Red Drum Fishing Rigs

Red drum, or redfish, are a favorite among anglers for their tenacious fights and versatility across coastal environments. From the crashing waves of the surf to the calm waters of inshore marshes, the right red drum fishing rigs can make all the difference. This comprehensive guide explores the best surf fishing rigs for red drum, pier setups, and inshore techniques, answering key questions like how to rig for red fish fishing, how to tie a red fish rig, and how to rig up to fish for red drum with shrimp.

Learn Different Types of Red Fish Rigs

Fish Finder Rig

A fish finder rig is a fishing setup with a sliding sinker and leader, ideal for detecting bites while bottom fishing for redfish

Owen Lupton Drum Rig

An Owen Lupton Drum Rig is a fishing setup with a circle hook, short leader, and fixed egg sinker, designed for safe bull redfish release.

Carolina Rig

A Carolina rig is a fishing setup with a sliding weight, bead, swivel, leader, and hook, perfect for dragging soft plastics along the bottom.

Popping Cork Rig

A popping cork rig is a fishing setup with a buoyant cork and bait, used to create noise and attract fish in shallow waters.

Cannonball Rig

A cannonball rig is a fishing setup using a heavy sinker and leader, designed for botttom fishing to target redfish .

High Low Rig

A high low rig is a fishing setup with two hooks at different depths, great for targeting multiple fish species like red drum.

Knocker Rig

A knocker rig is a fishing setup with a sliding sinker above a hook, perfect for bottom fishing in strong currents.

Texas Fishing Rig

A Texas fishing rig is a weedless setup featuring a bullet weight, a hook, and a soft plastic bait, ideal for fishing in heavy cover.

Jig Rigs

A jig rig is a fishing setup using a weighted jig head and a barrel swivel, connected by a line, designed to attract red fish.

Understanding Different Rigs for Fishing for Red Drum

A fishing rig is a combination of hooks, leaders, weights, and swivels designed to present bait or lures effectively. For red drum, rigs must withstand strong fights and adapt to diverse environments like surf, piers, or shallow flats.

Common rigs include:

Fish Finder Rig: Ideal for surf fishing, allows natural bait movement.

Cannonball Rig: Designed for long casts, keeps bait on the bottom.

Carolina Rig: Versatile for bottom fishing with live or artificial bait.

Popping Cork Rig: Attracts fish in shallow waters with noise.

High Low Rig: Presents two baits at different depths.

Owen Lupton Drum Rig: Conservation-focused for bull reds.

Each rig suits specific conditions, and understanding their applications enhances your success

Tips to Master Different Redfish Fishing Types

Red Drum Surf Fishing Rigs

Red drum surf fishing rigs are specifically designed to handle the challenges of casting into turbulent coastal waters while presenting bait effectively to redfish feeding along the shoreline. The Fish Finder Rig is a top choice, featuring a sliding sinker (3-8 oz pyramid sinker) on the main line (20-30 lb braid), a bead to protect the knot, a swivel, an 18-24 inch fluorocarbon leader (20-40 lb), and a 5/0-8/0 circle hook. This setup allows the bait—such as cut mullet or shrimp—to move naturally, enticing redfish without resistance, making it ideal for troughs and sandbars. Another effective option is the Cannonball Rig, which uses a heavy sinker and a short, sturdy leader (100 lb mono) to achieve long casts and maintain bottom contact in rough surf, ensuring your bait stays in the strike zone for these hard-fighting fish.

Best Fishing Rig for Pier Fishing Red Fish

When pier fishing for redfish, the Cannonball Rig stands out as the best fishing rig due to its ability to cast long distances and hold the bottom effectively against tidal currents. This rig features a heavy sinker (4-8 oz) attached via a snap to a swivel, paired with an 18-inch leader (100 lb mono) and a 6/0-8/0 circle hook, ideal for presenting cut bait like mullet or live bait such as shrimp. The design minimizes the "helicopter effect" during casts, ensuring your bait reaches deeper waters where redfish often feed around pier pilings or drop-offs. Anglers can also opt for the High Low Rig to present two baits at different depths, increasing the chances of attracting redfish in varied conditions. Both rigs excel in pier environments, providing stability and versatility for targeting these hard-fighting fish.

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