11 Best Flies for Redfish (Plus Fishing Tips) - Guide Recommended The Best Redfish Flies - Living Water Guide Service The great thing about redfish patterns is, for the most part, they are pretty darn simple fly and easy to tie. If the fish arent committing fully to the fly, it doesnt mean they arent interested in it, and it could mean its a little big or isnt swimming correctly. Seriously, it is less than 25 minute's total prep time! Crab flies are deadly for targeting Redfish and Sheepshead in the Gulf Coast region. You need a set of flies in your arsenal that covers the entire water column, from topwater, to bottom crawling, and everything in between. Top 17 Places to Fly Fish in Texas - And What Flies to Use - Drifthook They simply cannot resist the flicker and flutter as it moves through the water. Im one of those fly fishers. Fly Fishing for Texas Redfish: Dolphin and Redfish photo by Marjie Glodberg: We're a big fan of awesome photos showing action and drama! Check this first and try again. Let a good casts worth of line drag behind you and start wading in about a foot of water. They are known as bull reds. Redfish weighing less than 15 pounds can be landed using most any fly rod. Crab flies come in two different styles and can be fished two different ways. Call Captain Kenjo direct ASAP 361-500-2552 or BOOK NOW online! With all these factors in mind, lets go over five of the top producing Redfish fly patterns that every angler needs in their box. It is hand-tied by Jim Dupre and finished with an epoxy coating, making it bulletproof. Texas Saltwater Fly Fishing - Kenjo Fly Fishing Charters Good luck out there on the water! The redfish run from average, 4 to 7 pounds, to big, 12 to 15 pounds. Chasing Redfish Off the South Texas Gulf Coast. This allows the crab to stand upright in a defensive posture with claws dancing in the current when resting on the bottom. I love this! Fly-fishing, Light Tackle, Sight Casting, Shallow Water Fishing Charters in The Lower Laguna Madre in South . This fly was designed for Bonefish in the Florida Keys, but with some slight modifications it is perfect for Redfish and Trout here in the Gulf Coast inshore waters. 5 Best Places to Catch Redfish in Texas - Freshwater Fishing Advice This simple fly has heavy eyes and sinks quickly. In fall and winter, the Biloxi Marsh comes alive for fly anglers targeting big bull reds that cruise the ponds and channels. The basic design is made with four to six saddle hackles tied near the back at the bend of the hook. If fishing for tailing reds, a crab pattern or spoon fly will do the job. The Best Fly Fishing For Redfish Tips You Can't Miss Magnify that sound and it results in a musical popcorn symphony performed by an entire school of reds feeding on fleeing white shrimp. We respect your privacy. We spent 3 days exploring the area in search of Redfish. A Bonnier LLC Company. The fish looks unnatural and uncoordinated, but its the most exciting surface-lure strike youll see. Sport Fishing Magazine may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. These fish fight strongly and stubbornly, but they dont make long runs and theyre usually caught in shallow water. This small collection are the top flies for Redfish that we have found. Charlie Paradoski, charlieparadoski.com, 713-725-2401; Lower Laguna Madre: Capt. Swan Point Landing Fly Shop Location: Rockport, TX Waters: Texas Coast Fish: Redfish Website. Thanks for signing up! Texas Coast Alvin Dedeaux Fly Fishing The Kinky Muddler means business. Ten of the other 14 fly-tippet-class records came from Louisiana. 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. In fall and winter months, the Biloxi Marsh and the coast of Louisiana can properly boast the best redfishing in the world. If you cant get the fly to the fish, you wont catch any, period. As mentioned in the above setup section, fly rods, reels, and lines are entirely up to you. Try a white or chartreuse pattern, and if that doesnt work, switch to something dark in black or purple. We promise we won't spam your inbox with stuff you don't care about. Fly Fishing for Redfish, Best Redfish Flies & Patters - Sport Fishing Mag Tackle choices aside, the size of your fly can be the most important . Silver Krystal Flash is used liberally on many patterns, snce its a long-range attractant in clear water. He will say, however, t wasnt easy to develop. Redfish Backstory Back in the 1970s, red drum, Sciaenops ocellatus (aka redfish, reds, or puppy drum) were rare as rocking horse teeth due to unsustainable harvests. Guiderecommended.com and River Traditions LLC participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and others, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and other companies." Texas Sporting Journal, "The Real Laguna Madre", July 2013 Gene Montgomery (334-478-7440) is a Mobile, Alabama, high-school teacher with a passion for fly