Best Summer Baits for Redfish in St. Augustine

Redfish are one of the most popular inshore fish to target around St. Augustine and Northeast Florida. They are strong, exciting to catch, and can be found in a variety of inshore areas depending on the season, tides, water temperature, and bait movement.

During the summer, redfish behavior can change throughout the day. Heat, tide movement, water clarity, and available bait all play a role in where they feed and what they are willing to eat. That is why choosing the right bait matters.

There is no single bait that works every day, but there are a few options that consistently make sense for summer redfish in Northeast Florida.

Live shrimp

Live shrimp is one of the most common and reliable bait options for inshore fishing. Redfish, trout, flounder, black drum, sheepshead, and many other species will eat shrimp, which makes it a versatile choice.

In the summer, live shrimp can be fished around docks, oyster edges, creek mouths, grass lines, and other areas where fish may be feeding. It can be used under a popping cork, free-lined, or fished near the bottom depending on the area and conditions.

The downside is that shrimp can attract a lot of smaller fish too. That is not always a bad thing, especially for kids or beginners who just want action, but it can make it harder to specifically target larger redfish.

Live finger mullet

Finger mullet are another strong summer bait option. When mullet are active in the area, redfish often follow. Finger mullet can be a great choice around grass lines, creek mouths, shorelines, oyster bars, and other inshore structure.

Because they are larger and more active than shrimp, finger mullet may help reduce some of the smaller bait-stealing bites. They can also be effective when redfish are feeding more aggressively.

The key is matching the bait to the conditions. Some days redfish want a natural bait moving with the tide. Other days they may need something placed closer to structure or worked more slowly.

Cut bait

Cut bait can be effective for redfish, especially when fishing areas where scent helps draw fish in. Pieces of mullet, ladyfish, or other baitfish can be used to target redfish near deeper edges, creeks, docks, oyster bars, or areas where fish are moving with the tide.

Cut bait is not always the most exciting method for anglers who want to cast constantly, but it can be productive. It is especially useful when redfish are holding in an area and responding more to scent than movement.

Soft plastics

Artificial lures are also a good option for summer redfish, especially when conditions allow anglers to cover water. Soft plastic paddle tails, shrimp-style baits, and jerk shad can all be effective depending on water clarity, depth, and how the fish are feeding.

Soft plastics can be rigged on jig heads, weedless hooks, or other setups depending on the area being fished. Around grass, oysters, or shallow structure, a weedless presentation may help avoid snags. In deeper water or stronger current, a jig head may help keep the lure in the strike zone.

Color choice can vary, but natural colors often work well in clear water, while darker or brighter options may help in stained water.

Spoons and hard baits

Spoons and hard baits can also catch redfish, especially when fish are active and covering water. A spoon can be useful in shallow areas, grass flats, or along edges where fish are moving. Hard baits can work when redfish are feeding on baitfish and willing to chase.

These lures require a little more casting and retrieving, so they may be better for anglers who are comfortable using artificial lures.

The best bait depends on the day

Summer redfish fishing is not just about picking one bait. It is about adjusting to what the fish are doing. Tide movement, water temperature, wind, bait activity, and time of day can all change the plan.

That is one of the reasons a local inshore fishing charter can be helpful. Captain Trever Dorics plans each Reel Spooled charter around the conditions that day and uses the approach that gives the group the best chance for a good experience.

Whether that means live bait, artificial lures, or a mix of both, the goal is to fish smart and enjoy the day on the water.

Fishing for redfish in St. Augustine

Redfish are one of the fish that make inshore fishing in Northeast Florida so much fun. They can be challenging, exciting, and memorable for anglers of all experience levels.

If you are visiting St. Augustine or want to spend a summer morning on the water, an inshore charter is a great way to learn more about local redfish patterns and enjoy the fishery with a licensed local captain.

Want to target redfish in St. Augustine? Book a private inshore fishing charter with Reel Spooled Charters. Book a Charter