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. The key to this flys success is its slow sinking rate combined with the fluid pulsing motion of the hackles on the tail. If needed contact info -, Snook, Reds and Tarpon can be found all over Florida. The hook sizes and eye weight can greatly vary and give you the flexibility to fish any depth of water. 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. It is hand-tied by Jim Dupre and finished with an epoxy coating, making it bulletproof. McCord says theres nothing like the sight of redfish cruising a skinny shoreline with their backs fully out of the water, waving electric-turquoise spotted tails that can be seen from a hundred yards away. He used Gartside's Super-Secret Stuff as a flash material but here we will use Hareline's Ice Wing Fiber as a substitute. 4. Plus, we've also written about the best fly reel for Reds and the best fly line for Reds. It flashes and dances so well that its easy to spot even 100 feet out in thick grass and cattails. Big Carolina bull reds can weigh up to 80 pounds (the all-tackle world-record redfish a 94-plus-pounder was caught in 1984 out of Avon, North Carolina), so obviously they prefer larger bait, such as smelt, bunker and croaker, which also attract bigger birds. The weed guard is essential to the success of the fly. While these large flies are still useful to have during the summer . Other shrimp patterns to consider are grass shrimp and hybrids like redfish Ritalin. There are so many fish feeding its actually ridiculous. 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. Fly fishing in Texas doesn't get the credit it deserves, and we're here to change that. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The daily bag on redfish in Texas is three fish in a slot limit of 20 to 28 inches . Learn More. Fish this fly slow and allow it to sink,then with very small, crawling strips you will mimic the movement of a defensive crab. The current Texas record is 59 1/2 pounds. The bulls chase baitfish in the shallows, and the Everglades Special is the key! They are superb at grabbing the attention of fish and will trigger a natural reaction bite that Redfish can simply not resist. The deer hair body gives it the topwater element, and I love throwing these flies at cruising redfish trackers as they are often called. Sight fishing with a fly on the coast is one the most challenging types of fishing. Launch - Louis's Bait Camp 3510 Texas 6 / Hitchcock, TX 77563 / (409) 935-9050. 7. Sheka Shrimp Pair the rod with a smooth drag reel and a floating line, and you are good to go. Those are the good days. Candy Corn Crawler is a great choice when targeting redfish. 1 artificial lure of all time for redfish. Furthermore, be aware of the water clarity as this will factor into the colors of flies that will tend to be more effective. These Texas reds demonstrate typical shallow-water feeding behavior. Is this getting you excited? Do some research beforehand by asking local experts and guides which flies are likely . 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. 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. Take for example, the Shrimpadillo fly, its a combination of a crab fly, shrimp fly, and a spoon fly thats guaranteed to get engulfed by a hungry Redfish. All of these flies are absolutely deadly for Redfish and big Trout up on the flats. The bright shiny spoon-fly is the furthest thing from the typically suggested drab sheepshead flies as you can get. That allows her to keep an eye on the fast-moving schools instead of focusing on tying knots and digging for tackle. Wading the surf with a fly rod ranks right near the top of most peoples list of favorite things to do, and the only guidance youll need can come from a quick visit to a local fly shop. Redfish are big crab and shrimp eaters, and the Ragin Craven does a great job of imitating both. Crab flies are deadly for targeting Redfish (and Sheepshead) in the Gulf Coast region. 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. They will usually eat a well-placed fly with reckless abandon and can even be caught on topwater flies for redfish. 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 Merkin Crab is widely considered the most effective Permit fly ever conceived. The dumbbell eyes can vary from tungsten to bead chain for weight changes. 