Top 5 Artificials for November Snook, Redfish and Trout
- Captain Pete France
- November 4, 2025
- 5:33 pm
- 0 comments
When the weather cools and the tides shift along Florida’s Nature Coast, the bite gets hot. November brings prime conditions for targeting snook, redfish, and trout—all feeding aggressively before winter sets in. For anglers who prefer lures over live bait, having confidence in the right artificials can make or break a day on the water. In this guide, I’ll break down the Top 5 artificials for Snook, Redfish and Trout, plus how to rig and retrieve each for maximum success.
Understanding the Fall Bite on the Nature Coast
By November, baitfish begin to thin out, and water clarity improves as temperatures drop. This transition makes predators like snook, redfish, and trout more responsive to well-presented artificial lures. They’re keying in on slower-moving, realistic offerings that match seasonal forage like mullet, shrimp, and pinfish.
Captain's Tip: The secret this time of year isn’t just what you throw—it’s how you work it. Slower, more deliberate retrieves will trigger those cooler-water strikes.
1. Rapala Saltwater Skitter Walk – Topwater Action
Nothing beats the thrill of a snook or redfish exploding on a topwater lure, and the Rapala Saltwater Skitter Walk is one of the best for that classic “walk-the-dog” presentation.
Rigging Technique
- Tie the Skitter Walk directly to your leader using a loop knot for free movement.
- Use a 20–30 lb fluorocarbon leader for stealth and abrasion resistance.
- Pair it with a medium-fast 7’ rod and a 3000-series reel for casting accuracy.
Retrieval Technique
Work the lure with sharp, rhythmic twitches of the rod tip to create that side-to-side motion snook and redfish can’t resist. Early mornings and late afternoons are prime times to use it, especially over shallow grass flats or near mangrove edges.
Bonus Tip: Pause occasionally—most strikes happen right when the lure stops.
For more on the “walk-the-dog” method, check out Rapala’s Topwater Fishing Tips
2. Prawn USA Junior – The Ultimate Shrimp Imitation
The Prawn USA Junior is a deadly option for all three species, especially when fish are keyed in on crustaceans. This lure mimics a shrimp perfectly, making it ideal for cooler months when shrimp become a primary food source.
Rigging Technique
- Rig it weedless on a 1/8–¼ oz Texas Eye or weighted swimbait hook.
- Use a light fluorocarbon leader (15–20 lb) to maintain a natural presentation.
- Fish it on medium-light spinning tackle for finesse control.
Retrieval Technique
Cast near potholes, oyster bars, or creek mouths and let it sink. Then, give short, upward twitches of the rod tip, allowing the lure to “hop” naturally along the bottom.
Captain’s Tip: The key is subtle movement. Less is more when imitating a shrimp trying to escape.
3. Salt Strong Jerk Shad – Subtle and Deadly
The Salt Strong Jerk Shad is one of my favorite soft plastics for November. Its streamlined design mimics small baitfish perfectly, and it works wonders for both snook and redfish in cooler, clearer water.
Rigging Technique
- Rig weightless with a 4/0 EWG hook for shallow water.
- In deeper areas, use a 1/8 oz screw-lock weighted hook.
- Opt for natural colors like “gold rush” or “slam shady” in clear water.
Retrieval Technique
Use a “twitch-twitch-pause” cadence. The pause is critical—it mimics a wounded baitfish, triggering instinctive strikes. For trout, work it slightly slower near grass edges or drop-offs.
Pro Tip: Apply scent (like Pro-Cure) to add realism and encourage fish to hold on longer.
4. Paul Brown Soft-Dine XL Suspending Twitchbait – Fall Favorite
When the water cools, fish often suspend in the water column instead of hugging the bottom. That’s where the Paul Brown Soft-Dine XL shines. Its slow-sinking, suspending design allows for precise control in mid-depth zones where snook and trout love to ambush bait.
Rigging Technique
- Use 20–25 lb fluorocarbon leader with a loop knot to give the lure full range of motion.
- No additional weights or swivels—let the lure’s natural balance do the work.
- Cast on medium-power spinning or baitcasting setups for best accuracy.
Retrieval Technique
Work the lure with gentle twitches and frequent pauses. The Soft-Dine hovers and wobbles just like an injured mullet, making it irresistible to larger snook and redfish.
Captain's Advice: On windy or overcast days, darker colors like “black/gold” or “red flash” produce better silhouettes.
5. Aqua Dream Weedless Spoon – Classic and Consistent
For covering ground and finding fish, the Aqua Dream Weedless Spoon remains a go-to artificial on Florida’s Nature Coast. Its flash and vibration call in fish from a distance, and its weedless design makes it perfect for grassy flats.
Rigging Technique
- Tie directly to a short fluorocarbon leader with a loop knot.
- No need for added weight—just ensure your spoon tracks evenly.
- Use a medium-action rod for long, smooth casts.
Retrieval Technique
Use a steady, medium-speed retrieve with slight rod twitches to add flutter. For redfish, slow it down and bounce it just above the grass. For trout, maintain a consistent speed in open water.
Bonus Tip: Gold spoons work best on sunny days, while silver spoons shine under cloudy conditions.
Putting It All Together — Matching Lures to Conditions
Choosing the right artificial depends on conditions like water temperature, clarity, and tide movement. Here’s a quick breakdown to guide you:
- Calm, clear mornings: Rapala Skitter Walk (topwater)
- Midday with moderate current: Salt Strong Jerk Shad (mid-column)
- Windy or murky water: Aqua Dream Spoon (flash and vibration)
- Cold fronts: Paul Brown Soft-Dine XL (slow and suspending)
- Tidal creeks and shallow flats: Prawn USA Junior (bottom hopper)
Rotating through these five lures will help you stay versatile and effective throughout the month.
Final Thoughts from Captain Pete
When it comes to the Top 5 artificials for Snook, Redfish and Trout, these lures have proven themselves time and again on the Nature Coast. They cover every situation—from topwater blowups to subtle suspending bites—and each one plays a role in helping anglers adapt to fall conditions.
The best part about fishing artificials? Every strike is earned. Every fish is fooled. And when you watch a redfish tail slice the surface before your lure disappears, you’ll know exactly why we call this pursuit inshore gold.
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