fishing. These trips are great for 1-2 anglers of all skill levels. On some versions, the chenille body is wrapped with a contrasting-color hackle feather, which gives the fly very buggy shrimp look when the hackle is trimmed with scissors to simulate legs. Redfish Flies - TexasKayakFisherman.com 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. Fish often have trouble tracking their prey in these conditions. This pattern performs extremely well in murkier waters or on overcast days, and just like any other fly the spoon has many variants that can cater to any situation. In reds and greens on a size #1, this pattern wiggles and swims like an injured baitfish or crab. Gjuro Bruer, maneuvered his skiff into casting range, and I managed to place one of my best redfish flies just a few feet ahead of this thing, which looked like a giant koi. If you cast this in front of a Redfish, allow it to slowly flutter down, and then give it very short small strips, youll be hooked up in no time. About the Author: Now a retired Miami attorney, Pat Ford spends his time taking photos and writing about fishing destinations around the world. The dumbbell eyes can vary from tungsten to bead chain for weight changes. With flat boats, casting can be done within 50 feet. All rods, reels, tackle, and flies are provided- all you need is a current Texas fishing license, snacks, and polarized sunglasses. Big Y Fly Co best fishing flies for Texas, for your next fly fishing trip. The other captain stalked close to two big foraging reds and worked the fish with different flies for 10 minutes without a take. 3. On a calm day, you can see spinner sharks launch out of the water from a mile away. As you move south and west to the Venice and Grand Isle areas of Louisiana, the fishing changes a bit. By the time you're done reading this, you'll be ready to head to Texas to . Eric Glass, @captainericg, 956-434-1422; Galveston Bay: Capt. It has a large head that pushes water and the head to tail contrast makes it highly visible and attractive to fish. Its tied in a size 2 hook, with a dark Furry Foam diamond-shaped body and lead eyes tied on the shank top, just forward of the hook bend. All of these flies are absolutely deadly for Redfish up on the shallow flats of Gulf Coast fisheries. In weedy water, the Sheka is tied with a monofilament-loop weed guard. Its a great pattern that has worked on many species for years now. An oversized head with a long tail made of saddle hackles. From baitfish to shrimp to crabs and almost anything in between, Reds are opportunistic feeders. The current Texas record is 59 1/2 pounds. It is a day that will live forever in infamy for Americans: the date of Dec. 7. Redfish range from Virginia (technically Massachusetts) south to the Keys, and then north and west along the entire Gulf Coast. A local captain knows where the fish were yesterday and runs a proper skiff designed to navigate the target waters. Find out where the action is, what the water conditions are and everything you need for a successful day on the water! If needed contact info -, Snook, Reds and Tarpon can be found all over Florida. Dont try to feed a redfish a bonefish-size gotcha. This fish is looking for a meal, and it will eat just about anything it thinks it can fit in its mouth. Like Charleston, certain parts in the South have what we call a flood tide. His favorite is the East-Cut Redfish Popper, made commercially by T.J. Neal of East Cut Saltwater Flies in Driftwood, Texas (512-461-4473). They also have to know when to cast and how long to let their offerings sink. The Kwan is a hybrid pattern and imitates shrimp, crab, and baitfish. Your fishing license can be purchased 24/7 online or over the phone (800) 895-4248 Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm central time. He and his clients fish it slow, slower and slower still. While these large flies are still useful to have during the summer . Redfish are predominantly found in shallow waters, so a floating line will be just fine. Locals like the Surfin Wooly. They eat with ease and love to chase the fly. Fools Gold Fly - a favorite for Redfish. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Fly Fishing for Redfish in the - Laguna Madre Outfitters My favorite colors are blue over white and chartreuse over white. The middle Texas coast can offer world class sight-fishing opportunities for Redfish, Black Drum and Trout. To find the best guides, contact a local fly shop. When youre seeing lots of Redfish up on the flats, tie this fly on and let the good times roll. In addition, the predominant species you might encounter in Texas Saltwater Fly Fishing is the red [fish] and black drum. I like to think of it as the woolly bugger for reds. Anglers must be ready to cast as soon as the boat lines up. The most common color is reddish-bronze. A couple of small rubber legs are tied fore and aft of the