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. When: Summer and fall; Who: The following guides specialize in Texas redfishing: Middle Texas Coast: Capt. by Ron Mc Tue Mar 10, 2020 10:18 am. Salt Water Sportsman may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. Carry an intermediate line for the deeper waters, just in case. Tackle choices aside, the size of your fly can be the most important . Anglers can accidently bump into these schools, but many guides, such as Capt. Dupre Spoon Fly is one of those debatable patterns that some purists argue isnt a fly but more a lure. Along with the flies you like most, give us the general location (not spots but east Coast of Florida, South Carolina or Texas etc. It can be tied in countless color variations and weights to suit all water clarities and depths. Mylar is tied on both sides of the hook and on top. Floating on the surface, they pop, splash, and create noise when being stripped. Normally, youll scout reds in less than 2 feet of water by looking for wakes, tails and bodies. 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. 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. But, thanks in large part to the Coastal Conservation Association that day is long gone. This pattern has many variations, but the concept remains the same. They get a lot bigger. The fly doesnt really resemble anything specific, but it catches fish. Silver Krystal Flash is used liberally on many patterns, snce its a long-range attractant in clear water. The great thing about redfish patterns is, for the most part, they are pretty darn simple fly and easy to tie. Sometimes the bite is on and game fish will aggressively smack anything thats thrown in front of them. The straight style, like the Straight-Shooter Crab pictured, has the hook shank positioned perpendicular to the crab body. Flats-fishing equals sight-fishing, which is what makes it fun. Spoonfly The Fishing Experience at Baffin Bay! First there's the weather. Bags and packs are entirely optional. The lakes, ponds and coves in these areas prove deeper, so you wont see too many tailing fish. Redfish, red drum, or spot-tailed bass are all names that refer to this fish. Those regions abut the narrow, winding canals of the back marshes and ponds near Galveston and Freeport. 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. Virtually every region of salt or brackish water in the greater Jacksonville area holds reds, according to local anglers. My favorite colors are blue over white and chartreuse over white. This one-two punch is a tried and true classic for catching reds. Michael Stravato for The . In the summer, mullet start to move through the surf, and that signals game on for fly fishermen. 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. The fly body is black ice chenille wrapped Palmer-style with black hackles, and a black marabou tail. 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. 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. If youre fishing in one foot of water, you can opt for a fly tied with bead-chain eyes. Current fly fishing reports and conditions for Gulf Coast Rockport in TX! Anglers watch for birds wheeling around bait in open water. Chartreuse is a favorite color for warm-water predatory fish. The spoon fly excels by flashing and emitting low frequency vibration sounds as its being stripped. As you move south and west to the Venice and Grand Isle areas of Louisiana, the fishing changes a bit. The best is to get the fish to see the fly, and you will generally hook them. Size #1 and #2 are best. Whether stalking some grass flats, making your way through the Everglades, or heading to the marsh to try and land that big bull red, make sure your fly box is properly stocked. Theyll even attack poppers with gusto, at times. Best Time: Fall months: late August through November. Now healthy populations of reds root in the coastal shallows from Massachusetts to Mexico. Floating on the surface, Gurglers will pop, splash, and create noise when being retrieved. The tackle. He called in Alderman, who cast, dropped the Zap-A-Crab 4 feet from one of the fish and waggled his fly rod to make the rattles pulsate, and instantly the red turned to the fly, rushed it and took. Its simple design is very deadly for many species, especially Redfish. My choice would be a medium to fast action rod with some backbone to roll over the larger patterns. Ive almost been tempted to tie some very small ones for trout. Colors I do not leave home without are: Black/Purple, and Brown/Tan. Getting the fly to drop deep gains more bites. Located in the southern portion of the state, this river doesn't seem to belong in the desert. Sight cast to schools of tailing redfish in ankle-deep, gin-clear water. Here in North Florida, this is usually in mid to late spring. The flashing and the low frequency vibration sounds it emits when being stripped excels in murkier waters. The fly is then adorned with a bit of colored hackle and a wire weed guard. They also have to know when to cast and how long to let their offerings sink. 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. Unless you know the area and own a flats boat, youll need a guide. Captain Jeff offers fantastic half day, full day, and multi day trips fly fishing for redfish along the Texas Coastal Bend. 