Jetty Fishing For Monster Fall Redfish
What You Need.
Let’s start with the rod. I found that the best rod to use is a medium-heavy action, 7 1/2-foot rod with a larger size reel due to both the rocks and the larger fish that I know I’ll catch. The stiffness of the rod allows me to make sure that the fish has taken the bait and hooked before I set the hook. With a light rod, many times I would try to set the hook prematurely. I like to use a 50# test mono line, about 10-12 inches long for my leader with a 30# braid line on a 2500 reel. I use the heavier leader in the event I have to horse the fish out of the rocks.
When it comes to lures, your choice is endless. I keep a wide array of colors, shapes, and sizes, I keep changing them up until I start getting consistent Redfish hits.
Location And Why Now?
It’s that time of year when the Redfish start moving looking for the migrating baits. The water is becoming cooler and the Reds are more active. That can only mean many of them will be moving out the inlets and jetties to enjoy the banquet. It’s a great time to come out of the creeks and head out the inlets to fish for some of those hungry Bull Reds. It’s an annual event that’s both fun and productive. However, it’s somewhat different than fishing for Reds in the somewhat calm environment of the inshore creeks where you’re normally fishing for Redfish. For that my friend you need to change your game considerably.
Before You Go, You Should Know!
Fishing the jetties and inlets is far different than fishing inside. There are multiple important factors that you have to deal with.
- The inlets will oftentimes have considerable traffic which means possible wakes. This impacts your ability to stand in the bumpy conditions caused by wakes as well as the fast running tides. Don’t be a macho man. Wear a PFD at all times. Everyone on the boat should as well. Also, never go by yourself. In the event you need help, it will be there.
- Have a backup anchor. Anchoring near the jetties can often result in a hung anchor on the rocks below. Believe me, I know this from experience. Also, stay a good distance from the rocks for many reasons.
- Never anchor close to other boats. With the boat traffic and the current, your anchor could break free and you end up slamming a nearby boat. It’s a good way to ding another boat, or even your own, and start a fight when you return to the boat ramp.
- Keep the engine running in the event the anchor breaks loose. See #2. and #3. If you need to make a quick move, having the engine running suddenly becomes a stroke of genious.
When You Get There
Anchor up-current of the cut and work the lure against the flow. Throw it out toward the cut, let it sink a few seconds, and then reel it in as fast as you can. The movement of the current will allow the rattles to be even more effective. You’ll also find the big Reds in the deep holes usually found around the southern tip of the jetties. However you can also find these holes holding big Reds all along the jetty walls. A good tactic is to cast just above the waterline onto the rocks themselves and retrieve back into the hole. The Reds many times hit on the first few casts, so be ready. Look for the bigger rocks which is also a popular place for the Redfish to gather.
