It is a day that will live forever in infamy for Americans: the date of Dec. 7. Most guides say the best fly rod for redfish is a 9-foot, 8- or 9-weight rod paired to most any brand of saltwater reel and spooled with a warm-water, weight-forward floating line. Summer Redfish Flies. The Redfish Crack fly is a proven and very successful fly increasing in popularity in the Texas and Louisiana fisheries. Almost any fly that imitates such forage works well. The Texas Toad, pictured above, is a good example of one such variation. I think the craft fur body profile moves so well and has all the triggers. Read where to go in this article > Where to Fly Fish in Florida, How big do Tarpon, Redfish and Snook get? For large redfish, you will want to employ a 3/0, 4/0, or 5/0 circle hook. Let a good casts worth of line drag behind you and start wading in about a foot of water. The Mylar tubing is folded over lengthwise, and secured to the hook shank. Locals like the Surfin Wooly. For a slow-sink fly, a bucktail tail is good. Big bull reds love this fly. I love this! Boats leave from dozens of ports, and the runs to the flats can take anywhere from a few minutes to over an hour. Anglers must be ready to cast as soon as the boat lines up. The dark color and bulky body make an easy-to-find target for Georgia reds, Kennedy says. Short, quick, aggressive stripping will have the fly gurgling through the water and will trigger a natural reflex that makes fish want to eat. Bags and packs are entirely optional. Gene Montgomery (334-478-7440) is a Mobile, Alabama, high-school teacher with a passion for fly fishing. SUMMARY. Traveling pro angler Pat Ford offers tips on tackle, flies and hot spots. As you work up either Florida coast, the flats-fishing remains similar from a technical point of view. In fall and winter, the Biloxi Marsh comes alive for fly anglers targeting big bull reds that cruise the ponds and channels. Usually most crab flies you find in the big box stores are designed to target permit or bonefish. Ten of the other 14 fly-tippet-class records came from Louisiana. Getting the fly to drop deep gains more bites. Outsmart Louisiana Yellowfin Tuna in Clear Water, Unbelievable: A Swordfish Caught on Fly from Shore, Protect the Blue Key West: Remote Control, Protect the Blue Islamorada: The Bones Brigade, Florida Approves Mandatory Venting Tool Use. Size #1 and #2 are best. Raz Reed, who created the fly, also uses it for bass, something I havent tried yet but plan on tying up a few for my next bass mission. We are not a blog or a review site. Polling around on that flood tide is a special time to fish, and it should be cherished. It can be tied in countless color variations and weights to suit all water clarities and depths. The Spoonfly is an epoxy creation of Capt. Gear up with giant Clouser flies and sinking lines that range from 450 to 700 grains. The straight style, like the Straight-Shooter Crab pictured, has the hook shank positioned perpendicular to the crab body. From throwing flies to tailing fish in the marshes to chasing large bulls in the surf, there is a place in the Lone Star State for everything. Tie on a bushy fly in either white or brown with bead or lead eyes, such as this Chernobyl shrimp. It's a great pattern for sight fishing. Gardner always keeps two rods rigged and ready. For small stream trout, smaller fly fishing hook sizes like a 6 or 10 may be sufficient. If you find schools of glass minnows, tie on a Clouser and youll find the fish. Getting the fly deep gets more bites, even when the reds are busting on top. It always lands with the hook point up and away from snags; it swims very crab-like when retrieved; and most important, Ben says, it comes with a pair of small, redfish-attracting rattles. The setup you choose to use depends entirely on your ability as a fly fisher. Mayfly emergers are often stuck in the film for quite some time making them easy pray for hungry trout. These large-shouldered predators spend time cruising marshy coastlines searching for crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish. But many cutting-edge anglers are using flies that are constantly being tested by the ever-growing numbers of fly-rod redfishermen. It is tied in in smaller sizes, so it doesn't make much disturbance when it lands. Working that fly to get the eat, fighting well, and then gently releasing the fish after a few photos is what its all about. That said, Im an 8wt