I have never gone fishing for Redfish before. I went ahead and bought two Abu garcia inshore reels put on castaway XP3 7ft M rods. Then I put 30lb power pro with Cajun Thunder Weighted and about 2ft 30lb mono leader. Is this setup good? Not sure what type of hook to use. So, if someone could suggest some (using live shrimp). Thanks

I personally use Mustad Offset Widegap hooks for everything from Trout to Bullreds, Live shrimp, dead shrimp, cut & live mullet & pin perch. You could also use a Gamagatsu Offset Circle hook 6/0-8/0 depending on size of bait. Rig this just like a Carolina Rig and put her on the bottom. All of my reels have either 60# Power Pro Braid on them or Big Game 30# Mono. I try to use WIRE or STEEL Leaders anytime I fish Saltwater for the simple fact almost every Saltwater fish has teeth that will just flat out maul Mono. IF you use Mono go with a good high abrasive line and up the # to atleast 30#.


Rob

OH Yeah and WELCOME TO THE TFF!!!!! Plenty of GREAT folks here.



Rob

your setup seems just fine. I like to fish redfish with a spinning outfit, but what you've got it fine. There's no sense in using live shrimp if you're going to bottom fish for reds specifically. They'll take dead shrimp and cut bait just as well.

I am taking this inshore guide in the Port O'Connor.. Palacios area. Anyone familiar with this area? How do I set up the drag on my reel for redfish? And does it really matter if the fish see the line or not?

redish are not leader/line shy. That's why you can catch them on steel leaders even. Never fished the POC area.

Run down to Port Lavaca or POC...

I have a fish camp in Seadrift, fish from there to POC, Most of my redfish come from sight fishing in back lakes, no need for slinging meat there. You can also find them in lake drains, and channels, if you want to set up and watch the end of a rod.

But...once you experience catching them in shin deep water, nothing else quite makes the grade.

Pat which is better a good redfish in shallow water or a pull shot from the two rod for the match point win?

Set your drag a little loose instead of too tight to start. You will learn how you like it after you catch a few. Be very careful, DO NOT put a finger under the braided line or hold it between your fingers to check for light bite. If a big fish grabs and runs, that braid will cut right through you. On the bigger fish, you will know when I has it!

what fish camp did you have pat?

Well since you are talking about me getting my finger cut off..LOL..I switched it out with 20 lb mono and going to put a 30lb mono leader. Thanks for the heads up!

stick with braid

definately braid. I've never seen anyone loose a finger before while using braid.........wait........I take that back. My buddy did cast off a chunk of meat off his finger awhile back....
hahaha

i second that... my first cast using 80lb braid.. took a lil chunk of meat off my middle finger