Strip this fly slow and with short pauses to allow it time to shimmer down into the water column. The Clouser is a classic saltwater pattern for a variety of species, and for good reason. Rockport fly fishing is some of the best on the entire Texas Coast. Thats when Alderman became a believer in rattling redfish flies. Fly Fishing the texas coast. It's not uncommon to see Reds tailing in shallow water and some would consider sight casting to a 30+lb Bull Redfish the pinnacle of the sport. Next the tubing is poked at liberally with a needle or ice pick to unfurl the mylar, giving it a frizzy appearance. The dumbbell eyes can vary from tungsten to bead chain for weight changes. . Sign up to get the latest sales, new product updates, fly tying tutorials, and important news! 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. 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 Devils River is legendary to anglers in Texas. 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. Everyone has to know where the big rods are on the boat and how to quickly stash albie gear. It is tied in in smaller sizes, so it doesnt make much disturbance when it lands. If you cant get the fly to the fish, you wont catch any, period. My choice would be a medium to fast action rod with some backbone to roll over the larger patterns. Texas Sporting Journal, "Light Tackling Tarpon", May 2015. My favorite hi-tie, I'll often use a 4x-long size 6 . Most of your casting will be done in . But, thanks in large part to the Coastal Conservation Association that day is long gone. These patters offer a solid profile and tied with the right materials and weight move beautifully throught the water. In spring, the reds work the edges of bars and creek mouths. Flats-fishing equals sight-fishing, which is what makes it fun. SWS Planner: Texas Gulf Coast Redfish Action. The water systems in the South are rich in food sources, and this is where the redfish concentrate. Here is a brief overview of some hot fly patterns in vogue today among the in the know coastal redfish angling set. It also helped a bit that the first cast I made with a Spoonfly hooked a fish. The productive color combinations are plenty, but the pattern always remains the same, a dark back with a light belly. A subtle fly or plug pulled gently in front of a . 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. Now healthy populations of reds root in the coastal shallows from Massachusetts to Mexico. My choice is an 8wt setup, but you should fish what you feel comfortable with. Southwest Fly Fishing Magazine, "Exposure" Photo Essay, April 2015. If there's any wind at all, a 9-weight makes casting easier. 7. What makes the fly different from other crab and glue-body designs, however, is that its extremely weedless. My guide, Capt. The fly has a monofilament weed guard and burnt-mono eyes. When it comes to fly fishing, Texas is an up-and-coming state with a lot to offer anglers. Starting at $6.16. Youll also want it to resemble a juvenile blue crab thats highly prevalent in the region, including a tan-colored textured shell body and bright orange claw tips. Guide Tip: Redfish grow to true trophy sizes. Sometimes the bite is on and game fish will aggressively smack anything thats thrown in front of them. Fishalicious, is another baitfish pattern worthy of the fly box. Let's take a closer look at what awaits you on a Texas redfish adventure. As you approach the Mississippi and Louisiana Gulf coasts, all that changes. Other examples include modified Divervariants and the Popcorn Shrimp. First there's the weather. 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). There are so many fish feeding its actually ridiculous. It has a unique wobbling action when retrieved thats identical to a Johnson wobbling spoon. The good news is that Redfish are highly aggressive feeders and are usually not too picky. Copyright 2023 Sport Fishing Magazine. About the Author: Now a retired Miami attorney, Pat Ford spends his time taking photos and writing about fishing destinations around the world. This is the story behind the action in Marjie's words: "In August 2014, I was taking photos of Ospreys in flight at the . Gold Frizzy. Some quick online research will show you hundreds of Crab patterns available. Sport Fishing Magazine may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. For large redfish, you will want to employ a 3/0, 4/0, or 5/0 circle hook. We use giant Clouser flies teamed with super-fast-sinking fly lines that range from 450 to 700 grains. 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. He will say, however, t wasnt easy to develop. A lot of times they'll eat a fly just because it's moving drop it close to them, one strip, and they engulf it. Georgia also has vast areas of inshore spartina grass flats. Dustin's Destroyer, Bluegill. Normally, youll scout reds in less than 2 feet of water by looking for wakes, tails and bodies. Texas claims two others, and North Carolina one. This simple fly has heavy eyes and sinks quickly. 