RUNNING WITH THE BULLS
Redfish spend the first five years of their lives in the estuary system into which they are born. As they become sexually active at about five years of age Reds move from the rivers and creeks to open ocean waters. These adult Redfish are called Bull Reds. Bull Reds spend the rest of their lives, up to 50 years, in the ocean except for about two months each fall and spring. During these times they return to inshore and near shore haunts where they grew up and spent their pre adult years. Bull Reds prefer sounds, inlets and the mouths of ocean creeks. They will return to the same sand bar year after year, meaning if you catch one there will be others in the same spot in future years.
The fishing technique is simple, anchor the boat and put out up to four bottom rigs. I like Abu Garcia reels and Shakespeare 50 pound class Rods. Forty pound Mono line works well; the line stretch enables the angler to tighten down on the drag while minimizing line brakeage. A six foot length of 80 pound mono is used for leader. Place a swivel on the top and secure a for ounce egg sinker near the top of the leader with crimps, and tie on a 7/0 circle hook on the business end. Cut mullet, whiting and menhaden are all good baits. It is illegal to keep Redfish over 23 inches in Georgia. All Bulls should be released unharmed. Redfish under 14 inches are also illegal.
TAKE A KID FISHING. Coastal Expeditions Charter Fishing & Dolphin Tours is operated by Captains Vernon Reynolds and Eric Moody. To book a tour or for more information call (912) 265-0392 or go to www.coastalcharterfishing.com.
