Bull redfish, the larger relatives of the common redfish, captivate anglers with their powerful fight and sheer size. Capt. Shane Traylor with Bona Fide Inshore Charters, an experienced angler with years spent fishing in the southern waters of Alabama, shares insights into targeting these fish using both artificial lures and live baits. Here’s a look at what he had to say about the thrills, techniques, and best practices of bull redfish fishing.
Early Encounters with Bull Redfish
Capt. Shane recalls his first encounter with a bull redfish near Fowl River Bridge, describing the unforgettable feeling of battling a fish that showed no signs of fatigue, even as it fought around bridge pilings. “I’d hooked big stripers and catfish before, but this was different. With bull reds, you feel the raw power of a fish that isn’t going to give up easily.” His love for bull reds grew from that initial fight, pushing him to learn more about their habits and behavior.
Using Artificial Lures to Target Bull Redfish
Artificial lures, according to Capt. Shane, provide versatility and allow anglers to cover more water quickly. He highlights that, while live bait is always effective, there’s something especially rewarding about tricking a bull red with a well-chosen lure.
He’s found that larger lures can be cast long distances, a big advantage when trying to reach these fish in open waters. His recommendations include topwater lures during the late summer and fall, especially around schools of menhaden, or “pogies,” which attract bull reds. “Topwater fishing is thrilling because you can see five or six bull reds fighting over the bait. Removing some of the treble hooks can help avoid injuring the fish too much, and a single hook at the back often works best.”
For subsurface lures, Capt. Shane favors big bucktails with curly-tail grubs and soft plastic swimbaits. Colors and profiles don’t need to be complicated; anything that mimics local baitfish typically works. He stresses that high energy, erratic retrievals are the most effective, as bull reds are more likely to attack a lure that’s darting quickly and unpredictably.
Adapting to Water Conditions and Seasonal Shifts
In terms of water clarity and temperature, Capt. Shane notes that bull reds can be found in a range of environments, from crystal-clear Gulf waters to the muddy waters of the Delta. Rather than overthinking water conditions, he focuses on timing, with fall being particularly fruitful. Seasonal changes also affect where he searches for fish: during colder months, he heads to the Delta’s deeper waters, where current is abundant and baitfish are often present.
Live Bait Recommendations for Bull Redfish
Capt. Shane is a fan of live bait, especially pogies and mullet. Pogies are usually abundant, and a single net cast can supply more than enough bait for a trip. “If you’re in a productive area, live bait draws attention and covers water on its own. Pogies act erratic and move around a lot, making them perfect for drawing a bull red’s interest.” When targeting bull reds, he opts for strong hooks, often 3x or 4x strength, to handle the aggressive fish without bending or breaking…