They typically have heavy amounts of weight and little bulk to get the fly down to the sandy bottom fast. Those regions abut the narrow, winding canals of the back marshes and ponds near Galveston and Freeport. During the full-moon periods both months, anglers anchor along the edges of the channel between Blount Island and Mayport. Therefore, I recommend having some experience . Out in the St. Johns River channel, the bull reds congregate. Just deals and news! You need to ensure to scan the course with your eyes, particularly when fishing in shallow waters. They can be in water from 6 inches to 3feet, based on varying conditions of tide and temperature. 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. Calm conditions are best for spotting redfish in dark water, but sometimes during strong autumn noreasters great flats action can be had. I like to think of it as the woolly bugger for reds. March 24 - 2023 Texoma Ducks Unlimited Spring Event at the Mayor Arena of Loy Lake Park. 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. Most come with bead eyes, are weedless and measure about 3inches long. The Spoonfly is made of flashy Mylar covered and sealed with clear epoxy on a long-shank 2/0 Mustad. This small collection are the top flies for Redfish that we have found. Sneaky speckled trout can also be caught year-round moreover the seatrout here grow to trophy proportions like in the Laguna Madre. 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. These anglers are chasing red drum, the target of choice for a growing legion of fly anglers, thanks to the fact that there are more red drum in the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico waters today than weve seen in years. Conditions - 55-degrees. Usually a wake is seen, or a small part of the fish is spotted breaking the waters surface. For small stream trout, smaller fly fishing hook sizes like a 6 or 10 may be sufficient. However, the Electric Sliders dark coloration, coupled with the intelligent use of ingredients, gives it great movement, making it the perfect choice for the marsh. With flat boats, casting can be done within 50 feet. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. 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. Watching redfish forage for crabs in mud or grass, or hunt mullet on an oyster bar is one of the most exciting experiences in flats fishing. Sometimes the bite is on and game fish will aggressively smack anything thats thrown in front of them. Consequently, those are the best hues for Aldermans Zap-A-Crab. . This allows the crab to stand upright in a defensive posture with claws dancing in the current when resting on the bottom. If you find schools of glass minnows, tie on a Clouser and youll find the fish. This one-two punch is a tried and true classic for catching reds. They are superb at grabbing the attention of fish and will trigger a natural reaction bite that Redfish can simply not resist. But for Bill Harvey, a biologist with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's Aquatic Resource Protection . The Clouser closely resembles a glass minnow, one of the most plentiful bait fishes seen in back lakes and coves. That said, Im an 8wt shooter myself, and I feel an 8wt setup is ample to target most reds in their environment. It is a mix of a number of different patterns and works great as a shrimp, crab or even a baitfish. But as every angler knows, there are days where the fish are picky and are only keying in on one food source. Read where to go in this article > Where to Fly Fish in Florida, How big do Tarpon, Redfish and Snook get? Current fly fishing reports and conditions for Gulf Coast Rockport in TX! Keep your leader short and straightforward. Dustin's Destroyer, Chartreuse and White. Youll end up tying this fly on very often because once you get that rush of adrenaline watching Redfish blow it up out of the water, you'll be addicted. Fly Fishing for Texas Redfish: Dolphin and Redfish photo by Marjie Glodberg: We're a big fan of awesome photos showing action and drama! 3. As with all flats-fishing, you look for wakes, tails and bodies. A good deviation of this pattern that works well from Texas to Florida is the Brown-Noser fly. Offshore, in the surf, or next to deep channels are the ideal locations to use this fly. 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. Along with the flies you like most, give us the general location (not spots but east Coast of Florida, South Carolina or Texas etc. My hands shook. Its for this style of hunt-and-cast redfishing that guide Ben Alderman (843-906-3630) devised his favorite redfish fly, the Zap-A-Crab. Additional tail materials can consist of marabou, bucktail, calf tail or Krystal Flash. Of course, flats-fishing requires some level of experience and the ability to cast 50feet accurately regardless of weather conditions. 