Among the most popular pursed species by anglers around the East Coast and all the way down to the Gulf of Mexico, is the Redfish. As one of the strongest fighters in shallow waters they make for quite a game, not to mention a delicious dinner.

The redfish may be caught under varying circumstances with different tackles and techniques. While challenging, they aren’t as difficult to catch as snooks and tarpons that usually occupy the same waterways.

The most commonly used type of reel for redfish is the spinning tackle, because of its overall effectiveness and ease of use. As redfish is found in shallow waters you are likely to fish in tight places, around vegetations, mangroves, or oysters bars. Catching redfish requires anglers to work top-water baits, lures, and jigs with finesse.

Suitable Spinning Rods and Reels for Catching Redfish:

For catching redfish, you need a 7-foot spinning rod that can range between moderated- to fast-action. Since red fishes can be found away from shallow waters as well a moderate- to fast-action spinning rod will allow you to adapt to different types of situations. A fast-action rod is usually better when sensitivity is a factor when working soft baits and jigs. While a slow-action rod gives a longer cast to deliver lures and spoons at a range.

Couple the 7-foot spinning rod with a medium sized spinning reel. The ultra light spinning reels maybe more fun, a medium sized reel between 2500 and 4000 will provide the appropriate line length needed, all the while limiting the trauma the fish sustains in the long fight.

Opt for a spinning reel with low gear-ratio. Redfish are rather powerful, using a low gear-ratio will make the spool revolve comparatively slower when cranking the handle, giving you enough power to muscle the redfish out from nearby reefs.

Recommended Models

St Croix Legend Xtreme Inshore Spinning Rod

This St Croix Spinning rod is from ICAST and relatively new, designed especially for saltwater and inshore angling. Featuring new technology for taper enhancement, these rods have a blank design that offers a curved pattern for improved spinning action as well as increased sensitivity. These St Croix Legend Xtreme Inshore rods are durable, sensitive, and strong with high-strain SCV graphite/high modulus with carbon-matte scrim and FRS.

St. Croix Premier Spinning Rod

Choosing between brands like St Croix, G Loomis, and Abu Garcia may not be easy, but if your aim is to catch redfish, an all-round rod like St Croix Premier Spinning Rod is what you need. Its adaptable nature makes it ready to use for just about anything.

Shimano Stradic FJ Spinning Reels

When fishing for redfish, you can bank on Stradic FJ spinning reels. The X-ship tech makes this machined handle far easier to turn. Side Plates, graphite rotor, and the paladin gears add durability. The oscillation module is Aero Wrap II that offers a significant drop in line to line friction in longer casts. The integrated propulsion feature facilitates long casts without maximum effort, all the while reducing the chances of tangles, knots, and backlash.