Furry Foam body, which is then coated with a quick-drying two-part epoxy. Welcome to the Texas Coastal Bend. No spam. A Redfish is a Redfish, no matter if you are in Texas, Florida, or Virginia. I like to have an intermediate spool ready to roll if needed, but it isnt necessary. For more about chasing redfish with a fly rod, find Chico Fernandezs book Fly Fishing for Redfish. Fly Fish Rockport - Texas Saltwater Fly Fishing Guide Service State regulations throughout the redfishs range have helped these hardy gamesters to rebound. Microscopic Monsters of the Ocean: King Mackerel, Protect the Blue Key West: Remote Control. Flies must get deep quickly to appeal to upper Gulf Coast redfish, he says. The 8 Best Redfish Flies - Trident Fly Fishing He uses a No. All rights reserved. You need to ensure to scan the course with your eyes, particularly when fishing in shallow waters. All rights reserved. Redfish can be found all along the coast, stretching from Texas, around the Gulf to Florida, and up the Atlantic to parts of the Northeast, preferring water temperatures between 65-85 degrees. Its an excellent pattern for the muddier waters where some surface movement is needed to grab the fishs attention. Travel pristine Matagorda Island as you stalk redfish along 38 miles of uninhabited shorelines teaming with hundreds of species of birds, alligators, deer, and various other The Baffin Blue Crab fly pictured is just one example of how you can modify this pattern to fit your target species. Consider Fishing The Flats: Flat fishing is a great way to go sight fishing for redfish. Redfish are big crab and shrimp eaters, and the Ragin Craven does a great job of imitating both. Some quick online research will show you hundreds of Crab patterns available. Mayfly emergers are often stuck in the film for quite some time making them easy pray for hungry trout. Short, quick, aggressive stripping will have the fly gurgling through the water and imitating a fleeing shrimp or wounded baitfish. 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. Unless you know the area and own a flats boat, youll need a guide. Fly Fishing Texas Redfish - Kenjo Fly Fishing Charters Fly Fishing Texas Flats for Redfish | DIY Saltwater Fishing trip But if youre targeting Redfish here along the Gulf Coast, usually over grass flats and skinny water, you want a lighter weight fly with a little more bulk so that it will slowly flutter down to the bottom and not rapidly sink into the grass where fish cant see it. This one-two punch is a tried and true classic for catching reds. Strip this fly slow and with short pauses to allow it time to shimmer down into the water column. All fishing is done out of a 2016 Hell's Bay Professional poling skiff, although we do occasionally wade fish. Read about, Both Tarpon and Redfish can haunt the same waters. But as every angler knows, there are days where the fish are picky and are only keying in on one food source. Similar to the Clouser Minnow, this is a bright baitfish pattern that sinks quickly and stays deep. 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 round out our species-centered blog posts, we've written this post to help you choose the best flies. We are not a blog or a review site. Of course, flats-fishing requires some level of experience and the ability to cast 50feet accurately regardless of weather conditions. There's probably no reason to use larger than a size 2 hook on a redfish fly (I've caught kings on size 2 fly), and my go-to is size 6 for small shrimp and dock-fishing-size minnows. So, there you have it. My favorite hi-tie, I'll often use a 4x-long size 6 . March 14: Exec Mtg - ZOOM March 10-12: Bolivar Marshes March 24-26: Harmon Creek Outing March 28: Monthly Mtg. Weed guards are beneficial when targeting reds in shallow and marshy water. The bug is copper-colored, traditional bass-bug size, with a stainless hook and a Flashabou tail. Sometimes, they can be a bit more technical. 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. That allows her to keep an eye on the fast-moving schools instead of focusing on tying knots and digging for tackle. The basic shape of the fly tends to replicate many sources of the Redfishs diet, such as shrimp, small baitfish, and crabs. It isnt uncommon for us to find bull reds in 20 to 60 feet of water while were chasing schools of busting albies, Gardner says. Use Light Flies and Long Leaders. Sight cast to schools of tailing redfish in ankle-deep, gin-clear water. If needed contact info - HERE, Disclosure: "This site is owned and operated by River Traditions LLC, a limited liability company headquartered in Michigan, USA. 1.2 2. Easy to cast, and light enough to manipulate in a variety of ways once in the water. