You know times have changed (for the better) when anglers are complaining that most of the redfish they catch are too big for the slot.
And I am not talking in the surf during the bull red run or even at the jetties. I am talking about in the bays and surrounding canal systems.
Anglers who want to catch bull reds in the fall do not have to venture offshore but they can start near the Gulf and work their way north.
Look for reefs and large rock deposists along shorelines north of the jetteies.
The reds in these areas tend to move through in small schools or hold over one piece of rock in large numbers.
I use large, lipless crankbaits like the Bomber Saltwater Grade Super Pogy and start by seeking out menhaden (shad) suspended over submerged rocks. The key here is to look for the “cover on the cover”. In other words the jetties themselves represent a type of cover but the fish will bond to certain kids. Reds tend to like large boulders that have fallen of the main wall holes carved into the rocks by the current.
Once I locate the bait on these spots, I throw out the Super Pogy, let it sink down to the level of the baitfish and rip it. I will pull a few feet, reel. Pull a few feet and reel. Most of the times the reds will hit just after the first pull and will even hit on the fall.
Something to keep in mind, if there are dolphins feeding in the area consider fortunate. In my logbook, I have noted that every time I have caught lots of bull reds there have been dolphins feeding in the vicinity. The few times we had few fish there were no dolphins feeding. The presence of dolphins is a great indicator of the presence of menhaden which in my opinion is the key to success on bull redfish, especially at jetties but it can also be an indicator in the channel.
Another option for big reds are in the Intracoastal from the just past the Gulf and upwards of 10 miles north. If you run this area on your depth finder, you will notice large pods of baitfish that sort of stack up. Most of the time it is menhaden but often it can be mullet. Both will draw in these big reds, which tend to suspend below the bait.
Deep diving crankbaits are the key here as these reds will suspend as deep as 20 feet of water. Anglers can cast smaller crankbaits or use trolling plugs ran through the baitfish schools at a medium pace. Live baiters can simply fish a Carolina-rigged croaker or mullet.
If you do not want to troll for these fish, drifting is a viable option. Drop some marker buoys around the baitfish schools and then drift over them while throwing the lures you choose to fish. Be very mindful of the depth you are getting struck and mark. Most of the times these reds will be in a very specific area and may not deviate even a few feet.