Winter is here in full force in Ocean Isle Beach. I'm sitting here staring out of my home office window at 4 inches of snow. The local kids are happy, but I'd rather have a 65 degree day on a warming trend and go after some Redfish. But instead, since it is so cold out and I'm off today anyway, then let's chat about how to catch Redfish in the Winter in NC.
I had an inshore fishing charter a couple days ago that was bitter-cold. I met my customer about an hour later than usual to give the temps a chance to rise. After a slower than normal initial run, and with me wondering what the wind chill factor must be with 30 degree air temps on a boat moving 30 mph, we made it to the first fishing hole of the day. I eased the boat into a creek bend I'd fished many times before, a spot where a drop-off meets a muddy flat. With the tide falling and a bit of sun warming the water, I knew redfish -should- be holding there. Sure enough, one of the first casts brought a solid thump, and a fat Winter red came to the net (pictured here in the net). That's the magic of winter fishing —it's all about knowing where to look and how to adjust. And, most of all, fighting the urge to fish the same places and using the same methods you use the rest of the year.
Winter is one of my favorite times to fish for Redfish here in North Carolina. While some anglers pack it in for the season, I've found that winter fishing for Reds can be just as exciting, and productive as fishing in other seasons. The key? Understanding their behavior, knowing where to look, and making slow (I mean sloooooooow) presentations. Let me walk you through what I've learned after years of Winter fishing trips in NC.
Understanding Winter Redfish Behavior
Winter redfish don't disappear; they just get picky about where they hang out, what they eat, and their metabolism is much slower. Learning their patterns is the first step to success.
Temperature Effects
As water temperatures dip into the 50s, Redfish become more sluggish. They don't have the energy to chase fast-moving prey, so they look for areas where they can conserve energy and stay comfortable. That usually means deep holes, protected creeks, or areas with just a bit more warmth.
Captain’s Tip: Pay attention to the mud. Areas with darker bottoms hold heat better, making them prime spots for redfish during the day. And don't be fooled into thinking that a later start to your fishing day always equals warmer water. For example, if the ocean water is warmer than the inshore water, then an incoming tide, regardless of the time of day, will likely equal warmer water. So, fish later for your own comfort, but pay attention to water temps inshore and nearshore and look at the tide tables to make a better informed decision as to when Redfish activity might be at the highest.
Movement Patterns
Winter redfish school up tighter than you might expect. Once you find them, you can often catch multiple fish in the same spot. They'll stick to areas where they feel safe and have easy access to food. Areas like the edge of a deep channel are key, as they have the ability to quickly move from deep to shallow water without moving very far. This plays a key role when the temps in the shallow water are greatly different from the deeper water. Just find the warmer water and you'll likely find the Redfish you're looking for.
Feeding Habits
In winter, Redfish aren’t as aggressive, but they're still opportunistic. They focus on slow, easy meals like shrimp, crabs, and baitfish. Matching their menu and presenting your lure naturally is key. And the old saying is "if you think you're fishing slow enough, then fish slower". I agree 100% with this for Winter fishing.
How to Locate Redfish in Winter
The beauty of winter fishing is that the fish don’t move much —they just find the right spot and stay there. Here's how to narrow it down in any creek, marsh, or river.
Deep Holes and Drop-offs
If I had to pick one go-to winter spot, it would be deep holes and drop-offs. These areas provide warmth and protection, making them redfish magnets. Look for spots where a creek bends sharply or where a channel suddenly drops in depth.
Creek Mouths and Confluences
Where creeks meet larger rivers or bays, you’ll often find bait congregating. Redfish position themselves here to pick off an easy meal. It's like a buffet line for them.
Flats Near Deep Water
Mud flats adjacent to deeper water are great spots on sunny afternoons. Reds will slide onto the flats as the mud warms up, but they'll stay close to the deep water in case they need a quick escape.
Wind-Protected Areas
Winter reds prefer calm, sheltered spots where they don't have to fight strong currents or chop. Look for creeks with natural windbreaks, like tall marsh grass or tree-lined banks.