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. The water systems in the South are rich in food sources, and this is where the redfish concentrate. With diverse locations and ample opportunity, it is a great place to try fly fishing for the first time or the hundredth. The straight style, like the Straight-Shooter Crab pictured, has the hook shank positioned perpendicular to the crab body. The fly hit the water and the redfish inhaled it like it was the best meal it had ever seen. Most come with bead eyes, are weedless and measure about 3inches long. The Lower Laguna Madre is one of the finest spots to fly fish for red fish (red drum), black drum, speckled trout, flounder, tarpon, snook, sheepshead, and ladyfish. This area is chalked full of bayous and canals, dotted with innumerable lakes, bays, ponds, and . Sheepshead: Too Weird For Confidence In the coastal waters off North Carolina, captains have found enormous schools of redfish in 20 to 60 feet of water. 3 thoughts on " Redfish Flies " Scott Kor says . When the cork pops in the water it creates a slurping sound, and this gets the fish interested. 2023All Rights Reserved -www.sightcastfishing.com - Sight Cast Fishing Company, Saltwater Fly Fishing - Apparel, Flies, and Tying Materials, Sheepshead, Fly Fishing, Sight Fishing, Sheepshead Flies, texas fly fishing, sheepshead fly fishing, how to catch sheepshead on fly, best sheepshead flies, sight fishing to sheepshead, sheepshead fly, best way to catch sheepshead. Kennedy nicknamed this all-black cone-headed Wooly Bugger the American Express Fly because he never leaves home without it. The Everglades Special is one of those baitfish patterns that will just about catch any predatory fish. The basic shape of the fly tends to replicate many sources of the Redfishs diet, such as shrimp and crabs, and can be tied in countless color variations to suit all water clarities. If all goes as planned, hooking reds well over 30 pounds is the welldeserved reward.. Fly Fishing Trip | Texas Red Fish Adventures | South Padre Island, TX Weighted Gold Frizzies are very popular in Alabama, according to Wesley Parks of McCoy Outdoors Fly Shop (334-432-3006) in Mobile. If I had to guess at the most popular coastal saltwater fly-rod fish in the United States, Id have to pick redfish. A Bonnier LLC Company. Almost any fly that imitates such forage works well. My choice would be a medium to fast action rod with some backbone to roll over the larger patterns. When it comes to fly fishing, Texas is an up-and-coming state with a lot to offer anglers. Fly Fishing in Texas: The Complete Guide - FishingBooker Blog East Cut Redfish Popper 1 artificial lure of all time for redfish. One or two flying sharks is worth a look, but a dozen simultaneous eruptions deserves full throttle and a shout on the radio, she says. With excellent year-round populations of Redfish, Speckled Trout and Black Drum. A Marsh of Your Own: How to Catch Redfish by Kayak 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. Out in the St. Johns River channel, the bull reds congregate. Traveling pro angler Pat Ford offers tips on tackle, flies and hot spots. Guide Tip: Redfish grow to true trophy sizes. I am a South African based fly fisherman who loves nothing more than spending a day on the water. Much of the action is found around spartina grass marsh, where reds forage for crab when the tide is high. All five of the flies featured in this article are available in the Sight Cast Redfish Pack and are designed to target Redfish in the Gulf Coast region. Fly Fishing Laguna Madre on the Texas Coast. Its a pretty basic fly, with a small head and burnt nylon eyes. Getting the fly to drop deep gains more bites. 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. Thanks to its heavy lead eyes, it drops like a crab, but its movement is more shrimp-like. The straight style, like the Straight-Shooter Crab pictured, has the hook shank positioned perpendicular to the crab body. Baitfish, crab, and shrimp patterns are . There are so many fish feeding its actually ridiculous. ), water conditions the fly excels in, and how you like to fish it. 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. When handling and releasing any fish, particularly the larger bull reds, remember to hold them horizontally to support their internal organs. Pair the rod with a smooth drag reel and a floating line, and you are good to go. We promise we won't spam your inbox with stuff you don't care about. Fishing Baffin Bay in Texas for Trophy Trout and Redfish What makes the fly different from other crab and glue-body designs, however, is that its extremely weedless. Other examples include modified Divervariants and the Popcorn Shrimp. I like the fly in the mud crab color of dark brown /green in size #2. Copyright 2023 Sport Fishing Magazine. For the leader, a standard nine-foot leader with a tippet rating of 15 to 20-pound test works best. The Fishing Experience at Baffin Bay! The marsh features a series of shallow ponds connected by channels, all of which come lined with even shallower oyster bars and mud flats. This is my summer flats first choice in the colors closet to the mullet in your areatans and beige with whites and black markings. Many anglers prefer an 8-weight fly rod for smaller redfish, but I usually throw big bushy redfish flies. 