For food and shelter, they seek out sea-grass beds, mangroves, marshes, oyster bars, mud and sand flats and beaches. Theyll even attack poppers with gusto, at times. The Electric Slider is another classic redfish pattern designed for muddy and stained water. Rockport fly fishing is some of the best on the entire Texas Coast. 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. With excellent year-round populations of Redfish, Speckled Trout and Black Drum. By the time you're done reading this, you'll be ready to head to Texas to . Carry an intermediate line for the deeper waters, just in case. Unless you know the area and own a flats boat, youll need a guide. Mylar is tied on both sides of the hook and on top. I think the craft fur body profile moves so well and has all the triggers. This stunning shot was taken by professional photograher Marjie Goldberg from Florida. Tackle choices aside, the size of your fly can be the most important . In weedy water, the Sheka is tied with a monofilament-loop weed guard. Fly fishing in Texas doesn't get the credit it deserves, and we're here to change that. Much of the action is found around spartina grass marsh, where reds forage for crab when the tide is high. The colors can be mixed and matched in an endless array, but here on the Texas Coast a blend of natural browns with orange flare seems to be a winning combination. 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. 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. Normally, youll scout reds in less than 2 feet of water by looking for wakes, tails and bodies. Surrounded by the crystal clear waters of Copano and Aransas Bays, and nearby San Antonio and Matagora Bays, Rockport, TX is our home and base of operations. When you want a good all-around fly that will catch any game fish you can see, tie on one of the most well-known saltwater flies, the Kwan fly. This is a variation of a fly tied by Jim Misiura. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Getting the fly to drop deep gains more bites. ), water conditions the fly excels in, and how you like to fish it. My choice would be a medium to fast action rod with some backbone to roll over the larger patterns. My favorite redfish fly pattern is a fuzzy variation of Tim Borskis Chernobyl shrimp. These 2hours are golden and what every redfish angler dreams of. When poling in the marsh, anglers look for wakes, tails and bodies near oyster bars and mud flats. Here are our favorite flies for Redfish. Northeast Florida anglers seldom see cruising redfish beneath the surface. The Electric Bunny doesnt seemingly resemble one particular redfish menu item, but they find its crabby silhouette irresistible. Size #1 and #2 are best. 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. With all these factors in mind, lets go over five of the top producing Redfish fly patterns that every angler needs in their box. 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. He uses a No. 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 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. Traveling angler and world-record holder Meredith McCord lives in Texas and fishes its flats for redfish every chance she gets. (Editors note: Wherever you plan to fish, check that states redfish regulations for licensing, season and bag-limit information.). Weighted Gold Frizzies are very popular in Alabama, according to Wesley Parks of McCoy Outdoors Fly Shop (334-432-3006) in Mobile. However, the Electric Slider's dark coloration, coupled with the intelligent use of ingredients, gives it great movement, making it the perfect choice for the marsh. Tied on a #1 or 1/0 hook in the color that best covers your area. So our guides have begun to compile a collection of our favorite patterns here, for all to see. With flat boats, casting can be done within 50 feet. Because redfish usually feed in grass and often cruise in murky water, fly anglers must throw something the fish can see. Choose some bright colors and Redfish won't be able to resist. The golden color works well in the muddy water, and the reds love the movement of the fly. 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. 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. Trinity Bay and East Bay. That said, Im an 8wt shooter myself, and I feel an 8wt setup is ample to target most reds in their environment. Furthermore, be aware of the water clarity as this will factor into the colors of flies that will tend to be more effective. Crab flies are deadly for targeting Redfish (and Sheepshead) in the Gulf Coast region. All of these flies are absolutely deadly for Redfish and big Trout up on the flats. You can keep a maximum of 3 fish per angler per day. 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. To round out our species-centered blog posts, we've written this post to help you choose the best flies. Magnify that sound and it results in a musical popcorn symphony performed by an entire school of reds feeding on fleeing white shrimp. In the summer, mullet start to move through the surf, and that signals game on for fly fishermen. The basic shape of the fly tends to replicate many sources of the Redfishs diet, such as shrimp, small baitfish, and crabs. If youve fished for Redfish before or are researching Redfish flies, you will undoubtedly run across the Kwan fly. The pattern excels in stained/murky water thats very common along the Texas and Louisiana coast. He and his clients fish it slow, slower and slower still. Often this sound carries across the marsh from two or three coves over. I bump up to a 5- to 6-inch mostly synthetic yet very puffy white fly for the big bull reds. 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. 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. All rights reserved. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. It is tied in in smaller sizes, so it doesn't make much disturbance when it lands. Other examples include modified Divervariants and the Popcorn Shrimp. The Spoonfly is about as weedless as the Johnson lure. Because of the guttural drumming sound they can make, the term "drum" was a given name. The good news is that Redfish are highly aggressive feeders and are usually not too picky. Use a smaller hook in seasons with small game in great numbers, such as the Spring and Summer. The Baffin Blue Crab fly pictured is just one example of how you can modify this pattern to fit your target species. 