Artificial lures fuel success. In fishing, that success builds real confidence. When we’re casting to tailing reds, working mangrove edges, or spotting schools in shallow water, the right tools in the tackle box make all the difference. Not just any lures—only those proven in Tampa Bay waters. This guide is more than a list of lures. It’s a full system that, when used right, transforms the redfish game for anglers who want results.

The Silent Champions of Redfish Fishing

Soft plastic lures often get overlooked compared to flashy hard baits. For anglers who want steady catches without live bait, these are the smart choice. They work in clear or muddy water, shallow or deep. The natural action gives redfish the confidence to strike. It’s a win for conservation and a huge advantage for anyone on the water.

These patterns go back generations. They’ve lasted because redfish keep eating them. Most Tampa Bay guides carry at least five different styles, adjusting for the day’s conditions. Grass flats, docks, oyster bars—if redfish are there, these lures get the job done.

Where to Use Each Lure

Every lure has a job. With artificial baits, we have options. Sometimes reds bust bait on the surface, but live bait just can’t reach them. Other times, a school is mudding in the shallows. The right artificial lure makes all the difference in these moments.

We match lures to the situation: Soft plastics for deeper grass flats, gold spoons for covering water, topwater plugs for early morning, suspending baits for cool winter days, weedless jerkbaits for thick grass, paddle tails for strong current, and shrimp imitations for pressured fish. Versatile, but not a cure-all—sometimes live bait still wins.

When Artificials Don’t Work

Artificial lures have limits. They shine when fish are feeding, but not when redfish are pressured or sluggish. We switch it up during major cold fronts, in dirty water, when fish are spooked, around thick bait schools, or during tough tides. The goal is always to put fish in the boat, not just prove a point.

Different Lures for Different Conditions

No single artificial lure covers every situation. Like a good toolbox, we need options for every job.

Lure Categories and Their Uses

Standard soft plastics—4-inch paddle tails in natural colors—work in 2-6 feet of water, best on moderate tides, and mimic the bait redfish love. Weedless rigged baits—5-inch jerkbaits—shine in shallow grass, perfect for sight fishing and avoiding snags. Topwater plugs, especially walk-the-dog styles, draw strikes at dawn and dusk, creating surface commotion in calm water. Spoons and flash baits, gold or silver, cover water fast and pull fish from a distance, especially in current.

Understanding the Retrieve

We treat the retrieve like a throttle. Speed and action matter. Water temperature and conditions tell us how fast or slow to work each lure. In summer, we go with fast retrieves and aggressive action—surface lures early, deep runners by midday. Winter calls for slower, subtle moves, keeping baits near the bottom with longer pauses. Spring and fall mean moderate speeds, mixed retrieves, and matching the local bait movement.

Essential Gear Requirements

Gear matters as much as lure choice. We use a 7-foot medium action rod with a fast tip for working lures and a strong backbone for solid hooksets. Reels in the 3000-4000 size range, smooth drag, high gear ratio, and sealed bearings for saltwater. For line, 20lb braided mainline and a 20-30lb fluorocarbon leader give us sensitivity and abrasion resistance.

Location Strategies

Spots change with the day. Mornings mean shallow grass flats, mangrove shorelines, creek mouths, and oyster bars. By midday, we target deeper potholes, channel edges, dock shadows, and bridge pilings. Evenings bring us to sand flats, mullet schools, moving water, and structure edges.

Seasonal Adjustments

Summer means early starts, moving water, shade, and deep refuge. Winter calls for later starts, dark bottom areas, sunny shallows, and slow presentations. Spring and fall, we follow bait migrations, track the tides, work different depths, and cover more water.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even seasoned anglers slip up: retrieving too fast, using the wrong leader, picking poor lure colors, ignoring tides, missing feeding windows, wrong hook sizes, or tying weak knots.

Success Indicators

We know we’re dialed in when strikes come steady, multiple species hit, hookups are clean, lures move naturally, depth is right, and the hook-to-land ratio stays high.

When to Book a Fishing Guide

Sometimes, a pro’s help makes all the difference. Book a Tampa Bay guide when you’re new to the area, want new spots, need help with technique, want to follow seasonal patterns, or just want to sharpen your skills. Call 813-727-9890 to set up a trip with a local expert who knows these waters inside and out.

Final Thoughts

Artificial lures work when matched to the right conditions. Success comes from reading the tide, temperature, and fish behavior. Start with the basics, master them, then add more to your arsenal. Confidence in your lure choice matters as much as the lure itself. The right gear makes all the difference. Call our pro shop at 813-727-9890 for current recommendations and local knowledge. We’ll help you pick the perfect artificial lures for Tampa Bay redfish. Check out the how to catch redfish page for more ideas, or see what other anglers are saying in the reviews. For more about our captain or to browse the photo gallery, those are just a click away.

Catch More Redfish in Tampa Bay with These Artificial Lures