The Tampa Bay Times

he Fort Desoto area is a great area to find some Redfish action. To start the day out, I will find a shoreline where mullet is jumping and start there. This time of year, when the water temps are high, mullet lets you know a couple of things, there is enough oxygen in the water, and they are over a good grassy area.  Redfish forage in the grass looking for crabs and shrimp. Redfish are probably the wariest fish in our area.  If you use a trolling motor, use the lowest setting possible, this will allow you to get close to the school.  A high setting will spook any fish that is around and make them hard to find.  I have seen schools break up and disappear in the blink of an eye.  I take my time and figure out what area reds are concentrating around and any path the fish are traveling. Once the area looks fishable, I will spread out 4 rods with cut bait. I like to use ten-pound braided tackle when targeting these bottom foragers. The braided line allows me to set up with the wind behind my back and make a long cast.  The further away I can stay from the fish the better.  Twenty-pound camouflage leader with a 2/0 circle hook will provide a high hook up ratio.  A circle hook is designed to slowly set itself when using cut bait. When the line comes tight, don’t set the hook, just reel.

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