It’s redfish spawning season in our local waters of the North Indian River Lagoon. Actually, the main spawn is likely to be September & October with a few early spawners in mid to late August.
Anglers who pay close attention to the open waters of the Lagoon’s deeper basins may find large groups of trophy redfish. These fish often assemble near spoil islands along the Intracostal Channel, but not exclusively. Many of these breeders move freely about in the deepest areas of the lagoon I call the “big middle”.
Please keep in mind; these fish are still going to be spooky. A stealthy approach will yield better results than barreling through a school with a trolling motor on “high.” I try to stay just in casting range of a school and offer my bait or lure to the fish on the perimeter of the group, focusing on the leading edge of a school in motion.
While it is certainly possible to find a school of these monsters resting and rafting almost motionless near the water’s surface, do not expect it. Once these fish realize they are being hunted they tend to wander, not stopping until they distance themselves from the source of their perceived threat.
Yes, they can and will be caught as they wander and amble about. These fish are often voracious, especially after a night’s spawn. We’ll be throwing Exude RT Slugs and Exude Shrimp to them while they’re keeping still. Once they start moving my favorite approach to catching these aggressive fish is with a large top-water plug and there are several we’ve had good luck using. I’m especially excited to try the big Fender Walker from Banks Lures. I’ve had great luck using the 4.25 inch Walker and relish the idea of throwing the 7 inch model soon.
These fish are eating silver mullet for the most part and offering them a live mullet or a chunk of the same is a great option. Ladyfish chunks work extremely well too and a lively pinfish will seldom be refused. Please remember to “tackle-up” when pursuing these trophies. It is important to land them quickly, handle them well and revive them completely before returning them to their school.
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