shooter myself, and I feel an 8wt setup is ample to target most reds in their environment. Fly Fishing the texas coast. The basic design is made with four to six saddle hackles tied near the back at the bend of the hook. All of the fish you choose to keep must measure between 20-28 inches. It also helped a bit that the first cast I made with a Spoonfly hooked a fish. Here are our favorite flies for Redfish. Redfish, especially in the area between Tampa Bay and Crystal River, tend to be some of the spookiest fish in the state of Florida. The Kwan fly is a great fly for sight fishing to Redfish in a few inches of water because its light weight allows it to land softly on the water, is easy to cast far distances, and has a slow sink rate that suspends with great movement. This adds bulk to the streamer and allows the loose Mylar threads to catch and reflect light in every possible direction much like a spoon. The grass beds of South Florida waters (above) attract school-size reds in great numbers. One variation of this pattern is the Redfish Cracklin, it adds in tons of movement with legs in the tail and a super buggy brush head. We could fill a whole book with discussions of what Redfish eat in any given situation, but when deciding which fly to tie on,start with "matching the hatch". Redfish, big ones, are abundant, with fish in the 20- to 30-pound class available at times on barrier-island shoals that kiss the entire coastline of the Peach State. Thats when Alderman became a believer in rattling redfish flies. Rick Hartman, an expert fly fisherman and guide, poles a skiff in the Lower Laguna Madre while a friend casts for redfish. The dumbbell eyes can vary from tungsten to bead chain for weight changes. Most of the flies featured in this article are available for sale in the Saltwater Fly Shop and are designed to target inshore species in the Gulf Coast region. The cost is $11.00 per person per day. The result is a fly that is sleek and has little air-resistance during the back cast, but in the water it swims well with a blooming action. In Georgia the water is dark and turbid, and the tides run hard and high. The body is made from gold Mylar tubing with the cotton stuffing removed from the inside. In Texas,the redfish population was going into a serious decline in the80's..So with help of CCA one was started with later help of a $10mil.grant from Federal fish and wildlife.Now every year,they put 10-20 millions redfish fingerlings back into the water. This article will cover the flies that every fisherman should have in their box and the ones that work best when sight fishing to Redfish and Speckled Trout in the Gulf Coast region. This is a great fly for shallow water and smaller fish that aren't looking for a huge meal. Waders and boots are great to have. They will generally eat a second time if they spook or miss the fly. Find out where the action is, what the water conditions are and everything you need for a successful day on the water! Jim Dupre (352-371-6153), a Gainesville, Florida, fishing guide who, with his father A.J., spent countless hours testing and perfecting a fly-rod lure that had the same fish-attracting action as the venerable Johnson Weedless Minnow. It is tied in in smaller sizes, so it doesnt make much disturbance when it lands. If you're wondering which fly rod you should choose to chase Reds, we've covered that topic here. Longtime Georgia fly-fishing guide Larry Kennedy, owner of Bedford Sportsman Fly Shop (912-638-5454) on St. Simons Island, says that while a number of different flies work for Georgia redfish, his favorite is a small, all-black classic Wooly Bugger streamer. 1.3 3. The basic shape of the fly tends to replicate many sources of the Redfishs diet, such as shrimp, small baitfish, and crabs. Redfish weighing less than 15 pounds can be landed using most any fly rod. Use a smaller hook in seasons with small game in great numbers, such as the Spring and Summer. Sheka Shrimps tied in subtle browns and cream colors perform best in stained water. Magnify that sound and it results in a musical popcorn symphony performed by an entire school of reds feeding on fleeing white shrimp. Big Y Fly Co best fishing flies for Texas, for your next fly fishing trip. Sheka Shrimp come in weighted and unweighted versions, with or without weed guards. As you move south and west to the Venice and Grand Isle areas of Louisiana, the fishing changes a bit. Wading the surf