How to Catch Redfish - Spring Fishing with William Toney

As the waters warm on the Big Bend side of Florida redfish will be on the move from their traditional winter spots. Coves and wind blocked shorelines that held redfish during cool weather will become less productive as they will move more towards outside passes and keys. The reason for this is because of more abundant food sources. Mud covered bottom is not as good as limestone and turtle grass bottom when it come to holding countless numbers of pinfish, shrimp and crabs. The more open area of water also has a greater tidal flow that is important for moving bait fish to the hungry mouths of sport fish.

I like to target spring redfish with artificial baits during the spring because they are aggressive. Conditions I look for are good incoming tide or the first part of the high outgoing. The deeper waters allow access for redfish to the shallows that harbor all the bait. The last hour of incoming tide is especially good near the new and full moons. Areas that have good current and tidal flow like cuts between keys, western facing points and creek mouths are the spots to target.

One of the most tried and true redfish lures for spring fishing is the gold spoon. It is easy to use because just reeling it back in is all that is needed to produce it's timeless wobble. The wobble of the gold spoon mimics a dying or injured bait fish and will most always create a reaction strike when the fish spot it. I like to use a 1/4 oz. spoon because it is a little more forgiving around the rocky bottom that the redfish lay up in. One thing I let anglers know when fishing with a gold spoon is to get it close to the edge of the key as possible and start the retrieve immediately so not to hang the bottom.

Keeping all this in mind, remember stealth is still important as covering a spot with some patience.

Happy Fishing,

Capt. William Toney

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