and other lures that get results.

Redfish Lure Recommendations

Redfish, also known as red drum, are a popular game fish that can be found in the coastal waters of the southern United States. These fish are known for their hard fighting and delicious taste, which makes them one of the most sought after saltwater gamefish in the U.S. If you are planning to go fishing for redfish, you need to have the right lures in your tackle box. The TackleDirect team and our customers have spent a lot of time chasing redfish throughout the Gulf of Mexico and along the Eastern Seaboard, which means we’ve tried a lot of lures. Here are our picks for the best redfish lures and when to use each.

Jig Heads with Soft Plastics

One of the most popular lures for targeting redfish is a jig head with a soft plastic. The combination of a jig head and soft plastic bait creates a lifelike presentation that can be very effective at enticing redfish to bite. The weight of the jig head also allows for long casts, which can help cover a lot of water. To fish with a jig head and soft plastic, you cast it out and retrieve it slowly, allowing the lure to bounce along the bottom. You can also use a popping cork with a jig head and soft plastic to create noise and attract more redfish. One of the best times to use jig heads is when the drum are holding up in deeper water. Jig heads are great for fishing deep channels or drop-offs where redfish like to congregate.

Another good time to use jig heads with soft plastics is when the water is murky or stained. In these conditions, the vibration and scent of the soft plastic can help redfish locate the lure more easily. Soft plastic baits come in a variety of colors and shapes, so it is important to choose the right one to match the local baitfish. The key to success is to impart a lifelike action to the bait that mimics the movement of a wounded baitfish. This can be achieved by bouncing the jig head along the bottom or by slowly retrieving it through the water.

Jerkbaits

Jerkbaits are another effective lure for redfish. These lures are designed to mimic the movement of injured baitfish, which can trigger a predatory response in redfish. To fish with a jerkbait, you cast it out and retrieve it in short, sharp jerks, pausing between each jerk to allow the lure to sink. One of the best times to use jerkbaits for redfish is when the water is clear and calm. In these conditions, redfish can be very wary and difficult to catch, but a well-presented jerkbait can be very effective at triggering a bite. The slow, erratic action of a jerkbait can be very enticing to redfish, especially when fished near structure or drop-offs where they like to feed.

Nomad Design Vertex Max Vibe Lure
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Swimbaits

Swimbaits are a versatile lure that can be used to catch a variety of fish species, including redfish. These lures mimic the movement and appearance of a live baitfish, which can be very effective at attracting redfish. Swimbaits can be fished at different depths, making them versatile enough to be used in a range of fishing situations. To fish with a swimbait, you cast it out and retrieve it slowly, using a steady, rhythmic motion. Redfish are opportunistic feeders and will often take advantage of baitfish that are struggling. When the water is murky or stained, the vibration and movement of a swimbait can help redfish locate it more easily. When red drum are actively feeding near the surface, a topwater swimbait can be particularly effective at triggering a bite.

Spoons

Spoons have been used for decades to catch red drum. These lures mimic the movement of baitfish and are effective at catching redfish in shallow water and mud flats. To fish with a spoon, you simply cast it out and reel it in slowly, allowing the spoon to flutter and wobble in the water. You can also add a strip of cut bait or a piece of shrimp to the hook to increase your chances of catching a redfish. The combination of wobbling action and reflective light have long attracted fish. They’re particularly effective for long casts or in the surf. Historically, silver and gold spoons are the ones that entice redfish the most. You might also try a black spoon in clear water where less flash is needed.

Tactical Anglers CrossOver Popper Lure
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Topwater Lures

If redfish are hanging out near the surface, topwater lures will be an exciting way to catch them. These lures float on the surface of the water and create a commotion when you retrieve them. By simulating the action of a distressed baitfish, they trick reds into thinking they have an easy dinner. To fish with a topwater lure, you cast it out and retrieve it slowly, using a twitching motion to create a popping sound. Consider topwater popping lures in shallow water near docks and shorelines. Mullet poppers are a go-to since red drum feed on them year-round. On calm waters, use poppers with less action, as too much contrast can spook the fish.

Artificial Crabs

If you can’t get real crabs for red drum fishing, artificial crab lures are a great substitute. Redfish are known to have a taste for crab in the summer and fall, especially in grass flats and sandy areas. To fish with an artificial crab lure, you cast it out and retrieve it slowly, allowing the lure to bounce along the bottom. You can also add a piece of cut bait to the hook to increase your chances of catching a redfish. Lures that imitate blue crab and brown crabs are the best choice, and some are designed to vibrate as you pull them. You can fish crabs on the surface or at the bottom depending on where native crabs dwell.

Artificial Shrimp

Artificial shrimp lures are another case of a faux crustacean being just as good as the real thing. These lures mimic the movement and appearance of a live shrimp, which is a favorite food of redfish. To fish with an artificial shrimp lure, you cast it out and retrieve it slowly, allowing the lure to bounce along the bottom. You can also use a popping cork with an artificial shrimp lure to create noise and attract more redfish. Soft plastic shrimp baits are most common, but you also can get rigged shrimp with a rattle to catch a red drum’s attention. Go with shrimp in the Gulf of Mexico, on the South Atlantic and in grass flats. Like with crab lures, summer and fall are the best times to break out a shrimp lure.

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