A pop, a swirl, and - BAM! North Carolina redfish harbor an inherent ill will toward topwater plugs and poppers and when dragged across the surface, the enticing action gurgling, popping and sliding sparks reds to strike with reckless abandon. Topwaters send out the siren call to any reds lying down low or hugging a bank in the area and present the perfect option to start throwing as searchbaits when investigating a spot.
"Red drum especially love topwaters during summer as their metabolism is high and they are aggressive on the spawn," said Captain Wayne Justice, who specializes in targeting red drum along the Crystal Coast of North Carolina. "Mullet and menhaden get pushed up against the sodbanks where reds corral and crush them in punishing pursuit. Presentation and enticing motion are key to eliciting a successful surface strike. "I'll throw a long cast then walk the dog back with steady cadence," notes Justice. "You may pull them off the bank and get a swing and a miss, but don't stop until the lure gets back to you as they follow, many times hitting it right at your feet." A rapid side to side walk the dog motion on a spook or slidebait almost acts like training a dog to follow a pheasant, convincing the red to keep its nose targeted in pursuit.
Weather conditions will determine the size and shape of lures to choose. On calmer days, Justice opts to throw smaller 2 to 4 inch baits baits such as the Live Target Minnow Jerkbait. When things get choppy and sloppy, a larger size lure of 4 to 6 inches like the Oto Diving Pencil is needed to stand out among the rippy mix. "A key is to play the water condition properly, by working the popper so it stands out, but to keep it at a pace that's not too fast or too slow according to the resistance felt in the water," adds Justice.
Mullet Swimbait
Oto Diving Pencil
Minnow Jerkbait
XP+ Braided Line
Demon Perfect® Braid
White, gold, and silver color patterns seem to resound with redfish, but color choice doesn't matter as much as the presentation does, according to Justice. "Day to day, the fish dictates to you how aggressive they are and how you work the lure. Some days it may be a bit slower, sometimes faster, so long as you make it sound right, they will attack recklessly. The cadence and noise is like ringing a dinner bell."
While North Carolina redfish are primed to smack topwaters, any red drum habitat in Florida, Louisiana, Texas, South Carolina, and Mississippi will find similar results.