with a fly rod ranks right near the top of most peoples list of favorite things to do, and the only guidance youll need can come from a quick visit to a local fly shop. Weighted Gold Frizzies are very popular in Alabama, according to Wesley Parks of McCoy Outdoors Fly Shop (334-432-3006) in Mobile. There are various signs to look for to help us decide how to fish for them. Luckily, for coastal anglers in Virginia all the way to the southern tip of Texas, redfish, also commonly referred to as red drum, can be successfully targeted with a fly rod via kayak or stand-up paddle . The fools gold pattern is ideal for this as it sinks fast and has excellent movement in the water. My favorite colors are blue over white and chartreuse over white. Usually a wake is seen, or a small part of the fish is spotted breaking the waters surface. Ive almost been tempted to tie some very small ones for trout. Colors I do not leave home without are: Black/Purple, and Brown/Tan. From the shape of the spoon, to the angle of the hook, to the amount of material tied at the bend of the hook; it all factors in to how the spoon sinks, wobbles, and flutters in the water. Its tied on a size 1 through 2/0 Mustad 34007 hook, unweighted or with lead dumbbell eyes. Proven fly patterns for summer Redfish are baitfish and shrimp patterns! Reds there are primarily crab eaters, especially little oyster crabs and fiddler crabs, and the Turkey in the Straw is dead ringer for a little crab. Keep your leader short and straightforward. Our passion is saltwater fly fishing and we aim to provide top quality flies and fly tying materials designed for the Gulf Coast fly fisherman. It lands lightly, hangs in the water column, and when tied with a weed guard, it is the perfect fly to fish over grassy structures in shallow water. South Texas Sight Fishing Location: Aransas Pass, TX Waters: Port Aransas Area Waters Fish: Redfish Website. Most of them imitate the crabs, shrimp, and baitfish that make up the majority of the redfish diet. Texas Fly Caster Location: Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX Waters: Lake Ray Roberts, Lewisville Lake, Trinity River, Other Local Waters Fish: Bass, Carp . With excellent year-round populations of Redfish, Speckled Trout and Black Drum. Days a . Silver Krystal Flash is used liberally on many patterns, snce its a long-range attractant in clear water. Thanks to its heavy lead eyes, it drops like a crab, but its movement is more shrimp-like. Also, take note of the depth of the water and the type of bottom (grass, sand, etc)you are fishing in. 2 stainless Tiemco hook and keeps the Zap-A-Crab glue body well away from the hook point to improve the flys ability to hook reds. Leaders can measure 9 to 12 feet, with a 40-pound butt section tapering to a 15- or 20-pound tippet. Seven hot flies for chasing red drum throughout the coastal south. This pattern has many variations, but the concept remains the same. So our guides have begun to compile a collection of our favorite patterns here, for all to see. Fish this fly slow and allow it to sink,then with very small, crawling strips you will mimic the movement of a defensive crab. They will usually eat a well-placed fly with reckless abandon and can even be caught on topwater flies for redfish. Youll end up tying this fly on very often because once you get that rush of adrenaline watching Redfish and Trout blow it up out of the water, you'll be addicted. The water systems in the South are rich in food sources, and this is where the redfish concentrate. Mylar is tied on both sides of the hook and on top. Choose some bright colors and Redfish won't be able to resist. 1 artificial lure of all time for redfish. The Electric Slider is another classic redfish pattern designed for muddy and stained water. The Texas coast between Port O'Conner and Rockport offers excellent opportunities to sight cast for redfish, as well as occasional shots at black drum, speckled trout, and sheepshead. The defining characteristics are a Craft Fur tail, a few wraps of chenille, and then some type of brush to build the head of the fly. This is a variation of a fly tied by Jim Misiura. About the Author: Now a retired Miami attorney, Pat Ford spends his time taking photos and writing about fishing destinations around the world. Caudal and dorsal fins poking above the surface usually give away the fishs presence. On the northern coast, the greenish, dark marsh waters of Sabine