Top 5 Lures for Redfish with William Toney

Top 5 Redfish Lures: Proven Artificial and Hybrid Tactics

Redfish lure selection determines success because these fish respond differently to various presentations based on water clarity, depth, current, and feeding mood. Captain William Toney's top five lure choices represent proven producers across diverse coastal environments, but understanding why each lure works and when to deploy specific options separates anglers who catch redfish consistently from those who cycle through tackle boxes hoping for results. Effective redfish fishing requires matching lure characteristics to conditions rather than relying on a single approach regardless of what the water presents.

Why Do Popping Corks Rigged with Artificial Bait Outperform Pure Artificials?

Popping cork rigs combine surface disturbance that attracts redfish from distance with the natural action and scent profile of live or artificial bait suspended below. The hybrid approach works because the cork creates feeding commotion that triggers competitive responses while the bait provides the realistic presentation that converts curious fish into strikes. This combination excels when covering grass flats or working areas where redfish are scattered and need auditory cues to locate your offering. The technique struggles in strong current where maintaining depth control becomes difficult or in extremely shallow water where cork splash spooks wary fish.

What Makes Certain Spoons More Effective Than Others for Redfish?

Spoon selection involves weight, finish, and action characteristics that change how lures perform in different conditions. Weedless spoons allow fishing heavy grass without constant fouling while heavier spoons reach bottom quickly in deeper channels and cuts where redfish hold. Gold and silver finishes produce differently based on water clarity and light conditions. Captain Toney explains which spoons work in specific scenarios rather than suggesting one universal choice.

How Do Soft Plastics Imitate Natural Prey and Trigger Strikes?

Modern soft plastics replicate baitfish, shrimp, and crabs with remarkable realism in both appearance and swimming action. Paddle tail designs create vibration that redfish detect in stained water. Shrimp and crab imitations work around oyster bars and marsh edges where redfish feed on crustaceans. Color selection, retrieve speed, and rigging method all affect whether soft plastics produce or get ignored by selective fish.

When Do Topwater Plugs Produce Explosive Redfish Strikes?

Topwater plugs generate visual excitement but work best during specific conditions including low light periods, calm water, and when redfish are actively feeding shallow. Plug size affects casting distance and the size class of fish you attract. Color selection and presentation action including walking the dog versus steady retrieves change strike rates based on redfish mood and environmental conditions.