Using a live shrimp as bait is one of the best ways to catch saltwater fish like redfish, tarpon, seatrout, bonefish, snook, and many more. Almost all gamefish that can swim will eat a live shrimp if they can find them easily where they live.
Are you not sure how to rig a shrimp? Here are five simple methods that have been used for years.
Live shrimp is one of the most popular and effective baits for catching redfish Their natural smell and movement in the water makes them irresistible to hungry reds cruising the flats,
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about rigging live shrimp for redfish, including:
- The best rigs for fishing live shrimp
- Pro tips for hooking shrimp
- Leader setups, weights, and floats
- Where and how to fish live shrimp for redfish
- Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, following these proven shrimp rigging methods will help you hook more redfish on your next trip
The Best Rigs for Fishing Live Shrimp
There are two primary ways to rig live shrimp for redfish:
1. Hook and Split Shot
This simple rig consists of a hook threaded through the shrimp’s body and a small split shot weight pinched on the line above. The split shot adds just enough weight for casting while allowing the shrimp to swim freely.
To rig it:
- Thread the hook through the tail end of the shrimp, entering one side and exiting the other.
- Pinch a 1/8 to 1/4 oz split shot on the line 4-6 inches above the hook.
- For clear water, use lighter fluorocarbon leaders. For heavy cover, switch to a slightly heavier monofilament.
Pros: Excellent for fishing shallow flats and light current. The shrimp moves freely with a very natural action.
Cons: Limited casting distance. The shrimp can be torn off on longer casts.
2. Under a Popping Cork
The popping cork suspends the shrimp 1-3 feet under the surface while making noise to attract fish. It allows you to fish slightly deeper areas than the split shot rig.
To rig it:
- Thread the hook through the head of the shrimp.
- Tie a 2-3 foot fluorocarbon leader from the cork to the hook.
- Adjust the cork stop knot to suspend the shrimp at the desired depth.
Pros: Casts much farther than a split shot and makes noise to draw strikes. Excellent for fishing docks, creek mouths, and drop offs.
Cons: Restricts the shrimp’s movement more than a split shot.
Pro Tips for Hooking Shrimp
No matter which rig you use, proper shrimp hook placement is key. Here are some pro tips:
- For casting, hook through the head right behind the horns. The head stays on the hook well during casts.
- For free-lined or floated shrimp, hook through the tail for maximum swimming action.
- Avoid hooking shrimp through the middle of their bodies – this kills them quickly.
- Match hook size to shrimp size. Use smaller #2-4 hooks for medium or small shrimp.
- Circle hooks are best – the fish hooks itself when it takes the bait.
Leader Setups for Fishing Live Shrimp
The leader connects your main line to the shrimp hook and helps conceal the rig from wily redfish. Consider these options:
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Fluorocarbon – Nearly invisible underwater and abrasion resistant. Use for clear, shallow water.
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Monofilament – More visible but floats better. Use for surface rigs.
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Wire – Best where toothy fish may bite off lighter lines.
Ideal leader sizes are 15-25 lb test. Heavier line may spook fish in shallow clear water. Go lighter around docks and structure.
To Weight or Not to Weight?
In addition to split shot and corks, other weight options for getting shrimp down include:
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Jig heads – Lead head jigs up to 1/4 oz work well to reach depth. Easy hook sets.
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Egg sinkers – Like split shot but hold bottom better in current. Use 1/4-1/2 oz.
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No weight – Allows maximum shrimp action. Excellent for calm, shallow flats.
Match the weight to the depth, current speed, and casting distance needed. More weight for deeper water, less for the shallows.
Where and How to Fish Live Shrimp
Now that you’re rigged up, here are some top tips on catching redfish with live shrimp:
Search the flats – Work shrimp along shallow grass or sand flats, around oyster bars and over shell. Let the tide move it naturally.
Fish creek mouths – Reds stage around current breaks. Let the shrimp drift out with the tide.
Work shorelines – Cast along marsh banks, docks and rocky shorelines. Pop the cork for noise.
Drop-offs – Dangle shrimp off channel ledges, holes and dropoffs with a cork or freeline rig.
Chum it up – Grind up some shrimp shells and scatter it to pull in hungry reds from a distance.
Slow retrieves – On windy days, slowly twitch shrimp back to the boat, stopping often.
Watch your line – Keep slack out of the line and watch for any movement signaling a pickup.
Set the hook – Use a steady sweeping motion. Circle hooks will catch themselves – no jerking needed.
Fight hard – Reds make powerful runs. Keep pressure on and don’t give them an inch of slack!
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Avoid these common mistakes for the best success with live shrimp:
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Hooking shrimp through the shell – Puncture the shell and hook only the meat.
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Casting too hard – Use an underhand lob with split shot rigs. Popping corks can be cast harder.
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Using too heavy weight – Match weight to depth. Lighter is better in shallow water.
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Not watching the line – Keep line tight and watch for subtle pickups. Set the hook immediately.
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Wrong hook sets – Remember circle hooks only need a steady lift of the rod to set.
With the right rigging approach and techniques, live shrimp can catch you trophy redfish on your next trip. Follow these tips to maximize your odds and be prepared for rod-bending action! The fight is on when a big red inhales a lively shrimp.
How to Tail Hook a Live Shrimp
It’s best to hook the shrimp through the tail when you need to cast far, like when you’re trying to get a bait in front of a fish that’s moving slowly. This will move the heavier head section to the front and make it less likely that the shrimp will tear off on the cast. Also, removing the shrimp’s tail fan will emit a scent that attracts fish. After cutting off the tail fan, put the hook through the middle of the tail so that the whole shank is hidden. Then, push the point of the hook through the bottom of the tail. Now push the tail over the hook eye and knot to hide them. A baitholder-style hook will help prevent the shrimp from sliding off the hook.
How to Rig a Shrimp on a Jighead
The hook point is threaded under the “chin” and out through the middle of the carapace, just behind the “horn” and between the vital organs. This will give you a longer casting range and make it easier to retrieve the shrimp. The shrimp won’t live as long if the hook is placed this way instead of across the carapace.
Rigging & Fishing LIVE SHRIMP For Beginners
When to use a redfish rig?
When to use it: This redfish rig setup is ideal for surf fishing, or when you’re fishing in strong current. Since it’s a relatively heavy red drum rig setup, this also makes it ideal for targeting big bull drum. How to use it: The best way to use this red drum fishing rig is with cut bait or live bait.
How do you use a redfish hook?
How to use it: Bait your hook with cut bait or natural baits and cast out the rig. Then place your rod in a sand spike and wait for a big red to bite. Shrimp are one of the best baits for redfish, and can be used either live or dead.
Can you catch Redfish with artificial shrimp?
You can also do this with an artificial shrimp. Lures can also be highly effective for catching redfish, and if you’re a bass angler, you’ll be glad to hear that many of the lures that catch largemouth bass also catch redfish.
How do you kill a redfish with a hook?
So you may want to click away, but what I like to do is rip off the back end of the tail while they’re alive and run the hook through the shrimp’s body. Now, what this does is it makes the shrimp appear wounded, but it also allows for the scent to flow through the water. And it’s beneficial for redfish.