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About the Native Red Drum. Also known as the Red Bass. :
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Although officially called the Red Drum, throughout most of its range this fish
is known as the Redfish, which in turn spawned Chef Paul's popular
blackened dish.
The edibility of the Redfish was its near demise. Taken in large numbers by
the commercial sector, the species was at an all-time low 15 years ago. First
Texas anglers got together and formed the Coastal Conservation
Association, known simply as the CCA. Soon chapters took shape from
Florida to Maine.
Through lobbying and demanding stringent conservation measures, CCA representatives and
members have brought the Red Drum back from a precarious niche. Today, other species like
Stripers are guarded by CCA members and other interested sportsmen and women. If your state has
a CCA chapter, join it and meet other concerned anglers.
With the Red Drum back on the roster of great sportfish, we find it reasonably plentiful from
Chesapeake Bay to Texas. Still, large cows in the 30-pound-plus range are scarce. If you catch one,
we hope its released; and many states have seasons and slot-limits to protect the large breeders.
As a light tackle opponent, the Redfish is par excellence, a tough skinny-water fighter which makes
powerful runs.
FLIES
Redfish feed on small baitfish and shrimp, and that's to the flyrodder's advantage. A number of
streamer patterns falling in the 2 to 4-inch range will often get their attention. Weighted Clouser
minnows, Catherwood's needle-fish series, several herring imitations including Lefty's Deceiver, all
have taken their share of Reds.
There are any number of shrimp patterns available from good coastal tackle shops. Those that
specialize in fly coastal fishing have more than shrimp flies to offer, and listen for local "grit." Good
Shrimp flies are essential in every Redfisherman's fly box.
If a pattern is not producing, try something smaller or larger, lighter or darker. At times, Reds can be
fussy. On another day, they are eating anything. Observe the water and attempt to define their food.
When you discover what they want, it's action galore if you're into a good school.
JIGS & SPOONS
Jigs are deadly on Reds, the smallest Coastal Jig among them. Standard Bucktail jigs, with colorful
grubtail sweeteners, are taken as well. A number of spoon-type jigs are deadly on Redfish. Foremost
is the Acme Kastmaster, especially in chrome and blue. Kastmasters in sizes 3/8 to 1 1/2 ounces are
dropped to the edge of the school and jigged back during the retrieve.
Other spoons include the Hopkins Hammered Spoon and Krocodile. If you are not getting hits, let the
spoon sink to bottom and jerk it before retrieving. Sometimes this disturbance in the sand gets their
attention. To get proper distance with lighter jig-spoons, spinning tackle works best. If the school of
Reds is not alarmed by a boat getting too close, the action can become fast and furious. Larger
Redfish, more apt to be working alone, can be spooked easily, so approach them with caution before
casting your bait.
SWIMMERS & JERK BAITS
Swimming plugs will also take Redfish. The Rapala 9 series will produce results. A Rap in the Firetiger
color is deadly! Other good colors a chartreuse, mackerel, and blue-white.
A 5 1/2-inch Rebel will sometimes get a Red's attention, but the Storm Little Mack is smaller and gets
more strikes. Good basic colors are Yellow/Brown, Blue/Silver and Mackerel. Freshwater
Smallmouth Bass lures like the old Bomber took Reds, and we see no reason why the new
Crayfish-styled baits won't.
Don't overlook Jerk Baits for Redfish. The original L&S Mirrolure is still a killer, Green over silver, or
Brown over silver, even the Red Head/Yellow body. The old Bingo plug, made in Texas, was a good
Redfish Jerk Bait. Keep all swimmers and Jerk Baits at 1 1/2 oz or under for more casting enjoyment.
CASTING
Casting outfits which hold a good capacity of 12 to 20-lb-test line are ideal for Redfish. The
Ambassadeur 5500 and 6500 series, and the Quantum Iron IR3W are excellent casting reels for these
fish.
Match the reel to a Salt Water casting rod of 6 1/2 to 7-feet in length, having a trigger, and rated
Medium. Also, Medium-Heavy Freshwater Bass rods designed for 10 to 20-lb mono will take a
Red's punishment. A slightly lighter 6 1/2-footer, the Quantum Bill Dance American Series has a
Medium rating (bass again) and handles 8 to 17-lb mono. For Redfish, I rate it Light.
Tie the lure directly to a 30 to 40-lb shock leader. Reds have cute little teeth which grind mono, so
shock Leaders can, and do, save fish.
FLY
Redfish are spectacular fly rod fish. For the adventurous, an 8-weight rod might do, but a 9 or
10-Weight is better insurance if you prick a larger cow. Nine foot rods are the best length, since they
allow longer casts. Although they certainly are casting rods, fly rods which exceed 9 feet in length are
not fighting rods. They are less efficient and prolong the fight, which in turn hurts any Redfish about to
be released.
Fly reels should match the rod and have ample backing capacity. You'll be into the backing in no time!
A smooth drag is essential. Good reels for this purpose are made by Penn, Ross, Lamson and
Scientific-Anglers. If you fear skinned knuckles, Fin-Nor makes an Anti-Reverse model that lets the
handle remain stationary. Otherwise, use the plain old-fashioned regular model and join the blackened
while Redfishing crowd.
SPINNING
The same spinning outfits designed for Striped Bass and Bluefish are ideal for Reds. A 7-foot rod
designed for 12 to 20 lb test monofilament is ideal for casting from boats. The reel should have an
easy-starting drag and enough capacity to hold 200 yards of 12 to 20-lb line.
Sometimes smaller diametered line works better than regular mono. Thinner line such as Bagley
Excalibur or Silver Thread co-polymer, or anything similar, is a good choice. It puts more yardage on
the reel and casts easier than larger diametered line.
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