Catching Bait for Redfish: A Guide to Baitfish and Techniques

When it comes to targeting redfish, having the right bait can make all the difference. While artificial lures are effective in certain situations, nothing beats the natural appeal of live or freshly caught bait. Redfish are opportunistic feeders, and understanding what bait they prefer — and how to catch it — will increase your chances of landing more fish.

Best Baitfish for Redfish

Redfish feed on a wide range of small fish and crustaceans, but some baits consistently produce results. Mullet are one of the most common, with both finger mullet (3–6 inches) and larger mullet working well. Finger mullet are perfect live, while bigger ones can be cut into chunks. Pinfish are another top choice — hardy, abundant, and easy to keep alive in a livewell. Pilchards, also known as scaled sardines, whitebait, or greenbacks, are a redfish favorite. These shiny baitfish are highly attractive when used live, and many anglers also chum with them to fire up a school. Menhaden, often called pogies, gather in large schools and are irresistible to big reds. And while not technically baitfish, shrimp and small crabs are rarely turned down by redfish and are worth keeping in the mix.

How to Catch Your Own Bait

Buying bait at the tackle shop is convenient, but catching your own is often more rewarding, cost-effective, and gives you fresh, lively options. Here are the two most common ways to do it.

1. Cast Nets

A cast net is one of the most efficient tools for loading up on bait. For beginners, a 6–8 ft radius net is easier to handle and still catches plenty of bait. More experienced anglers often throw nets with an 8–10 ft radius, which cover more water and are excellent for mullet, pilchards, or greenbacks. Pros sometimes use 12 ft or larger nets, but those require skill and practice.

Mesh size also matters. A ¼-inch mesh is best for pilchards, greenbacks, and threadfin herring because it prevents small baitfish from getting stuck. A ⅜-inch mesh is the most versatile, great for pilchards, pinfish, and finger mullet — and it’s the ideal all-around choice for most redfish anglers. A ½-inch mesh works better for larger mullet and menhaden when you want to avoid scooping up tiny fry. Overall, an 8 ft net with ⅜-inch mesh is a reliable setup for redfish bait.

Look for mullet schools near shorelines, grass flats, and mangrove edges. Pilchards and greenbacks often gather around bridges, markers, and sandy shoals. Approach quietly to avoid spooking the school, and always use a livewell with good aeration to keep your bait alive.

2. Sabiki Rigs

Sabiki rigs are excellent for catching smaller baitfish like pinfish, sardines, threadfin herring, and greenbacks. The rig consists of multiple small hooks dressed with shiny material or tipped with tiny bait pieces. Drop it near structure such as piers, bridges, or channel markers, and baitfish will quickly school up around it.

Hook size is important. For pilchards and greenbacks, #4 to #6 hooks work best, while pinfish or slightly larger bait may require #2 hooks. Most sabiki rigs are tied with 10–20 lb test, which is strong enough for baitfish yet light enough to get consistent bites. At the bottom, attach a sinker — usually 1–2 oz in shallow water or up to 3 oz in deeper passes or stronger currents. The goal is to keep the rig vertical in the water without swinging too much. Drop it straight down and gently jig with small, subtle movements to imitate plankton or tiny shrimp. Overworking the rig can spook fish, so let the bait come to you.

Storing and Handling Bait

Keeping bait healthy is just as important as catching it. Livewells with strong circulation are the best way to keep a large load of bait lively. For smaller amounts, a bucket with a portable aerator can keep bait alive long enough for a fishing trip. If you’re fishing with cut bait like mullet or menhaden chunks, keep them on ice to maintain freshness.

Final Thoughts

Catching your own bait is part of the redfish experience — it connects you to the ecosystem and sets you up for success on the water. Whether you’re tossing a cast net at sunrise for finger mullet, loading the livewell with greenbacks, or working a sabiki rig under a bridge for pinfish, the extra effort pays off with more hookups and bigger redfish.