When targeting redfish in the surf, having the right rig can make all the difference between a productive day and an empty cooler. Using the wrong setup can result in bait washing up on shore or failing to reach the strike zone where red drum are actively feeding.
In this detailed guide, we’ll cover the best redfish surf fishing rigs, their advantages, how to tie them, and the best bait and tackle setups to maximize your success. If you’re serious about surf fishing for redfish, you need to master these rigs!
What Makes a Good Redfish Surf Fishing Rig?
Before we dive into the top rigs, let’s first understand what makes an effective rig for redfish surf fishing:
- Strong and abrasion-resistant leader: Redfish have rough mouths and sharp gill plates, so using a fluorocarbon leader (30-50 lb test) helps prevent break-offs.
- Heavy sinker for strong currents: A pyramid sinker, Sputnik sinker, or egg sinker is crucial for keeping your bait in place, especially in rough surf conditions.
- Circle hooks for better hookups: Red drum are known for their powerful runs. Using circle hooks (4/0 to 8/0 size) ensures a better hookset and increases your chances of landing a trophy fish.
- Proper bait presentation: Redfish are opportunistic feeders, and using cut mullet, live shrimp, blue crab, or sand fleas will increase your bite rate.
Now, let’s explore the best redfish rigs for surf fishing and how to tie them.
Top 3 Best Redfish Surf Fishing Rigs
If you’re targeting red drum from the beach, these are the three most effective surf fishing rigs for redfish:
- Carolina Rig (Fish Finder Rig) – Best for presenting live or cut bait naturally.
- Hi-Lo Rig (Double Drop Rig) – Great for fishing multiple baits at different depths.
- Popping Cork Rig – Ideal for shallow water and flats fishing, but can also be effective in the surf under certain conditions.
1. Fish Finder Rig – Best Overall Redfish Surf Fishing Rig
The Fish Finder Rig is widely considered the best surf fishing rig for redfish, especially when using live or cut bait. It allows the bait to move naturally in the current while keeping it near the bottom where bull reds and slot-sized redfish are hunting.
How to Tie a Fish Finder Rig for Redfish
You will need:
✔️ Pyramid or egg sinker (2-6 oz, depending on surf conditions)
✔️ Bead (to protect the knot)
✔️ Barrel swivel (80-100 lb test for strength)
✔️ Fluorocarbon leader (30-50 lb test, 18-24 inches long)
✔️ Circle hook (4/0 to 8/0 for big red drum)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Slide a bead onto the main line, followed by a sliding sinker (pyramid or egg sinker).
- Tie the main line to a barrel swivel to prevent line twist.
- Attach a fluorocarbon leader (18-24 inches) to the other end of the swivel.
- Tie a strong circle hook (4/0 to 8/0) to the end of the leader.
- Bait up with fresh cut mullet, shrimp, or blue crab, and you’re ready to fish!
👉 Why It Works: The fish finder rig allows redfish to pick up the bait and swim off without immediately feeling resistance, leading to better hookups.
2. Hi-Lo Rig (Double Drop Rig) – Best for Fishing Multiple Baits
The Hi-Lo Rig, also known as the Double Drop Rig, is a great option for surf fishing for red drum when you want to present multiple baits at different depths.
How to Tie a Hi-Lo Rig for Redfish
You will need:
✔️ 2 dropper loops tied in your leader line
✔️ Two circle hooks (4/0 – 6/0)
✔️ Fluorocarbon leader (30-50 lb test, 24-30 inches long)
✔️ Sputnik sinker or pyramid sinker (3-6 oz for strong currents)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Tie two dropper loops on your leader, spacing them about 6-8 inches apart.
- Attach a circle hook (4/0-6/0) to each dropper loop.
- Tie a barrel swivel to the top of the leader for easy connection to your main line.
- Attach a pyramid or Sputnik sinker at the bottom.
- Bait both hooks with live shrimp, cut menhaden, or sand fleas.
👉 Why It Works: This rig doubles your chances of catching redfish since it presents two baits at different depths.
See these rigs in action!
3. Popping Cork Rig – Best for Shallow Water Redfish Fishing
Although not typically used for surf fishing, the Popping Cork Rig can be effective when fishing the surf’s first or second trough near shore.
How to Tie a Popping Cork Rig for Redfish
You will need:
✔️ Popping cork (adjustable float with a rattle sound)
✔️ Fluorocarbon leader (20-30 lb test, 18-24 inches long)
✔️ Live shrimp or soft plastic lure
✔️ Jig head or circle hook (2/0-4/0)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Attach a popping cork to your main line (braid or monofilament).
- Tie a fluorocarbon leader (18-24 inches) to the cork.
- Attach a circle hook or jig head at the end.
- Bait up with live shrimp or soft plastics, and work the cork with a popping motion.
👉 Why It Works: This rig attracts redfish in shallow water by mimicking struggling baitfish.
See just how effective these popping corks are:
Best Bait for Redfish Surf Fishing
Knowing which bait to use can make a big difference in your success when fishing for red drum from the surf. Here are the top redfish baits:
- Live bait: Shrimp, finger mullet, mud minnows, blue crab (cut in half).
- Cut bait: Fresh cut mullet, menhaden, ladyfish, or whiting.
- Artificial lures: Soft plastics, swimbaits, and topwater lures (if targeting active feeders).
For bull redfish, larger baits like a half blue crab or a big chunk of cut mullet work best.
Best Surf Fishing Rod and Reel for Redfish
A strong surf fishing rod and reel combo is essential when targeting big redfish from the beach.
Rod Recommendations:
- 10-12 ft surf rods (medium-heavy to heavy action)
- Graphite or fiberglass composite for strength and sensitivity
Reel Recommendations:
- Spinning reel (6000-8000 size) with a high line capacity
- Baitrunner reels are great for letting redfish run before setting the hook
Best Fishing Line for Surf Fishing:
- Braided line (30-50 lb test) for strength and casting distance
- Monofilament (20-30 lb test) for abrasion resistance
Final Thoughts: Mastering Redfish Surf Fishing Rigs
Whether you’re a beginner surf fisherman or a seasoned angler, using the right rig for redfish is crucial. By mastering the Fish Finder Rig, Hi-Lo Rig, and Popping Cork Rig, you’ll drastically improve your chances of landing more red drum from the surf.
Now, grab your best redfish surf fishing setup, tie one of these rigs, and hit the beach! 🎣🔥