Capt. Jim West of Crystal Beach, Texas, said the FLW Redfish Series field can expect to be greeted by torrid temperatures and extremely clear water if there isn’t some wind to keep things stirred up.
The veteran guide also pointed out that anglers can expect to catch plenty of fish, although many of them may not be legal keepers.
“The fish will often be running in groups of three to five,” West said. “Problem is, when you find them, many of them will be oversize.”
Reds will be feeding in the middle of bay and there will be groups cruising along skinny water shorelines. Translation: Anglers are going to need to cover plenty of water and pay close attention to their surroundings to fare well in this tournament.
Key patterns: Target mud boils and slicks on big water flats with soft-plastic tout tails rigged on a ¼-ounce jighead. An 1/8-ounce jig will work best around shallower shell bordering deep water. West suggests a gold spoon or topwater for getting at shallow cruisers without spooking them.
West’s call: 27 to 28 pounds to win it.