Best Topwater Lures for Redfish

Red drum also known as redfish is one of the most popular game fish. Many anglers love inshore fishing for redfish using a good topwater lure. The thrill of seeing the fish attack your lure on the surface is something you rarely get from other kinds of fishing. Here we will review some of the best topwater lures for redfish.

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Best Topwater Lures for Fishing Redfish

  1. Heddon Saltwater Chug’n Spook Junior Fishing Lure
  2. Rapala Saltwater Skitter Walk 11 Fishing Lure
  3. Heddon Saltwater Super Spook Lure
  4. Yo-Zuri 3D Inshore Pencil
  5. Bomber Lures Badonk-A-Donk High Pitch Saltwater Grade

1. Heddon Saltwater Chug’n Spook Junior Fishing Lure

 

Product Features

Brand Name: Heddon
Type: Topwater Plug
Quantity of Lures: 1 Lure

The first spot on our list goes to the classic Heddon Saltwater Chug’n Spook Junior Fishing Lure. This topwater plug is extremely well known in the fishing industry. Heddon lures are the go-to topwater bait for many fishers because of their effectiveness. This lure is designed with a walk-the-dog action that imitates and dying baitfish to attract fish. It has a cupped mouth that chugs and spits water for added fish attracting ability. The lure is designed with two sharp saltwater grade treble hooks. It measures approximately 3 1/2 inches in length.

Pros
  • Two sharp saltwater grade treble hooks
  • Cupped mouth chugs water to attract fish
  • Walk-the-dog action
Cons
  • Some anglers prefer larger spook models for redfish fishing

 

2. Rapala Saltwater Skitter Walk 11 Fishing Lure

 

Product Features

Brand Name: Rapala
Type: Topwater Plug
Quantity of Lures: 1 Lure

The number two spot on our list belongs to the Rapala Saltwater Skitter Walk 11 Fishing Lure. This is another walk-the-dog action topwater plug. This one features a weighted tail that is designed to keep the lure in a natural position. The lure has an internal rattle that sounds throughout the water to attract fish. The lure features lifelike colors and realistic holographic eyes. Each lure has two sharp treble hooks and measures approximately 4.375″

Pros
  • Two sharp treble hooks
  • Internal rattle to attract fish
  • Walk-the-dog action
Cons
  • Some anglers prefer lures that don’t rattle

 

3. Heddon Saltwater Super Spook Lure

 

Product Features

Brand Name: Heddon
Type: Topwater Plug
Quantity of Lures: 1 Lure

Another excellent topwater bait to use on your next redfish fishing trip is the Heddon Saltwater Super Spook Lure. This durable lure features a walk-the-dog action and has three heavy-duty treble hooks. It is designed to withstand tough fish with it’s hooking power. The lure itself measures 5″ and is available in the one color option.

Pros
  • Three sharp treble hooks
  • Durable lure built for tough fish
  • Walk-the-dog action
Cons
  • Some anglers prefer the smaller super spook junior model.

 

4. Yo-Zuri 3D Inshore Pencil

 

Product Features

Brand Name: Yo-Zurio
Type: Topwater Pencil
Quantity of Lures: 1 Lure

The next spot on our list goes to the Yo-Zuri 3D Inshore Pencil Lure. This lure features saltwater grade hooks and split rings and features a fish-attracting walk-the-dog action. It is a balanced lure for quick action and has a holographic 3D painted design that sounds out flashes of light through the water. Overall this is an excellent topwater bait that can be used for redfish and other species.

Pros
  • Saltwater grade hooks and split rings
  • Walk-the-dog action
  • Holographic paint sends out flashes of like through the water to attract fish
Cons
  • Some anglers prefer Heddon or Rapala lures

 

5. Bomber Lures Badonk-A-Donk High Pitch Saltwater Grade

 

Product Features

Brand Name: Bomber
Type: Topwater Plug
Quantity of Lures: 1 Lure

The final spot on our list belongs to the Bomber Saltwater Grade Badonk-A-Donk High Pitch Lure. This is a saltwater grade lure with heavy-duty hardware and two sharp treble hooks to withstand tough fish. It features a high pitched rattle to attract fish. To use this lure you twitch the rod and it features a left to right walk-the-dog action that attracts fish. The lure is available in two size options 3.4″ or 4″, and nine lifelike color options that mimic baitfish. Overall this is an excellent topwater lure that is effective for redfish and other species.

Pros
  • Saltwater grade hooks and hardware
  • High pitched rattle to attract fish
  • Two size options, nine color options
Cons
  • Some anglers prefer Rapala or Heddon brand topwater lures

 

Catching Redfish with a Topwater Lure

When fishing for redfish with a topwater lure, most often you will be using a walking lure, but you can also try a popping plug to attract the bites. We always recommend carrying a few kinds of lures and experimenting with what works best. Sometimes in quieter clearer waters, you want to use a lure with a smaller profile, like the super spook junior. Larger lures do not work best all the time.

Redfish are generally most active during late summer through fall to early winter, so this is usually the best time for topwater action. September through November is generally considered a good time for fishing.

When searching for a good spot to cast your topwater lure, it’s important to keep in mind that redfish are gluttons. They generally follow small schooling fish such as menhaden, pilchard, finger mullet, and threadfin herring. It’s best to cast your bait just beyond the schooling fish and slowly bring your lure just outside the school so that it looks like vulnerable prey. Try twitching your rod and see if you get any bites.

Practice makes perfect, so getting a good eye for which type of lure to use, and where to cast it will take some time and experience.

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