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. Redfish are strong, hearty, and fight really good. In weedy water, the Sheka is tied with a monofilament-loop weed guard. 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 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. In addition to redfish, we have the option to target inshore and offshore species such as tarpon, jacks, kingfish, cobia, bonito, snapper, etc when conditions allow in a 23 foot . We are not a blog or a review site. by Ron Mc Tue Mar 10, 2020 10:18 am. Fish often have trouble tracking their prey in these conditions. Virtually every region of salt or brackish water in the greater Jacksonville area holds reds, according to local anglers. Along with the flies you like most, give us the general location (not spots but east Coast of Florida, South Carolina or Texas etc. They can be in water from 6 inches to 3feet, based on varying conditions of tide and temperature. 1. Ive caught a lot of big fish in my day, but nothing like this. Anywhere you can flats-fish for Texas reds, youll find that sensory overload. A local captain knows where the fish were yesterday and runs a proper skiff designed to navigate the target waters. 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. If the precise concave shape isnt made, the spoon will plane to the surface during the retrieve rather than wobble. Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy | About | Contact | The Team | Advertise with Guide Recommended, Disclosure: "This site is owned and operated by River Traditions LLC, a limited liability company headquartered in Michigan, USA. But beyond that quintessential visual, if youre targeting reds in Texas, you might also hear the sound. The sound of a single red popping, gulping and smacking on shrimp. Consider Fishing The Flats: Flat fishing is a great way to go sight fishing for redfish. When youre seeing lots of Redfish up on the flats, tie this fly on and let the good times roll. This is my summer flats first choice in the colors closet to the mullet in your areatans and beige with whites and black markings. Read about, Both Tarpon and Redfish can haunt the same waters. Fools Gold crab pattern is my first choice for tailing Redfish. They simply cannot resist the flicker and flutter as it moves through the water. What makes the Spoonfly so unique and such a fish-catcher are the same things that make the Johnson Weedless Minnow a hit for bait-casters and spin fishermen. Saltwater fly fishing is another craze that has taken root from Texas to Florida, and for good reason. Corpus Christi, Texas, guide Bill Sheka (512-991-7191) has fished Baffin Bay and lower Laguna Madre for many years and devised a bright-colored fly called the Sheka Shrimp. Leaders can measure 9 to 12 feet, with a 40-pound butt section tapering to a 15- or 20-pound tippet. Bags and packs are entirely optional. Tie on a bushy fly in either white or brown with bead or lead eyes, such as this Chernobyl shrimp. Tie it on a 1/0 hook and use bead eyes, even though its a shallow-water fly. 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. Texas Fly Caster Location: Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX Waters: Lake Ray Roberts, Lewisville Lake, Trinity River, Other Local Waters Fish: Bass, Carp . It can be tied in sizes 1/0 - 10. If youre not ready when a school appears, youre out of luck. This Louisiana classic is an easy and delicious way to serve redfish. . For targeting bulls over 20pounds, a 10-weight works best and handles the bigger flies those fish prefer. The fishing is good, but different, and the type of fly required to dupe reds is different too. This fly is particularly good on the flood tide in those highwater grass areas. Floating on the surface, Gurglers will pop, splash, and create noise when being retrieved. Fly fishing trips are limited to two anglers per boat. Yes, there are a few minor differences, but they feed and act in the same way for the most part. Table of Contents show. How to Tie the Crappie Killer Fly Pattern, How to Tie the Film Critic Emerger Fly Pattern, How to Tie the Puterbaugh Foam Caddis Fly Pattern, How to Choose the Best Fly Rod for Bonefish, Sage R8 Core Fly Rod Series Review: Model-By-Model, How to Tie the Golden Retriever Fly Pattern. Salt Water Sportsman may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. The lagoon runs from the southern tip of New Smyrna Beach to the north end of Merritt Island and encompasses more than 21,000 acres of shallow, clear flats with less than a foot of tidal flow. Jim, note Prof Salt's recent use of size 8 hooks on redfish flies. The bull reds are singular fish, generally a lot bigger, and are more specific in what they eat. Eric Glass, @captainericg, 956-434-1422; Galveston Bay: Capt. Saltwater Flies. 