Prime Winter Locations in North Carolina
If you're fishing around Ocean Isle Beach, here are some of the top areas I target in winter:
- Shallotte River: Deep bends with oyster beds make this river a winter hotspot.
- Ocean Isle Beach Creeks: Quiet creeks offer protection and warmth for schooling Redfish.
- Intracoastal Waterway (ICW): Dock pilings and channels hold fish during colder months.
While these locations are excellent, remember the key is reading the conditions and adapting to what you see on the water.
Best Fishing Conditions for Winter Redfish
Fishing in winter is all about timing and conditions. Here’s what I've learned about finding the right moment:
Water Temperature
Redfish are most active when water temperatures are above 50 degrees F. If it's at or below 50, focus on areas that warm up first, like shallow flats on sunny afternoons.
Tides
Outgoing tides are my favorite in winter. As the water drains from the flats, it concentrates baitfish in deeper channels where redfish are waiting. But, like I stated above, take a look at the inshore temps and nearshore temps to determine if the incoming or outgoing tide might be warmer.
Time of Day
Late mornings and early afternoons often produce the best bite. The water has had time to warm up a few degrees, which is sometimes all it takes to get Redfish feeding.
Weather Patterns
This is the biggest tip of all for Winter fishing for Redfish: After a few days of stable, sunny weather, redfish are more likely to bite. Avoid fishing right after a cold front, as the sudden drop in temperature can (and likely will) shut them down.
Essential Gear and Lure Suggestions for Winter Redfish Fishing
When it comes to winter redfish fishing, having the right gear can make all the difference. Cold water conditions often mean finicky fish and clear water, so your setup needs to be dialed in for success. Here are my go-to recommendations for rods, reels, lines, leaders, and lures.
Rod and Reel Recommendations
Inshore Fishing Rods for Winter Redfish
A 7-foot medium-light spinning rod with a fast action is my top choice. It offers enough sensitivity to detect light bites while still providing the backbone to handle larger redfish.
Fishing Rod Recommendations:
- My Pick: Penn Battalion Inshore Spinning Rod.
- 2nd Pick: Penn Battle IV Spinning Rod / Reel Combo.
- 3rd Pick: TFO Tactical Inshore Spinning Rod.
- 4th Pick: St. Croix Mojo Inshore Spinning Rod.
- 5th Pick: St. Croix Legend Tournament Inshore Spinning Rod.
Inshore Fishing Reels for Winter Redfish
Pair your rod with a 2500 or 3000 size spinning reel. These reels are lightweight, easy to handle, and hold enough line for inshore fishing.
Fishing Reel Recommendations:
- My Pick: Penn Battle IV Rod / Reel Combo.
- 2nd Pick: Penn Battle IV Spinning Reel.
- 3rd Pick: Daiwa BG Saltwater Spinning Reel.
- 4th Pick: Shimano Stradic Spinning Reel.
Line and Leader Setup
Main Line
Braided line in the 10 to 15 lb test range is ideal. Braid provides excellent sensitivity and casting distance, especially when making long casts to spooky fish in clear water.
Connect your main line to your leader with an FG Knot or other knot that you're comfortable tying. I use a Quadruple Surgeon's Knot a great deal of the time, as it's easy to tie while on the boat in the wind, etc...
Fishing Line Recommendations:
- My Pick: POWER PRO Super 8 Slick V2 Braided Line.
Leader
I use a 15–20 lb fluorocarbon leader. Fluorocarbon gives me better abrasion resistance, better bite detection (due to the low stretch of fluorocarbon line versus mono), and it is nearly invisible in clear water. Your leader length should be at least 24 inches long, but I prefer leaders of at least 3 to 4 feet for stealthiness. This increased leader length also helps to keep from having to tie on another leader when you have a break of or have to re-tie lures multiple times.
Leader Recommendations:
- My Pick: Seaguar Red Label 100% Fluorocarbon.
- Second Pick: Berkley Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon.