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). Redfish are generally in the surf when the water temperatures reach the mid-70s. I like the fly in the mud crab color of dark brown /green in size #2. Pair the rod with a smooth drag reel and a floating line, and you are good to go. Much like other flies designed for the flats, it lands soft and quiet, sinks slow, and when tied with a weed guard can be used in the skinniest of water. We promise we won't spam your inbox with stuff you don't care about. They simply cannot resist the flicker and flutter as it moves through the water. Reds can spot a bright Sheka Shrimp fly from a long distance and can be counted on to home in quickly for a fast meal. These Texas reds demonstrate typical shallow-water feeding behavior. Tie it on a 1/0 hook and use bead eyes, even though its a shallow-water fly. Saltwater Flies. From WildFly Productions: "Back in November, I made it down to the Texas Coast for a DIY saltwater trip with my buddy, Bryant. Most have been well tested via the school of hard fishing knocks endorsed by the anglers who cast them and the redfish that eat them. Swan Point Landing Fly Shop Location: Rockport, TX Waters: Texas Coast Fish: Redfish Website. While it was initially intended to target Redfish, it does equally as well for large Speckled Trout up on the flats. Montgomery designed the fly for chasing world-record-size reds around the clear waters of the Chandeleur Islands in Louisiana, which he does with client Robert Cunningham Jr., who has boated several potential record fish wit this streamer. Blackened Redfish. The redfish run from average, 4 to 7 pounds, to big, 12 to 15 pounds. With diverse locations and ample opportunity, it is a great place to try fly fishing for the first time or the hundredth. It has a large head that pushes water and the head to tail contrast makes it highly visible and attractive to fish. The bull reds, on average, top the 20-pound mark, and they seem to number in the thousands. That expert also comes with a trained pair of eyes to help spot the fish before they spot you. The Kung Fu Crab is a must when fishing the mangroves and grass plains. Its time Florida starts similar program.Snook Low summer tides mean baitfish being flushed into the shallows and the reds having a field day. Quickly toss the fly in front of the fish before it heads back out to sea. Each area offers something to the fly fisherman. It all depends on the flies you are using and what depth of water you are fishing in. If youre fishing in one foot of water, you can opt for a fly tied with bead-chain eyes. We spend a lot of time testing gear and writing reviews to give you all of the tools to make your next trip a success. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Fishalicious, is another baitfish pattern worthy of the fly box. by Ron Mc Tue Mar 10, 2020 10:18 am. The great thing about redfish patterns is, for the most part, they are pretty darn simple fly and easy to tie. Try a white or chartreuse pattern, and if that doesnt work, switch to something dark in black or purple. Thats when Alderman became a believer in rattling redfish flies. 9 ft leader is standard with 25-30lbs breaking strain tippet. Possibly the most unique redfish destination is Mosquito Lagoon in east central Florida. And Id bet striped bass and salmon would go bonkers for em too. The shrimp-tipped jig is the icing on the cake, and the redfish can't resist the smell. Its a simple Superglue fly Ben can make in about 10 minutes. Marsh grasses remain a favorite destination for anglers hoping to hook reds. These eyes are much lighter and will give you a slower sink rate. Sometimes, they can be a bit more technical. Because reds often cruise in murky water, anglers must throw a big enough fly for them to see. Most reds top 20 pounds, and again, if they see your fly, theyll eat it. Aransas Pass Fly Fishing. In the colder months having the waders is excellent to have to keep you warm and dry. Flies for Redfish. Redfish weighing less than 15 pounds can be landed using most any fly rod. Back in November, I made it down to the Texas Coast for a DIY saltwater trip with my buddy, Bryant. I like to have an intermediate spool ready to roll if needed, but it isnt necessary. It can be tied in sizes 1/0 - 10. Other shrimp patterns to consider are grass shrimp and hybrids like redfish Ritalin. Plus, we've also written about the best fly reel for Reds and the best fly line for Reds. Truthfully, there are a lot of different redfish fly patterns that all work well. 