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. 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. Most are very bright-colored, which work well in the clear waters he fishes, where shrimp are an important forage. I love this! Earth-tone colors seem to work best, a sandy brown head paired with a striped light beige body that resembles the pattern of a shrimp. The fish looks unnatural and uncoordinated, but its the most exciting surface-lure strike youll see. With diverse locations and ample opportunity, it is a great place to try fly fishing for the first time or the hundredth. When retrieved with quick short strips it closely resembles a fleeing shrimp and the head pulses with bite-enticing movement. We have a lot of folks ask us about the flies we are using while fly fishing the flats in Rockport and the surrounding area. The water is air-clear. Plus, we've also written about the best fly reel for Reds and the best fly line for Reds. He and his clients fish it slow, slower and slower still. There are various signs to look for to help us decide how to fish for them. 4. It retrieves through pencil reeds, spartina grass, over rocks, oysters and through brush as well as any weedless lure. In the beginning, the most incredible, unexplained marks appeared on our bottom machines. Candy Corn Crawler is a great choice when targeting redfish. East Cut Redfish Popper I have found that light flies and long, long, long leaders are the ticket in these situations. Find out where the action is, what the water conditions are and everything you need for a successful day on the water! When: Summer and fall; Who: The following guides specialize in Texas redfishing: Middle Texas Coast: Capt. This allows the crab to "swim" while being stripped. To find out more about the regulations for the reservoirs call (210) 635-8289 or visit the TPWD website https://tpwd.texas.gov/. Its time Florida starts similar program.Snook They also have to know when to cast and how long to let their offerings sink. Just sales, new product updates, fly tying tutorials, and important news! This is a variation of a fly tied by Jim Misiura. Sign up to get the latest sales, new product updates, fly tying tutorials, and important news! Other shrimp patterns to consider are grass shrimp and hybrids like redfish Ritalin. 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. The Razmatz is an excellent choice for a shallow, dirty water fly pattern. If you fish in the marsh and mangroves, dont even think of leaving the house without flies with weed guards! If you find redfish feeding near the surface, a topwater fly works really well. 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. Dupre Spoon Fly is one of those debatable patterns that some purists argue isnt a fly but more a lure. The Deceiver is another famous pattern known by many fly fishermen. For more about chasing redfish with a fly rod, find Chico Fernandezs book Fly Fishing for Redfish. No spam. As you move farther north in the redfish's range, you may have to wait until later in the year to find reds in the surf. Boats leave from dozens of ports, and the runs to the flats can take anywhere from a few minutes to over an hour. The fishing for trophy trout and redfish on Texas' Baffin Bay is nothing short of spectacular and our experienced guides can't wait to show you our neck of the woods. Look for big redfish laid up at the surface like tarpon. Its just a matter of selecting the right flies. I love nothing more than being out on the water chasing a few reds with friends. Its tied on a size 1 through 2/0 Mustad 34007 hook, unweighted or with lead dumbbell eyes. All you need is a nine foot long 7 or 8 weight rod matched with a floating line and a fly reel that can carry 150 yards of backing. Anglers may choose to light-tackle rods or fly gear to fish the expansive, shallow-water flats of the 100 square mile Baffin Bay . From the gulf coast of Texas to Virginia, redfish can be found along nearly 2000 miles worth of coastline. Each area offers something to the fly fisherman. Scientists have documented this redfish population as the first ever known to spawn in an estuary (versus offshore). All fishing is done out of a 2016 Hell's Bay Professional poling skiff, although we do occasionally wade fish. When the pelicans, gannets and larger gull species start wheeling around in open water, dont hesitate to investigate, Gardner says. 1.1 1. Electric Slider Fly. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. Featuring a textured shell body and bright orange claw tips, they closely resemble a juvenile blue crab. Most are designed to have the perfect amount of weight to slowly flutter down to the bottom and not rapidly sink into the weeds where fish cant see it. (Editors note: Wherever you plan to fish, check that states redfish regulations for licensing, season and bag-limit information.). Getting down quickly also avoids the albies, which grab the lighter offerings, she says. An oversized head with a long tail made of saddle hackles. The dark color and bulky body make an easy-to-find target for Georgia reds, Kennedy says. While it was initially intended to target Redfish, it does equally as well for large Speckled Trout up on the flats. All the way from Florida to Texas anglers and tyers are hard at work designing patterns to fool redfish. Ive almost been tempted to tie some very small ones for trout. 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. After enduring day after day of heat, humidity and seemingly incessant southwest winds; October will give . Crab flies mainly fall into two different categories and can be fished a few different ways. Kwan is the fly to have for those quiet, cold winter days on the water. It is very productive in a root beer color with gold tinsel and redhead profile. Whats interesting about Texas is its variety of venues. For information, visit . The golden color works well in the muddy water, and the reds love the movement of the fly. Gin clear water makes these fish very skittish when in shallow water situations. I set the hook, and the fish rocketed along the shoreline, throwing mud and water. Check out, Picture Source A huge thanks to the great folks at, Some of the amazing redfish pictures were provided by my buddies at. The Electric Bunny doesnt seemingly resemble one particular redfish menu item, but they find its crabby silhouette irresistible. I use large, black bead eyes most of the time, but always tie some flies with lead eyes for deeper water. The best fly choice: a good-size shrimp that sinks quickly. The straight style, like the Straight-Shooter Crab pictured, has the hook shank positioned perpendicular to the crab body. Take a look at the Sight Cast Spoon, it comes after years of research and field testing. We are lucky that Redfish are such a forgiving fish to target. Furthermore, be aware of the water clarity as this will factor into the colors of flies that will tend to be more effective. Fools Gold Fly - a favorite for Redfish. Crab flies come in two different styles and can be fished two different ways. Saltwater fly fishing for redfish is a lot of fun! These fish, without a doubt, make for an incredibly memorable fly fishing trip. The fly is finished by tying in three dark but iridescent wild-turkey breast feathers that splay outward from the head over the hook point and bend, which makes it look very crab-like. 3 thoughts on " Redfish Flies " Scott Kor says . You need to ensure to scan the course with your eyes, particularly when fishing in shallow waters. Guide Tip: My buddies Kevin and Steve run Indigo Guide Service, theyre proving out to be some of the best redfish guides on the Louisiana Coast. In the coastal waters off North Carolina, captains have found enormous schools of redfish in 20 to 60 feet of water. Port O' Connor. Let a good casts worth of line drag behind you and start wading in about a foot of water. Get the latest up to date fly fishing report for Redfish, sea trout, tarpon, mackeral jack crevalle fishing in Gulf Coast with the top producing flies and recommended equipment to get you into fish. Equip your fly line with cast foam poppers, deer-hair bugs or shrimp and baitfish patterns for the classic approach to Snook fly fishing. Almost every saltwater fly shop will have a selection of spoons available and if you pay close attention and compare different patterns you will notice slight differences. Fished in the Gulf Coast region, you cant go wrong with a chartreuse and white color that has a large eye. Texas Red Fish Adventures. In these conditions, its not so much the pattern, but rather how it swims that is important. Fish it near the bottom with slow and erratic retrieves for best results. 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. The basic shape of the fly tends to replicate many sources of the Redfishs diet, such as shrimp, small baitfish, and crabs. 