Pass gradually give way to the tinted shallow oceanfront bays and lagoons filled with oyster beds and a variety of marsh grasses. This is followed up with some flashing and then some buck tail tied towards the front of the hook on all sides that extends just beyond the hook bend. The best fly choice: a good-size shrimp that sinks quickly. The good news is that Redfish are highly aggressive feeders and are usually not too picky. You need to ensure to scan the course with your eyes, particularly when fishing in shallow waters. These trips are great for 1-2 anglers of all skill levels. This makes the fly feel exactly like a crab in the fishs mouth, he says, so a redfish rarely rejects the fly before an angler can set the hook. Great fly-rod redfishing in northeast Florida can be found in the creeks and bays off the Intracoastal Waterway just north and south of the St. Johns River. 1 Where to Catch Redfish in Texas. 3 thoughts on " Redfish Flies " Scott Kor says . This fly has a slow sink rate and suspends just below the surface of the water making this a great choice when sight fishing on the shallow flats. The bull reds are singular fish, generally a lot bigger, and are more specific in what they eat. Crab flies mainly fall into two different categories and can be fished a few different ways. Saltwater fly fishing for redfish is a lot of fun! The Spoonfly is made of flashy Mylar covered and sealed with clear epoxy on a long-shank 2/0 Mustad. The author, left, made his first trip to Louisiana waters after bull reds on fly in 2006. A small orange grizzly feather is tied in at the head to look like a fiddler-crab claw, with a single stiff mono weed guard positioned from the head toward the hook point. All rights reserved. The productive color combinations are plenty, but the pattern always remains the same, a dark back with a light belly. Consider Fishing The Flats: Flat fishing is a great way to go sight fishing for redfish. The kinky muddler is excellent for these summer conditions. Watch the waves roll close to the beach, and look for a red as breaking water crests. If fishing for tailing reds, a crab pattern or spoon fly will do the job. The Mangrove Baitfish is great for Florida and Lowcountry redfish thanks to its wide profile and snag-resistant design. 1.2 2. Getting down quickly also avoids the albies, which grab the lighter offerings, she says. At the eye a few turns of crystal-red chenille are wound on to produce a head. Cone-Head Wooly Bugger The most common color is reddish-bronze. Strip this fly slow and with short pauses to allow it time to shimmer down into the water column. The Chornobyl Crab is similar to the Ragin' Craven, with a deer hair body that traps air bubbles and makes a commotion in the water. To find the best guides, contact a local fly shop. Youll definitely need 10-weight rods and 400-plus-grain sink-tip lines with big lead-eye flies. That allows her to keep an eye on the fast-moving schools instead of focusing on tying knots and digging for tackle. They are known as bull reds. The fly hit the water and the redfish inhaled it like it was the best meal it had ever seen. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Just deals and news! Its all sight fishing from small kayaks, canoes and flats skiffs, and the fish go crazy for popping bugs, according to Wesley Parks, avid fly rodder and manager of McCoy Outdoors Fly Shop (334-432-3006) in nearby Mobile. It is very productive in a root beer color with gold tinsel and redhead profile. Copyright 2023 Salt Water Sportsman. For the leader, a standard nine-foot leader with a tippet rating of 15 to 20-pound test works best. When these marks started erupting in huge, gold splashes, we figured out that they were huge schools of redfish and that we had to be ready for them to pop up at any time.. Fly Tyer Magazine, "Guide Flies for Louisiana Redfish", Spring 2016 "Texas Redfish", Patagonia Blog, 2015. This Kwan pattern, or sometimes called the Redfish Toad, has a long history of proven success. The Merkin Crab is widely considered the most effective Permit fly ever conceived. Texas claims two others, and North Carolina one. Tied on a #1 or 1/0 hook in the color that best covers your area. If youre fishing in one foot of water, you can opt for a fly tied with bead-chain eyes. Fish often have trouble tracking their prey in these conditions. If you find redfish feeding near the surface, a topwater fly works really well.