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. Chartreuse is a favorite color for warm-water predatory fish. As we mentioned above, you can keep one Redfish measuring over 28 inches per year with your Red Drum Tag. On the inshore saltwater scene the Spoonfly has few peers. 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. Crab flies mainly fall into two different categories and can be fished a few different ways. Good luck out there on the water! The Devils River is legendary to anglers in Texas. We spent 3 days exploring the area in search of Redfish. Almost every saltwater fly shop has a variation of the traditional Kwan fly, or sometimes referred to as the Redfish Toad. 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. Just sales, new product updates, fly tying tutorials, and important news! Electric Slider Fly. This recipe is extremely fast and easy! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Most of them are caught in the marshes and coastal waters, but a few are targeted offshore. Of course, flats-fishing requires some level of experience and the ability to cast 50feet accurately regardless of weather conditions. For more about chasing redfish with a fly rod, find Chico Fernandezs book Fly Fishing for Redfish. Welcome to the Texas Coastal Bend. Out in the St. Johns River channel, the bull reds congregate. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Flats-fishing equals sight-fishing, which is what makes it fun. Sign up to get the latest sales, new product updates, fly tying tutorials, and important news! Often, you'll need flat, calm conditions to consistently see fish. Back in November, I made it down to the Texas Coast for a DIY saltwater trip with my buddy, Bryant. Bushy shrimp patterns and white or chartreuse Clousers work best, depending on how deep the fish hold. Anglers must be ready to cast as soon as the boat lines up. Give us a call here at the shop at (888) 413-5211 or email us anytime at[emailprotected]. Saltwater fly fishing is another craze that has taken root from Texas to Florida, and for good reason. Kwan is the fly to have for those quiet, cold winter days on the water. Just sales, new product updates, fly tying tutorials, and important news! Yet it has good fish-hooking capabilities. Virtually every region of salt or brackish water in the greater Jacksonville area holds reds, according to local anglers. Youll find good numbers of 18- to 27-inch fish. All of the fish you choose to keep must measure between 20-28 inches. Fish often have trouble tracking their prey in these conditions. I have found that light flies and long, long, long leaders are the ticket in these situations. 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. 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. This one-two punch is a tried and true classic for catching reds. Short, quick, aggressive stripping will have the fly gurgling through the water and will trigger a natural reflex that makes fish want to eat. The cost is $11.00 per person per day. The lakes, ponds and coves in these areas prove deeper, so you wont see too many tailing fish. Try white, chartreuse or black colors on a 2/0 Gamakatsu stinger hook. Description - Fly fishing for red drum in the shallow marshes near Galveston using kayaks right after a cool front. Ford is a founding member of the conservation group Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, has held multiple IGFA world records and published two books on fly-fishing destinations. Tailing fish set any anglers heart aflutter. Use larger hook sizes in Fall and Winter months as you prepare to hunt down larger redfish game. The Fishing Experience at Baffin Bay! Silver Krystal Flash is used liberally on many patterns, snce its a long-range attractant in clear water. Tie on a bushy fly in either white or brown with bead or lead eyes, such as this Chernobyl shrimp. There are various signs to look for to help us decide how to fish for them. The bug is copper-colored, traditional bass-bug size, with a stainless hook and a Flashabou tail. Devils River - Legendary Among Texas Fly Anglers. And Id bet striped bass and salmon would go bonkers for em too. Need something interesting to read, so post up your favorite redfish flies. When the pelicans, gannets and larger gull species start wheeling around in open water, dont hesitate to investigate, Gardner says. You can play with tippet strengths but stick to what you are happy to fish and go from there. 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. She coaches clients in advance of these opportunities: Drum prep is like a fire drill, she says. 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. 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. Strip this fly slow and with short pauses to allow it time to shimmer down into the water column. The Redfish Crack fly is a proven and very successful fly increasing in popularity in the Texas and Louisiana fisheries. All rods, reels, tackle, and flies are provided- all you need is a current Texas fishing license, snacks, and polarized sunglasses. Gin clear water makes these fish very skittish when in shallow water situations. 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. The Electric Chicken was originally tied to mimic the electric chicken plastic bait. Its a simple Superglue fly Ben can make in about 10 minutes. While other colors are effective I have found these to be best . The key is to use a fly-and-line combo that will drop down in the water column. 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. Here is a brief overview of some hot fly patterns in vogue today among the in the know coastal redfish angling set. Port O' Connor. On a calm day, you can see spinner sharks launch out of the water from a mile away. It would be great to book a fishing charter to fish for redfish. 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. 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. Texas Red Fish Adventures. They are known as bull reds. 