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. What a rush. I like the neutral colors for the Kwan in sizes #4. Easy to cast, and light enough to manipulate in a variety of ways once in the water. . As much as I love wading the south Texas flats, redfish in the Laguna Madre are smallpuppy drum, in local parlancethat rarely weigh more than 6 or 7 pounds. He uses a No. Stretching 367 miles from the Sabine River at the Louisiana border to the Rio Grande on the Mexican border, the Texas coast is a varied and unique fishery that is relatively unnoticed on the national level. All rods, reels, tackle, and flies are provided- all you need is a current Texas fishing license, snacks, and polarized sunglasses. Flies must get deep quickly to appeal to upper Gulf Coast redfish, he says. The most common color is reddish-bronze. Having the right fly for these conditions is essential. Dure wont divulge exactly how he molds epoxy into just the right shape to produce a replica wobble of the Johnson spoon. If youre fishing in one foot of water, you can opt for a fly tied with bead-chain eyes. 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. The Redfish tend to like its smaller profiling in the colder months, especially on the clearer days. Wyld on the Fly offers fly fishing guide services for the Corpus Christi, Rockport, Aransas Pass, Laguna Madre, Land Cut, and Baffin Bay waters. Consequently, those are the best hues for Aldermans Zap-A-Crab. With hundreds of creeks, bays and tidal washes that abound in the area, this region is a vast labyrinth of dark-stained tidewater. Redfish are a staple on fly down South, and many a fly angler love to catch these fish throughout the year. 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. August 30, 2022 by Brent Pollock. Retrieve this fly with steady, slow strips and it will mimic the movement of a fleeing crab. 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. The body profile and hook riding upwards make it deadly. 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. Miniard fishes primarily for tailing redfish in tough, tangled spartina grass along the northeast Florida coast. If you find schools of glass minnows, tie on a Clouser and youll find the fish. This is where the high tide pushes an extra few feet, flooding the muddy grass banks. The fly is then adorned with a bit of colored hackle and a wire weed guard. Calm conditions are best for spotting redfish in dark water, but sometimes during strong autumn noreasters great flats action can be had. We promise we won't spam your inbox with stuff you don't care about. 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. Iknow it works because the guides keep all my leftovers. In the southern parts of Florida and Texas, redfish generally run smaller than their cousins in other regions, and they spend most of their time on the flats. This is an excellent fly for tailing fish digging crabs out of the mud. All of the fish you choose to keep must measure between 20-28 inches. Snook thrive in water temperatures 70 degrees and above, so they'll be more easily spotted in the flats year-round or around coastal bays and beaches by late spring. 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. Polling around on that flood tide is a special time to fish, and it should be cherished. Ten of the other 14 fly-tippet-class records came from Louisiana. Fly fishing for redfish on the flats of Texas in a video from WildFly Productions. Out in the St. Johns River channel, the bull reds congregate. Its a simple Superglue fly Ben can make in about 10 minutes. No top ten list can be without the most used and prolific fly in the world, the classic Clouser Minnow pattern. I think the craft fur body profile moves so well and has all the triggers. Redfish will chase this fly from a mile away, so be ready. Gold Frizzy Call Captain Kenjo direct ASAP 361-500-2552 or BOOK NOW online! Traditionally it is tied with a Craft Fur tail, a little flash, a small attractor/egg hot spot, a palmered hackle collar, segmented sections of yarn or EP fibers, and some beadchain or lead eyes. 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. Trident Fly Fishing is a full-service fly shop. These large-shouldered predators spend time cruising marshy coastlines searching for crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish. For targeting bulls over 20 pounds, a 10-weight works best and handles the bigger flies those fish prefer. The shrimp-tipped jig is the icing on the cake, and the redfish can't resist the smell. 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. With flat boats, casting can be done within 50 feet. Cone-Head Wooly Bugger While it was initially intended to target Redfish, it does equally as well for large Speckled Trout up on the flats. The Texas Toad, pictured above, is a good example of one such variation. The weed guard is essential to the success of the fly. This has all the characteristics of the Seaducer yet adds more of a shrimp look. In fall and winter months, the Biloxi Marsh and the coast of Louisiana can properly boast the best redfishing in the world. 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. 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.