Leaders for Redfish When Casting Jigs

Which leader is the best choice when you’re tossing artificials for redfish? It sounds like a simple question… right? Redfish are strong fish and the right tackle selection is important including leaders.

In truth, there are several different variables to take into account. But before we ever go there, let’s dispel one myth one often hears bandied about: red drum have poor eyesight, so leader choice really isn’t all that important in the first place. Balderdash. While they may not have eyes as keen as those found on species like tunas or billfish, they can see just fine – just ask anyone who’s ever fly-cast a streamer or a crab fly to a red while sight fishing. So, what gives folks this impression? Perhaps the fact that they do also utilize their other senses more than some species (hence the effectiveness of spoons and spinnerbaits which create vibrations they can hone in on). Or, maybe it’s just because their eyes look small relative to some other fish. Whatever – don’t believe it for a second.

Because these fish can, yes, actually see okay, using fluorocarbon leaders is never a bad move. We could argue all day over whether it’s “necessary” or not. But when you get right down to the bottom line, fluoro is less visible than other forms of mono and using it can’t ever hurt.

So, what size fluorocarbon is best? Here, things become very debatable. In open waters casting light tackle, 20-pound fluoro is generally considered a good pick for leaders. If big fish are around, 30- or even 40-pound might be in order. But even more important to consider than fish size is bottom composition. If you’re casting to jagged bottom like oyster beds or around an artificial reef, 20 pound test will get shredded up in short order and a nick or three here and there will quickly deteriorate the line’s strength. Fishing over soft bottom or grass, on the other hand, doesn’t present the same complication.

Fortunately, we can boil this down to one simple starting point: begin with 20-pound fluoro unless it’s out-classed by the fish in the area, and after a dozen or so casts if it’s not nicked or abraded, stick with it. If it feels roughed up, on the other hand, switch out to 30 pound test. Tie a jig to anything heavier than that, and you’re likely to cut the number of bites you get by quite a bit – regardless of all those folks who say redfish can’t see worth a darn.

Lenny Rudow