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. If there's any wind at all, a 9-weight makes casting easier. The dark color and bulky body make an easy-to-find target for Georgia reds, Kennedy says. Victor Browning Lake and Calaveras Lake. The middle Texas coast can offer world class sight-fishing opportunities for Redfish, Black Drum and Trout. The full recipe for Redfish on the Half-Shell can be found here. The bright shiny spoon-fly is the furthest thing from the typically suggested drab sheepshead flies as you can get. Most of the fish weigh less than 15pounds, but every so often youll find a school of 20-pounders. 1 artificial lure of all time for redfish. If you're wondering which fly rod you should choose to chase Reds, we've covered that topic here. Your fishing license can be purchased 24/7 online or over the phone (800) 895-4248 Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm central time. Fly Fishing for Texas Redfish: Dolphin and Redfish photo by Marjie Glodberg: We're a big fan of awesome photos showing action and drama! Kennedy nicknamed this all-black cone-headed Wooly Bugger the American Express Fly because he never leaves home without it. Those regions abut the narrow, winding canals of the back marshes and ponds near Galveston and Freeport. Redfish are opportunistic feeders and often forage in shallow mudflats with their noses stuck to the bottom, where they mainly feed on crustaceans. The original was white and silver but the color combinations and sizes are infinite. 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 . No spam. But for Bill Harvey, a biologist with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's Aquatic Resource Protection . Then one day I was casting a spoon-fly to redfish when I spotted a huge sheepie tailing on oysters. It can be tied in sizes 10 - 20. Location: Houston, Texas. 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 . Sneaky speckled trout can also be caught year-round moreover the seatrout here grow to trophy proportions like in the Laguna Madre. 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. Getting the fly deep gets more bites, even when the reds are busting on top. Charlie Paradoski, charlieparadoski.com, 713-725-2401; Lower Laguna Madre: Capt. Fly fishing is more than catching fish, being in the outdoors with good friends and family is what it is all about. From the gulf coast of Texas to Virginia, redfish can be found along nearly 2000 miles worth of coastline. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Id heard stories about redfish in the Biloxi Marsh, but on my first trip to Louisiana for monster drum in 2006, I saw a golden tail the size of a shovel break the surface 50 yards ahead. Alderman is adamant that the rattles make a big difference in attracting redfish. What makes the fly different from other crab and glue-body designs, however, is that its extremely weedless. It flashes and dances so well that its easy to spot even 100 feet out in thick grass and cattails. The weed guard is essential to the success of the fly. Eric Glass, @captainericg, 956-434-1422; Galveston Bay: Capt. Most gurglers are built with a foam body with an aggressive front head and have a marabou, buck tail, or synthetic fiber tail. 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. Most any color combination will work, but I like brown or white and hardly ever use anything else. 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. Rick Hartman, an expert fly fisherman and guide, poles a skiff in the Lower Laguna Madre while a friend casts for redfish. All rights reserved. Other shrimp patterns to consider are grass shrimp and hybrids like redfish Ritalin. The fishing is good, but different, and the type of fly required to dupe reds is different too. In the colder months having the waders is excellent to have to keep you warm and dry. Almost any fly that imitates such forage works well. 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 bead-chain or lead eyes. 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. Most of the time fly-rodders are working from kayaks and canoes, casting to pushing fish or blind-casting to creek mouths. Flies with lead eyes are going to sink fast and are best used in water depths of 2+ feet or when you want to crawl your fly along a sandy bottom. Fools Gold Fly - a favorite for Redfish. Big bull reds love this fly. My favorite hi-tie, I'll often use a 4x-long size 6 . 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. Fly fishing for redfish on the flats of Texas in a video from WildFly Productions. Its simple design is very deadly for many species, especially Redfish. The best colors are chartreuse and pink chenille, and I will fish this pattern if nothing else is working. Trident Fly Fishing is a full-service fly shop. Gardner always keeps two rods rigged and ready. While we have only been able to add a select few for now, we will continue to add to this page as we can and . 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. The water is air-clear. It's an extremely beautiful river filled with large and catchable bass. Leaving them with the "shell" on makes the filets look amazing too. They succeeded by producing a smaller, thumb-size fly version of the Johnson lure that every inshore saltwater angler worth his skiff owns. 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. When you select Wyld on the Fly as your guide for your next adventure, you can expect the . Saltwater fly fishing for redfish is a lot of fun! It retrieves through pencil reeds, spartina grass, over rocks, oysters and through brush as well as any weedless lure. Dure wont divulge exactly how he molds epoxy into just the right shape to produce a replica wobble of the Johnson spoon. For small redfish, we suggest that you use a #2, #1, or a 1/0 circle hook. Ive almost been tempted to tie some very small ones for trout. Pair the rod with a smooth drag reel and a floating line, and you are good to go. But this doesnt always mean you will be successful. But if you've fished long enough, you've almost certainly experienced the times where they tend to focus on one prey type exclusively and seem to ignore every fly you tie on. 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. Dupre Spoon Fly is one of those debatable patterns that some purists argue isnt a fly but more a lure.
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