Many times the rigs will create small eddies behind them, and these usually mark the location of redfish. The current in the ship channels can be intense, and a lot of the small baitfish end up in the eddies. Hungry predators, including reds, pay close attention and follow suit.

I prefer using mud minnows for bait and have also found success using live croakers.

Any of the buoys in the Intracoastal Waterway can hold good numbers of fish, but it seems the best action is around those closest to deep holes. It is best to let the anchor down up current and release enough line to put you fairly close to the structure. Be careful not to make too much noise, especially if you are fishing in an aluminum boat like mine. Reds can be skittish at times, and you certainly do not want to scare away any potential catches.

If you are fishing close to the mouth of a bay, bring along some popping corks for fishing live shrimp or shad, as they seem to be more effective than free lines in many scenarios. Also, do not be afraid to put out a couple of rods in holders with big live bait such as a whole mullet off the back of the boat to draw the strike of a big trophy redfish or trout. It doesn't hurt to have as many rods in the water as possible.

Many of the areas along the canal are filled with brackish water that doesn't appear to be typical redfish habitat. You will encounter lots of cypress trees and Spanish moss where the canal intersects the confluence of the Atchafalaya River. Don't be fooled: These brackish areas are loaded with reds.

"Trotliners will catch reds way up in the basin sometimes," said avid Intracoastal Waterway angler Ron Hatcher of Breaux Bridge. "Those fish are very tolerant of fresh water, and especially when we have a dry spell, the fish will be up past what is normally the freshwater line."

On outgoing tides, look for reds around the points at the mouth of the river and canal. Many of these spots contain washouts created by current that can be several feet deeper than surrounding waters. Reds will often bunch up in these holes, which are also havens for baitfish and blue crabs. And on outgoing tides, look to small, flowing marshy drainages for consistent redfish action. As baitfish leave the marsh, reds will gather at key junctures such as sloughs that wind into the marsh and the mouth of the drainage itself.

"I find that crab works best," Hatcher said. "If you can get crab, use it -- because that is what reds like to eat best."

Fish small pieces of cut mullet or fresh, dead shrimp on the bottom. When fishing with Capt. Robert Vail, a ship-channel redfish expert, I'm consistently surprised at the small chunks of cut bait he uses, but I'm often equally impressed with the results. Use 1/2- to 1-inch pieces and change your bait frequently. These brackish reds seem to dislike bait that has been used for long periods. They want fresher bait than do their counterparts in freshwater systems.