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. In Georgia the water is dark and turbid, and the tides run hard and high. 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. This stunning shot was taken by professional photograher Marjie Goldberg from Florida. Redfish, red drum, or spot-tailed bass are all names that refer to this fish. Table of Contents show. Georgia also has vast areas of inshore spartina grass flats. He ties the fly on a barbless 34011 Mustad size 4 hook, with a bright-gold cone head to help get it deep. Anywhere you can flats-fish for Texas reds, youll find that sensory overload. If youre fortunate enough to hit a warm day, youll find hordes of reds rushing up on the flats to feed over the warm, dark mud left exposed by an earlier low tide. I had never seen a tail that big or that color. The key is to use a fly-and-line combo that will drop down in the water column. Mens and womens redfish fly records top out with the 43-pounder caught by Greg Braunstein on 16-pound tippet in 1995 out of the Banana River Lagoon in Florida. Dustin's Destroyer, Chartreuse and White. When poling in the marsh, anglers look for wakes, tails and bodies near oyster bars and mud flats. 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. You want to be in Port Aransas during the Fall Run to catch your next personal best sight casted Texas red drum on the fly. Observe the size and type of baitfish that are up on the flats in high numbers and pick a fly that most closely resembles that. Reds customarily feed on small crabs, shrimp and baitfish, such as mullet and mud minnows. There are literally thousands of flies out there that imitate the crabs, shrimp, and baitfish that make up the diet of a Redfish on the shallow flats and backwater marshes. Getting the fly deep gets more bites, even when the reds are busting on top. . Its simple design and ease to fish are what I love about it. The fly is tied to look like a gaudy shrimp, which is something to keep in mind when viewing it. They will usually eat a well-placed fly with reckless abandon and can even be caught on topwater flies for redfish. Head down south to the Louisiana fishing playgrounds in and around New Orleans and the Biloxi Marsh area, an estuary network of 210,000 acres of coastal wetlands located on the eastern side of Louisiana, which borders the Gulf of Mexico, you will find yourself in the mecca of redfish fly fishing. The Razmatz is an excellent choice for a shallow, dirty water fly pattern. 100% of our funding comes from your gear purchases, so if this blog post helps you on your next fly fishing adventure, please support us by buying your gear from us. The fishing is good, but different, and the type of fly required to dupe reds is different too. The Deceiver is another famous pattern known by many fly fishermen. The deer hair body gives it the topwater element, and I love throwing these flies at cruising redfish trackers as they are often called. It is tied in in smaller sizes, so it doesn't make much disturbance when it lands. The carnage happens fast. Fly Fish Rockport Half Day in Rockport - captainexperiences.com Re: Redfish Flies. The kinky muddler is excellent for these summer conditions. Furthermore, be aware of the water clarity as this will factor into the colors of flies that will tend to be more effective. Fly Fishing Laguna Madre on the Texas Coast - Flylords Mag But the visual experience can be breathtaking. This has all the characteristics of the Seaducer yet adds more of a shrimp look. Miniard fishes primarily for tailing redfish in tough, tangled spartina grass along the northeast Florida coast. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. The angel hairs hollow body gives bulk, and the bucktail and long hackle feathers give the tail lovely movement. Many anglers prefer an 8-weight fly rod for smaller redfish, but I usually throw big bushy redfish flies. The weighted versions can help in the deeper waters, and a weed guard is imperative for this pattern. Winter Redfish are often larger, especially Bull Redfish, and typically are fished with flies in the 1/0 - 2/0 size range. Southwest Fly Fishing Magazine, "Exposure" Photo Essay, April 2015. Possibly the most unique redfish destination is Mosquito Lagoon in east central Florida. The Redfish Crack fly, or maybe youve heard of the variations Redfish Cracklin, Redfish Meth or Redfish Ritalin, is another fly with a proven track record. Follow up question to types of flies for redfish - I am in the process of converting from conventional setups to fly fishing and am doing so on my own - w/o a friend to show me the ropes.