Pro Talk: Summertime Redfish with Tucker Blythe

We spent 15 minutes on the phone with Capt. Tucker Blythe to discuss fishing for red fish with the Hogy 7-inch Originals in Charleston, South Carolina. Here's what we found out... 

Capt. Tucker Blythe
Website: Grey Ghost Charters
Facebook: Grey Ghost Charters
YouTube: Tucker Blythe

Location: Charleston, SC

Tides: It is ideal to fish the tail end of the outgoing tide first thing in the morning, then follow the incoming tide deep into the grass.

Approach: Finding redfish during the dog days of summer can be difficult, but targeting mullet schools in certain locations can almost be a guarantee for redfish action. It’s easiest to locate mullet by looking for individual fish free jumping in 14″ – 36″ of water. On the low tide, try searching near oyster bars adjacent to creeks, channels or pot holes. As the tide comes in, begin pushing towards the grass, as the redfish will follow the tide into the grass flats to feed on crabs, shrimp, mullet and other small bait fish.

Rigging Selection: For a shallow water – weedless presentation, the 5/0 Unweighted Swim Bait Hook is perfect.

Bait Selection: The Hogy® 7inch Original.

Why This Bait? The large profile and extra weight of this bait allow for long distance casting and give the redfish a large target home in on.

Colors: Bone is top choice, followed by black.

Retrieve:  When fishing around oyster and mud flats, let the bait sink almost to the bottom then begin a slow twitch pause retrieve.  Try to keep the bait below the surface, but off the bottom to avoid snags.

When the reds move deep into the grass on the top of a high tide, keep the bait moving just along the surface of the water. This will help to reduce fouled hooks.

OUTFIT

Rod: Medium-Fast  action 7′ 6″ St. Croix spinning rod with a medium fast tip. The slightly softer tip help cast a light weight bait further.

Reel:  Shimano Stradic 3000 and 4000.

Line: 15lb power pro braid for my main line. For leader, 15lb – 20lb Fluorocarbon is perfect for redfish. Use a uni to uni knot for line to leader connection.

Summertime Redfish Action