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. The EP Baitfish is a Gurgler-like pattern that moves water and pops on the surface to trigger an aggressive Redfish eat. Proven fly patterns for summer Redfish are baitfish and shrimp patterns! Saltwater fly fishing is another craze that has taken root from Texas to Florida, and for good reason. A Bonnier LLC Company. Devils River - Legendary Among Texas Fly Anglers. Anywhere you can flats-fish for Texas reds, youll find that sensory overload. 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. 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. Port O' Connor. Need something interesting to read, so post up your favorite redfish flies. ), water conditions the fly excels in, and how you like to fish it. The original pattern was tied with a tan Craft Fur tail, an orange/red Catcus Chenille body, and an olive streamer brush head; but, this fly is highly versatile and can be tied in many different colors, materials, and eyes. Kennedy nicknamed this all-black cone-headed Wooly Bugger the American Express Fly because he never leaves home without it. For example, this fly can be tied with the standard lead dumbbell eye that will make the fly sink fast and will give you a jig action. The dumbbell eyes can vary from tungsten to bead chain for weight changes. Sarah Gardner, out of Nags Head on the Outer Banks, actually target them. But because tides run so strong, flats fishing can be difficult, more difficult than that found elsewhere in the Southeast, even in areas as close as Florida and South Carolina. He wants the fly right on the bottom, where a redfish can find it. Colors run the gamut too, from pink to orange, and from yellow to hot green. 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. If I had to guess at the most popular coastal saltwater fly-rod fish in the United States, Id have to pick redfish. The flashing and the low frequency vibration sounds it emits when being stripped excels in murkier waters. Many anglers prefer an 8-weight fly rod for smaller redfish, but I usually throw big bushy redfish flies. I like tans, greens, and lighter colors. They are known as bull reds. When handling and releasing any fish, particularly the larger bull reds, remember to hold them horizontally to support their internal organs. You might see individual fish or, in certain areas, schools of a dozen or more. Try white, chartreuse or black colors on a 2/0 Gamakatsu stinger hook. All fishing is done out of a 2016 Hell's Bay Professional poling skiff, although we do occasionally wade fish. Gardner always keeps two rods rigged and ready. The Mangrove Baitfish is great for Florida and Lowcountry redfish thanks to its wide profile and snag-resistant design. Chartreuse and white is a well-liked option. Most times, anglers fish shallow water thats clear enough to spot a 30-pound red, but it can quickly become quite murky after a cold front. Just sales, new product updates, fly tying tutorials, and important news! Its an excellent pattern for the muddier waters where some surface movement is needed to grab the fishs attention. Gene Montgomery (334-478-7440) is a Mobile, Alabama, high-school teacher with a passion for fly fishing. Learn More. In fall and winter, the Biloxi Marsh comes alive for fly anglers targeting big bull reds that cruise the ponds and channels. Most of them are caught in the marshes and coastal waters, but a few are targeted offshore. Table of Contents show. Below are some articles to guide you to a TROPHY. Much of the action is found around spartina grass marsh, where reds forage for crab when the tide is high. It needs to be small. Also, take note of the depth of the water and the type of bottom (grass, sand, etc)you are fishing in. 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. Candy Corn Crawler is a great choice when targeting redfish. The cost is $11.00 per person per day. 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. Take a look at the Sight Cast Spoon, it comes after years of research and field testing. On warmer days, work a surface-popper or gurgler pattern in white or in dark colors such as black and purple. True trophy fish can mean being in the right place, with the right flies, setup for success. Getting down quickly also avoids the albies, which grab the lighter offerings, she says. Greens and golds are the first choices in smaller #2 and #4. This fly is particularly good on the flood tide in those highwater grass areas. Flats-fishing equals sight-fishing, which is what makes it fun. Dupre can make custom colors if necessary. Much like all other crab flies, it should be able to perform crawling along the bottom and the legs and claws should flutter with bite-enticing movement. It has a deer hair head thats designed to push water and has a perfect baitfish profile that fish find hard to resist. Locals like the Surfin Wooly. This gives the Redfish a feeding zone they cant get on other occasions. She coaches clients in advance of these opportunities: Drum prep is like a fire drill, she says. 