Lure Suggestions
Soft Plastics
For Winter fishing, I go with a Ned Rig -especially if it's a post-coldfront day or just a slow day in general. And don't forget to try smaller soft plastic lures rigged about 24 inches below a popping cork. Swimbaits / paddletails can still be fished, but creep them along the bottom very slow. I prefer natural colors for soft plastics, but pink often works well in the clear water we tend to have here in the Winter.
Soft Plastic Lure Recommendations:
- My Pick: Z-MAN TRD TicklerZ, 2-3/4 inch.
- 2nd Pick: Z-MAN Ned Rig Kit (same as above, but this is a Ned Rig Kit that has lures and Ned Rig Jigheads).
- 3rd Pick: Z-MAN MinnowZ Swimbait, 3 inch
- 4th Pick: Z-MAN EZ Shrimp, 3 inch (Colors: Po Boy, Natural, Root Beer / Chartreuse)
- 5th Pick: Berkley Rattle Shrimp, New Penny Color, 3-1/2in, Coastal Candy
Jig Heads for Soft Plastics
For Ned rigs, I'll go with 1/5 oz or 1/6 oz jig head. For shrimp under popping corks, I'll use a 1/8 oz, and for fishing on the bottom with shrimp or other soft plastics (other than Ned rigs) I'll typically use 1/4 oz. As for jig head colors, just select a color that works well with the color of soft plastic you're using. There's aso nothing wrong with a sharp contrast, like a red jig head on a white soft plastic lure.
Jig Head Recommendations:
- My Pick: Z-MAN NedlockZ HD Ned Rig Jig Head.
- 2nd Pick: Z-MAN Texas Eye Jig Head
- 3rd Pick: Sea Striker Got-Cha Jig Head
Hard Baits
For targeting reds in slightly deeper water, suspending twitch baits / jerkbaits are a great choice. They mimic injured baitfish and stay in the strike zone longer. When fishing twitchbaits in the Winter, you can use a sharp / fast twitch, but the pause between twitches needs to be at least 5 seconds long. Remember that the fish are cold blooded and they're not going to be chasing things down in very cold water. When you twitch and then pause, that motion of the lure imitates a dying baitfish, and if you happen to pause right in front of a Redfish, he likely won't turn down the easy meal.
Captain's Tip: Tie your twitch baits on with a loop knot for the best action.
Hard Bait Recommendations:
- My Pick: MirrOlure MirrOdine 17MR (try Pilchard color)
- 2nd Pick: Strike King KVD Jerkbait (Try gold with black back color)
- 3rd Pick: Yo-Zuri 3D Inshore Twitchbait (Try silver black color)
Topwater Lures
On warmer Winter days, Redfish will occasionally strike topwater lures. Late afternoons on sunny days, especially after a warming trend of a few days, are your best bet for a winter topwater bite. At other times, I wouldn't bother trying a topwater lure, as the conditions have to be perfect to make this happen in the Winter.
Topwater Lure Recommendations:
- My Pick: Heddon Super Spook Jr.
Scent Attractants
In colder water, fish rely more on smell, and adding scent can turn a slow day around. Products like Pro-Cure Shrimp Gel or Gulp! attractants can make your lures irresistible to lethargic Redfish. Don't be afraid to use scent on all your lures, no matter whether it's a soft plastic or a hardbait. I figure that the odds are against you enough in the Winter, so why not take every advantage that you can?
Scent Attractant Recommendations:
Conclusion
Winter fishing for Redfish not only helps you to avoid cabin fever, but it can be productive if you plan well. And the challenge of locating Reds and dialing in your technique makes every Winter-time catch feel like a win.
If you're ready to hit the water and see what Winter fishing for Redfish in NC is all about, then book a trip with me at Salty Dawg Fishing Charters. I'll help you find the fish, learn the techniques, and make some unforgettable memories. Just give me a call or text at 910.250.8459 or click / tap the "Book My Trip" buttons at the top or bottom of the page.
Author:
Captain Harvey Wall
Owner, Salty Dawg Fishing Charters
Written: January 22, 2025
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