2.125x4.75PaddlerMagSUTAdV2 2/9/10 4:52 PM Page 1 LIP GRIPPER • Ultra Lightweight TACTICS


DOA shrimp, extra spicy. PHOTOS: BRIAN COPE


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Red Hot Lures


LEAVE LIVE BAIT BEHIND—THESE REDFISH LURES WON’T DISAPPOINT BY BRIAN COPE


Kayak anglers can seek redfish where other boaters can’t. It takes mere inch- es for these fish—even large ones—to swim and feed. Acres of flats, creeks and lagoons are too shallow for power boaters, leaving vast numbers of red- fish for skinny water kayakers. What are the secrets to catching them once there? Like all fishing, the tactics vary depending on conditions, but there are some techniques all kayak anglers should employ while searching for red- fish in late summer and early fall.


TOPWATER Lures such as Zara Spooks, Badonk-a- donks and Yo-Zuri Sliders are all excellent topwater baits for redfish, and using a walk the dog technique often results in a spec- tacular strike. Other times, twitching the bait with irregular pauses will do the trick. Pick a fight with a redfish by throwing top- water baits above oyster beds on a rising tide or tight against grass lines, especially in the early morning.


PLASTIC SHRIMP Soft plastic lures are great options. Fished alone, baits such the DOA Shrimp or Z-Man Ultra Shrimp should be bounced along the bottom slowly and with the current. Fished at low tide around the mouths of smaller creeks, this is truly a deadly approach. At high tide, drift the shrimp under a popping cork next to grass lines and above oyster


26… KAYAK ANGLER FALL/WINTER 2010


beds. Twitch it every 20 seconds to pro- duce the popping noise, drawing attention to the lure.


GRUBS Paddletail grubs like Z-Man Minnowz and DOA Shad Tails are effective when paired with jigheads and fished along the bottom. Redfish mouths are perfectly shaped for plucking baits off the ocean floor, so you’re always in the zone when fishing these lures. During low tide, look for narrow pas- sages that act as funnels. Grubs dragged along the bottom, either on jigheads or Carolina-rigged, will seem like easy meals for redfish sitting in ambush. Trolling grubs while drifting with the current is another proven technique.


SPINNERS It’s tough to beat the Redfish Magic or oth- er similar spinnerbaits. Inshore cover such as downed trees, shell-lined banks, grass lines or bridge pilings are good areas to try these lures, and tossing one into a school of baitfish is also productive. Reel at different speeds until you discover what’s working.


DETAILS These lures and techniques should be fished on medium to medium-heavy rods. 20-pound braid is good for the main line. The invisibility of a fluorocarbon leader adds stealth, a small detail that can make a big difference when fish are finicky.


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