Although many anglers are aware that foraging redfish are not nearly as selective as speckled, Skip Floyd and Anthony Beslin understand it’s still important to choose a lure that matches the areas being fished.
“In the marsh and in rock structure, the tail baits I will use include the Al Gag 6-inch Whip-It Eels in both the pearl and yellow colors, as well as Egret Baits’ Wedgetail Mullets in pearl,” Floyd said. “These can be worked effectively along the marsh banks, and on jetty and rock structures.”
Beslin prefers black/chartreuse version Wedgetail Mullet. The team also use tried-and-true redfish getters.
“Spinnerbaits are a must when redfishing,” Beslin said. “I prefer casting the one-piece spinnerbaits like Egret Baits’ Bayou Spins, and the Wedgetail Mullet as a trailer is very effective because that tail moves and twitches.”
Both anglers also fish with Bayou Chubs and pearl Berkley Gulps! under popping corks whenever submerged structure begins eating baits or when they’re fishing the edges of shallow rock shelves and reefs.
Beslin will also use a deep-diving Norman DD22 crankbait when fishing rocks.
“I’ll use it along the Sabine jetties and in the lake where it can be cranked 22-feet down,” the angler said.
And, just as sensitive rods are important for speckled trout, they are relevant for fishing redfish. Not only do they have to be sensitive, but they also have to have enough backbone to put an 8-pounder in the boat quickly because usually there are other redfish in a passing school that have to be cast to immediately before they move away from a location.
Fishing rods are Beslin’s specialty, as he is an owner of Duce Rods. His rods are specially designed with micro-guides twisted around the length of the rod.
“This design allows for longer casts and sensitivity because friction is decreased,” he explained. “For redfishing in the marsh, Skip and I use the medium-heavy rods because of the action and pull of these fish, as well as for working them to the boat quickly.
“For fishing the DD22 crankbait, I will use the heavy Duce rod that is 7 feet, 6 inches in length.”
Both anglers will stay with braided lines due to the long casting and pulling power needed to bring redfish in. Both use various strengths, depending on the application. Floyd prefers FINS Windtamer Braid, whereas Beslin will use PowerPro.