Redfish Live Bait Rig

If you're looking to catch Redfish on live bait, you don't need anything fancy — just a clean, reliable rig that keeps your bait swimming naturally and your hook ready for the strike. Here’s the exact live bait rig I use when targeting redfish around Ocean Isle Beach, and how to tie it up. You'll notice that this rig is similar to a carolina rig, but this rig allows for more control over the movement of the sinker, allowing for more accurate casts and better presentations.

While we’re focusing on live bait rigging here, don’t hesitate to use this setup with cut bait for redfish as it works great either way.

What You'll Need

• 20 lb fluorocarbon leader (Seaguar Red Label)
• Ball bearing swivel (#2, 65 lb test)
• 1/2 oz egg sinker (adjust for current/depth)
• 8mm red plastic bead (for knot protection)
• 2/0 circle hook (Owner Mutu Light 5114)

When to Use This Rig

This rig works best when you're fishing live bait near structure like docks, grass edges, or oyster beds, where redfish are likely to ambush prey. It’s ideal for situations where you want your bait anchored but still free to move just enough to trigger a strike. It also excels in light to moderate current, where a fixed weight would otherwise cause your bait to look unnatural.

How to Tie the Rig

Get started by cutting an 18 inch piece of fluorocarbon leader material. I use 20 lb Seaguar Red Label fluorocarbon because it gives a great balance of strength and invisibility. It’s tough enough to handle a solid redfish around docks or oysters, but still thin and clear enough to keep pressured fish from getting spooked. For extra abrasion resistance, or for bull drum, you can step up to 40 pound test, but it's not usually necessary.

Start tying your rig by snelling your 2/0 circle hook to the end of the leader. Be sure the line comes out of the eye on the same side as the hook point — that’s important for clean hook sets when a redfish picks up the bait.

About 6 inches up from the hook, tie a simple overhand knot in the leader. This creates a “stopper” that keeps your weight and bead positioned above your hook and prevents them from sliding down and tangling with your bait. Having the sinker free, but still restricted from sliding too far up you line, allows for more control over your casting and bait placement.

Next, add an 8mm red bead onto the leader. The bead acts as a buffer to keep your sinker from banging against the overhand knot you just tied.

After your bead is on, slide a 1/2 oz egg sinker onto the leader. This adds just enough weight to get your bait down without restricting its movement

Finally, use a palomar knot to tied the tag end of the leader to your ball-bearing swivel. You want the entire leader to be around 12 inches and no more than 18 inches.

Why This Setup Works

The sliding sinker lets the redfish pick up the bait and swim off without feeling resistance right away, allowing for more hookups. The overhand stopper knot keeps the weight and bead from sliding all the way down to the hook. That little bit of space gives your bait more room to move, which helps it swim naturally—especially if you’re using live mullet, menhaden, or mud minnows.

This is a simple rig, that is no more than a modified carolina rig, but it works very well for redfish.

How to Hook the Bait

For live finger mullet, mud minnows, or menhaden, I prefer to hook them lightly through the lips, giving them a more natural presentationthan tail-hooking. Either way, keep it clean and avoid driving the hook too deep — you want the bait to stay lively.

Pro Tip

Don’t overtighten your snell knot. If you cinch it too tight on fluorocarbon, it can weaken the line at the eye. A snug, clean wrap is enough — and always make sure the hook point is facing the same side the line exits the eye.

What About Bull Redfish and the Lupton Rig?

If you're chasing big bulls — especially in parts of North Carolina north of Ocracoke — keep in mind that the state requires a special setup called the Lupton rig during certain seasons. It’s a conservation-minded rig designed to reduce deep-hooking and protect the species. I'll write another how-to soon on how to tie the Lupton Rig for Bull Drum.

FAQs About This Redfish Live Bait Rig

What size circle hook should I use for redfish with live bait?

A 2/0 circle hook works great for redfish when using live bait like mullet or mud minnows. It’s big enough for solid hookups but small enough for slot-size fish.

What’s the best way to hook live bait for redfish?

For live mullet or mud minnows, run the hook up through both lips or through the upper jaw just ahead of the eyes. That keeps them swimming naturally in the current.

Can I use this rig in strong current or deeper water?

Yes — just use a heavier egg sinker. ½ oz is my go-to, but size up to 1 oz+ if the current’s strong or you’re fishing deeper holes.

What are the current NC size and bag limits for redfish?

North Carolina uses an 18″–27″ slot limit for red drum, with a 1 fish daily bag (recreational). Anything under 18″ or over 27″ must be released. Full details here: NC Red Drum Size & Bag Limits (2025).

Want to learn more about how to tie and fish this rig in real-world conditions? Book an inshore fishing charter with me here in Ocean Isle Beach and I’ll walk you through it step-by-step while we target redfish and other inshore fish.