Redfish & black drum

My latest fishing trip was an absolute blast, and I wanted to share some of my go-to tactics for landing those feisty redfish and powerful black drum. It's a thrill every time! One of the first steps to a successful trip is knowing where to look. For redfish, I often target shallow flats, oyster beds, and marsh edges. They love to cruise these areas feeding. Black drum, on the other hand, tend to prefer deeper channels, bridge pilings, and wrecks. I've found that having a reliable fish finder, like my GARMIN, really helps in pinpointing those deeper structures where black drum often congregate, especially when I'm exploring new spots in the Louisiana winter. When it comes to bait, variety is key, but I have a few favorites that rarely let me down. For redfish, live shrimp is hard to beat. They just can't resist it! If live bait isn't available, cut mullet or a Gulp! shrimp under a popping cork works wonders. For black drum, especially the larger ones, a cracked blue crab or a chunk of fresh cut mullet on the bottom is usually my best bet. They're scavengers, so anything with a strong scent will attract them. My typical setup for both species involves a medium-heavy spinning rod paired with a durable reel spooled with 30-40 lb braided line. I always add a fluorocarbon leader, usually 20-30 lb test, as it's less visible in the water. For hooks, I swear by circle hooks – they're great for preventing gut hooks and making releases easier, which is important for conservation. A simple Carolina rig or a popping cork rig are my most common presentations, depending on the depth and current. Patience is a virtue, especially when targeting drum fish. Once you cast your bait, let it sit and wait for the bite. Redfish often give a strong, decisive tug, while black drum can sometimes be more subtle, feeling like a gentle tap or just added weight. When you feel a bite, resist the urge to set the hook hard; instead, just reel down until you feel the fish and then lift the rod to let the circle hook do its job. Fighting these fish is an experience – they're strong and put up a great fight, especially in the cold water of winter. Remember to take photos and release responsibly if you're not keeping them for a meal! Hopefully, these tips help you on your next redfish and black drum adventure. There's nothing quite like the thrill of reeling in one of these magnificent fish!