With the weather warming with the arrival of Spring, I like to get back to throwing a lot more topwater plugs for Redfish. I like 2500 and 3000 series Shimano Stradics, Sustains and Vanfords. I spool my reels with 12# FINS Windtamer braid and pair with M and ML fast action rods. I use a short piece of 20# fluorocarbon leader, about 8” tied to the mainline with an Albright knot. Mono will work as well, but I just use fluorocarbon leader for simplicity. It’s what I already have on the boat and use for everything else.
There are a lot of topwater plugs on the market and they will all work. My favorites are MirrOlure She Pup, MirrOlure Top Dog Jr, MirrOlure She Dog, MirrOlure Top Dog and Zara Spook Jr’s.
The She Pup and She Dog are higher frequency plugs, which means they are louder. They work in all waters but they will really shine on windy days and in the chop. They are also a little more buoyant which makes them easier to work in a chop. The Top Dog and Top Dog JR are low frequency plugs. That simply means they are not as loud and will work better in slick calm conditions. The Spook Jr is a classic one knocker plug and trout love them. The first thing I do with all my topwater plugs is change out the factory hooks. I replace them with #2 VMC 4x strong permasteel or black nickel trebles. You will be glad you did.
Topwater plugs are good for covering ground while searching but when you do find a group try not to plop it directly into the school unless they are actively feeding and crashing bait. Throw past the school and bring it across them or across the front of the Reds. I like a steady retrieve, not too slow, not too fast and make sure you don’t snatch it away from them when they blow up on it. I have clients every year that struggle with that. The Redfish will continue to hit the plug if one misses it and will usually continue to hit it until one connects. Get out there and beat some banks with a topwater and see what you wake up with it this spring.
