Most anglers know the classic redfish baits like mullet, menhaden, shrimp, or crabs. But sometimes, it pays to think a little differently or even go strange with your bait choices.
When looking for unusual baits some have tried for redfish we found three that stood out.
And the first one is flat out weird, but it does seem like it could work.
One example is chicken gizzards. They’re tough, bloody, and stay on a hook longer than soft baits like shrimp or cut mullet. The scent alone can draw in redfish nosing around the flats or marsh edges. Some anglers have used gizzards, soaking them in fish oil or menhaden oil for extra scent. They can be cut into small chunks, threaded onto a circle hook, and fished right on the bottom near oyster beds or creek mouths where redfish feed.
Another effective option is blue crab claws. Everyone knows reds love crabs, but instead of tossing aside the claws, you can use them as bait on their own. A cracked claw leaks scent and has just the right crunch to get a redfish’s attention. Hook them through the joint to keep them secure, then drop them near pilings, oyster reefs, or jetty rocks where crabs naturally live. Smaller claws from fiddler crabs or juvenile blue crabs also work well if you’re targeting slot-sized fish rather than bull reds.
Finally, fresh oysters can be deadly in the right spots. Redfish often nose through the mud and shell piles looking for them, but oysters are rarely used as bait because they’re messy, fragile, and don’t stay on a hook well. Their rich odor, however, is exactly what can draw in a red. If you shuck a few from the marsh, you can thread the meat onto a hook, sometimes using mesh or elastic thread to hold it together, and cast around oyster bars or muddy creek mouths where reds naturally forage. Using several pieces of oyster on the same hook creates a stronger scent trail that can bring fish in from farther away.
These baits might seem strange, but that’s exactly why they work. When redfish have seen every mullet chunk or live shrimp that hits the water, giving them something different can make the difference between a slow day and a memorable one.