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. Featuring a textured shell body and bright orange claw tips, they closely resemble a juvenile blue crab. Mylar is tied on both sides of the hook and on top. Caudal and dorsal fins poking above the surface usually give away the fishs presence. Most of them imitate the crabs, shrimp, and baitfish that make up the majority of the redfish diet. Alderman is careful to keep the fly small, never more than 2 inches overall, so few redfish are missed at the strike. The deer hair body gives it the topwater element, and I love throwing these flies at cruising redfish trackers as they are often called. To find out more about the regulations for the reservoirs call (210) 635-8289 or visit the TPWD website https://tpwd.texas.gov/. Sheka Shrimps tied in subtle browns and cream colors perform best in stained water. Dustin's Destroyer, Bluegill. Thanks for signing up! To see more of his photography go to patfordphotos.com. 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. They will generally eat a second time if they spook or miss the fly. Dupre Spoon Fly is one of those debatable patterns that some purists argue isnt a fly but more a lure. SWS Planner: Texas Gulf Coast Redfish Action. Add the sizes you fish most often too. The bull reds are singular fish, generally a lot bigger, and are more specific in what they eat. The Crafty Shrimp is one of those flies that should always be in your fly box. I, for one, have a boat bag that has all my gear and flies in. Fly Fisherman Magazine, 2015. Virtually every region of salt or brackish water in the greater Jacksonville area holds reds, according to local anglers. These are the times when having an arsenal of flies that resembles all the prevalent bait fish in your particular location is a must. The Baffin Blue Crab fly pictured is just one example of how you can modify this pattern to fit your target species. Its death on redfish, with gold and silver models remarkably effecive. It is hand-tied by Jim Dupre and finished with an epoxy coating, making it bulletproof. Just deals and news! I think the craft fur body profile moves so well and has all the triggers. It can be tied in sizes 10 - 20. There are many variants of topwater flies, the classic Gurgleris just one example. The saltwater flats near Aransas Pass and Port Aranasas are a mecca for flyanglers hoping to hook redfish or speckled trout. Carry an intermediate line for the deeper waters, just in case. Anglers must be ready to cast as soon as the boat lines up. Youll find good numbers of 18- to 27-inch fish. These large-shouldered predators spend time cruising marshy coastlines searching for crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish. If youre going to have an arsenal of Redfish flies at your disposal, then you need to cover the entire depth of the water column, and that includes topwater! . Best of all, redfish love it. Here in North Florida, this is usually in mid to late spring. Bags and packs are entirely optional. Jim, note Prof Salt's recent use of size 8 hooks on redfish flies. Wyld on the Fly offers fly fishing guide services for the Corpus Christi, Rockport, Aransas Pass, Laguna Madre, Land Cut, and Baffin Bay waters. For the leader, a standard nine-foot leader with a tippet rating of 15 to 20-pound test works best. An oversized head with a long tail made of saddle hackles. Is this getting you excited? It would be great to book a fishing charter to fish for redfish. Use Light Flies and Long Leaders. In Georgia the water is dark and turbid, and the tides run hard and high. One of the elements of fly fishing for reds that I enjoy so much is the variety of experiences it offers from one location to another. 2. Michael Stravato for The . Redfish can be found in the waters of Galveston where the depth is about 6 - 12 feet. Almost any fly that imitates such forage works well. But a fishing trip can also go terribly wrong without the right gear. 