Gents,

I'm looking to try some of the shoals in the bay for some of the Big Reds I've been hearing about (first season fishing here). Can anyone get me headed in the right direction?... What to use for bait, what time of day is best, drifting vs. anchoring, what kind of tackle rigs, etc...

This website has been a lifesaver so far...thanks in advance for the help.

9ft shoals, and the IMG around the Hi rise are great spots, along with shallow sloughs near the es.

blue crab and peeler crab on a fishfinder rig, using a 7-8/0 circle hook. I keep the rod in the holder in freespool with the clicker on until the fish takes it good, then engage the drag before moving the rod. I think the fish need to be hooked before he feels resistance or he will drop the bait.

pretty much summed it up....clams work also.....I use 8/0 gamakatsu octopus circle hooks with about 3' of 80# leader

Tomorrow on the KAYLYN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey ford.

Im in a debate in my head on the leader length. Maybe I can get some more insight on this?

Ive used leader that long and Ive used it at about a foot. My thought is if you can keep the snap near the fishfinder weight and use a shorter leader your bait will stay lower in the water.

Ive had the drag pull off by the boat turning on the anchor or current and seen my bait actually planing off on the surface before. I know that is not good.

Im just thinking about the red drum being more of a bottom feeder, I was thinking about experimenting myself with 6inch leader and trying to keep it tight, and see if I get more fish this year.

Anyone have insight on this?

Eric

I went to a talk on red Drum recently by Steve Wray. He said use a leader as long or a little longer than the fish you expect to catch.

If you think about it when a Drum hits and is on a screaming run away from you, you do not want hs tail hitting your line.

you beat me to that response. The general rule of thumb is your leader should always be longer than the biggest fish you hope to catch. I usually use between a 3 and 4 foot leader for drum and have never had any trouble. If you want to shorten your leader you may want to at least double-line your main (although this tends to create a catch on the FF).

I would also add that fresh (and by fresh I mean fresh, not store bought) bluefish will treat you well. I usually fish 2 lines with bluefish, 1 whole crab and 1 clam/crab sandwich. Wait to see what is working/critters arent hitting, and stick with that. The clam will open you up to catch blacks and some kingfish (sea mullet) that are just awesome to grub on later that night.

I've seen them very short in Frisco Rod N Gun, about 1' or less. I think they are mainly for the surf fishermen though so casting is easier.

I've also heard the theory that it should be as long as the fish you are catching. I'm not sure what to think of that, the angle has to be perfect for it to happen. I use the same rigs for drum and cobia so maybe that's why mine are longer.

Let us know if you experiment with new things.

Brian

i disagree with long leaders from the swivel, but i do tie a long 6-10' shock leader 50# (10 wrap uni on pp and 3-4 wrap uni on mono) on to my mono or power pro and put two beads in between the fish finder. i use a small 4-10" leader from barrel swivel to the hook. this keeps the fish from getting gut hooked. and yes a red will get gut hooked with a circle. keep drags light till you slowly pull up and they are on if they do not take off screeming. make sure if slowly increase drag pressure. hope this helps
casey
btw got another 49 1/4 last night. took 7 hours to do though.