Fishing in Tampa bay during the summer months provides exceptional flats fishing for Redfish. As the big schools of breeder females begin to push on the flats for mating they are also in search of their next meal and as anglers that is where we come in. These over slot redfish will be feeding on any baitfish and crustaceans that cross their path. For most inshore anglers spotting a school of Redfish on the flats creates an instant rush that gets the heart pounding. Rushing towards the school is not what you want to do in that situation, instead take a deep breath and monitor the pattern that the school is taking. This will significantly increase the odds of hooking up.
Stealth should be one of your top priorities while stalking a school of Redfish. A push pole offers the stealthiest approach at the fish, if you have a trolling motor the suggestion is to use it on the lowest thrust possible. Another option is to anchor your boat and wade to the fish. If you wish to target the over slot fish make sure to position yourself towards the front of the school and out of their predicted path; keep a sufficient amount of distance from the school. Remember that smaller Redfish (males) will be trailing the larger females; this will be your slot fish if you decide to harvest one for dinner.
Presentation will be key in getting a bite, try to make your cast out in front of the school or behind it. Casting on top of the fish at times has provided a reaction strike but it mainly tends to spook them.
Pictured below are a few products proven to catch Redfish.
We hope that these techniques work for you as well as they have worked for Inshore Society. Please feel free to contact our Captains with any questions.
Tight Lines!