Top Lures for Catching Redfish in Southwest Florida
Introduction
Southwest Florida is home to some of the best redfish waters in the country, from grassy flats and mangrove shorelines to oyster bars and backwater creeks. To consistently catch redfish here, having the right lures in your tackle box is key. Below, we’ll go over the top-performing lures for redfish in SWFL, when to use them, and how to work them for success.
Soft Plastic Jerkbaits
Soft plastics are a staple for inshore anglers. Rigged weedless on an extra-wide gap hook, they glide naturally through the grass where redfish love to feed. Natural colors like pearl, root beer, and watermelon red flake tend to perform best in clear or slightly stained water. For longer casts and better presentation, anglers often add a small belly-weighted hook.
Paddle Tail Swimbaits
A paddle tail swimbait is one of the most consistent producers of redfish strikes year-round. The thumping tail mimics mullet and other baitfish, sending vibrations through the water that redfish can detect even in low visibility. White, silver, and chartreuse colors work especially well in murky water or during low-light conditions. Pairing the lure with a jig head in the 1/8 to 1/4 ounce range helps control depth and presentation.
Gold Spoons
Few lures are as iconic for redfish as the gold spoon. They cover water quickly, flash brightly in sunlight, and draw aggressive strikes from cruising fish. A weedless gold spoon in the quarter-ounce range is a favorite among SWFL anglers. The best technique is a slow, steady retrieve that allows the spoon to wobble just above grass edges or bounce off oyster bars.
Topwater Walk-the-Dog Baits
Nothing compares to the excitement of a redfish exploding on a topwater lure. Early mornings and calm evenings are the prime times for this style of fishing. A walk-the-dog lure creates a side-to-side action that mimics an injured baitfish. Bone and chrome colors are local favorites. The key is to keep your cadence steady and wait until you feel the fish’s weight before setting the hook.
Shrimp Imitations
Artificial shrimp lures shine in the backwaters, especially around mangrove roots and sandy potholes. They are most effective during the colder months when shrimp make up a large part of a redfish’s diet. Colors such as natural brown, glow, and clear with glitter imitate real shrimp closely. A slow, hopping retrieve is the best way to trigger strikes.
Conclusion
Redfish in Southwest Florida respond best to versatile lures that match their natural forage. Soft plastics, paddle tails, gold spoons, topwater lures, and shrimp imitations each have a time and place. By keeping a mix of these in your tackle box, you’ll be prepared for different tides, seasons, and water conditions. The more you experiment with presentations, the better you’ll become at dialing in what the redfish want.