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. Clouser Minnow needs no introductions or explanations! Fished in the Gulf Coast region, you cant go wrong with a chartreuse and white color that has a large eye. One fish though, when it's a nice redfish like those we caught that day, can do the soul a world of good. Redfish are opportunistic feeders and often forage in shallow mudflats with their noses stuck to the bottom, where they mainly feed on crustaceans. You can keep a maximum of 3 fish per angler per day. These fish fight strongly and stubbornly, but they dont make long runs and theyre usually caught in shallow water. Redfish in the lagoon and Indian River systems of Florida's space coast have an obsession with this type of fly. It is tied in in smaller sizes, so it doesn't make much disturbance when it lands. Whats interesting about Texas is its variety of venues. From the shape of the spoon, to the angle of the hook, to the amount of flash on the back end; it all factors in to how the spoon sinks, wobbles, and flutters in the water. 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's one . 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. The cost is $16.00 per person per day. Recommended Guide/Charter Service: Bones Fishing Guide Service (San Antonio, Calaveras Lake) This is one of the best guide services operating on Calaveras Lake for big redfish and catfish. The best colors are chartreuse and pink chenille, and I will fish this pattern if nothing else is working. The wind did what it usually does to a spoon-fly and sailed it several feet off target. . The straight style, like the Straight-Shooter Crab pictured, has the hook shank positioned perpendicular to the crab body. Fly-fishing, Light Tackle, Sight Casting, Shallow Water Fishing Charters in The Lower Laguna Madre in South . View the Candy Corn Crawler pattern on our Online Fly Shop. This pattern has many variations, but the concept remains the same. In these conditions, its not so much the pattern, but rather how it swims that is important. Yes, there are a few minor differences, but they feed and act in the same way for the most part. Welcome to the Texas Coastal Bend. Weighted Gold Frizzies are very popular in Alabama, according to Wesley Parks of McCoy Outdoors Fly Shop (334-432-3006) in Mobile. Consider Fishing The Flats: Flat fishing is a great way to go sight fishing for redfish. Boats leave from dozens of ports, and the runs to the flats can take anywhere from a few minutes to over an hour. 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). The bulls chase baitfish in the shallows, and the Everglades Special is the key! A Redfish is a Redfish, no matter if you are in Texas, Florida, or Virginia. 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. March 14: Exec Mtg - ZOOM March 10-12: Bolivar Marshes March 24-26: Harmon Creek Outing March 28: Monthly Mtg. Captain Jeff offers fantastic half day, full day, and multi day trips fly fishing for redfish along the Texas Coastal Bend. Let a good casts worth of line drag behind you and start wading in about a foot of water. Redfish are prevalent from the southeastern coast of the US to Texas. To find the best guides, contact a local fly shop. The weed guard is essential to the success of the fly. Chartreuse is a favorite color for warm-water predatory fish. Texas Sporting Journal, "Light Tackling Tarpon", May 2015. Redfish will chase this fly from a mile away, so be ready. Starting at $6.16. Give us a call here at the shop at (888) 413-5211 or email us anytime at[emailprotected]. Fly fishing for redfish on the flats of Texas in a video from WildFly Productions. The bright shiny spoon-fly is the furthest thing from the typically suggested drab sheepshead flies as you can get. Then one day I was casting a spoon-fly to redfish when I spotted a huge sheepie tailing on oysters. Chasing schools of bull reds offshore is an entirely different operation than flats-, channel and surf fishing, but that spectacular scene happens from North Carolina through northeast Florida and in the Gulf from Floridas panhandle past Louisiana. My favorite hi-tie, I'll often use a 4x-long size 6 . He ties several versions of it, making it suitable for redfish in a wide variety of waters and angling conditions. The Redfish Crack fly is a proven and very successful fly increasing in popularity in the Texas and Louisiana fisheries. Baitfish, crab, and shrimp patterns are . Everglades National Park offers prime redfish habitat with miles of flats. The hook sizes and eye weight can greatly vary and give you the flexibility to fish any depth of water. We spent 3 days exploring the area in search of Redfish. Location: Houston, Texas. The Electric Slider is another classic redfish pattern designed for muddy and stained water. Miniard adds that when a red takes the fly and crushes down on it with its mouth, it feels the hard Furry Foam body coated with epoxy.