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. 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. In fall and winter months, the Biloxi Marsh and the coast of Louisiana can properly boast the best redfishing in the world. Read about the BIGGEST Caught >, Casting a Fly to Snook is amazing. 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. Anglers must be ready to cast as soon as the boat lines up. Read where to go in this article > Where to Fly Fish in Florida, How big do Tarpon, Redfish and Snook get? 2. Redfish are opportunistic feeders and often forage in shallow mudflats with their noses stuck to the bottom, where they mainly feed on crustaceans. Fishalicious, is another baitfish pattern worthy of the fly box. Light tackle and fly fishing charters for redfish are world renowned on these inshore flats for because of the crystal clear water and numerous shots . SWS Planner: Texas Gulf Coast Redfish Action. There are various signs to look for to help us decide how to fish for them. 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. There are many variants of topwater flies, the classic Gurgleris just one example. So, get out there and get your rod bent, line stretched, and net wet. 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. Easy to cast, and light enough to manipulate in a variety of ways once in the water. While I tend to agree in most aspects, I know this pattern catches fish. The bull reds are singular fish, generally a lot bigger, and are more specific in what they eat. Gear up with giant Clouser flies and sinking lines that range from 450 to 700 grains. Its time Florida starts similar program.Snook As you approach the Mississippi and Louisiana Gulf coasts, all that changes. 3 thoughts on " Redfish Flies " Scott Kor says . Most gurglers are built with a foam body with an aggressive front head and have a marabou, buck tail, or craft fur tail. Use Light Flies and Long Leaders. We are lucky that Redfish are such a forgiving fish to target. You might see individual fish or, in certain areas, schools of a dozen or more. 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. Many anglers prefer an 8-weight fly rod for smaller redfish, but I usually throw big bushy redfish flies. 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. The Electric Bunny doesnt seemingly resemble one particular redfish menu item, but they find its crabby silhouette irresistible. The key is to use a fly-and-line combo that will drop down in the water column. This gives the Redfish a feeding zone they cant get on other occasions. Jim, note Prof Salt's recent use of size 8 hooks on redfish flies. 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. 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. The fools gold pattern is ideal for this as it sinks fast and has excellent movement in the water. Its tied on a size 1 through 2/0 Mustad 34007 hook, unweighted or with lead dumbbell eyes. It retrieves through pencil reeds, spartina grass, over rocks, oysters and through brush as well as any weedless lure. Here is a brief overview of some hot fly patterns in vogue today among the in the know coastal redfish angling set. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. The basic design is made with four to six saddle hackles tied near the back at the bend of the hook. Back in November, I made it down to the Texas Coast for a DIY saltwater trip with my buddy, Bryant. The olive and brown combo is my favorite on a size #1 hook. Like Charleston, certain parts in the South have what we call a flood tide. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Truthfully, there are a lot of different redfish fly patterns that all work well. They typically have heavy amounts of weight and little bulk to get the fly down to the sandy bottom fast. 1. Additional tail materials can consist of marabou, bucktail, calf tail or Krystal Flash. It just seems to work and change my day around. The wind did what it usually does to a spoon-fly and sailed it several feet off target. Trident Fly Fishing is a full-service fly shop. With all these factors in mind, lets go over five of the top producing Redfish fly patterns that every angler needs in their box. Cone-Head Wooly Bugger When the cork pops in the water it creates a slurping sound, and this gets the fish interested. Chasing Redfish Off the South Texas Gulf Coast. It's an extremely beautiful river filled with large and catchable bass. Redfish are very forgiving in that they will eat again on a second attempt and often follow anything that looks like food. In Georgia the water is dark and turbid, and the tides run hard and high. There are many variants of topwater flies, the classic Gurgleris just one example. The Kwan is a hybrid pattern and imitates shrimp, crab, and baitfish. THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF REDFISH PATTERNS FLOATING AROUND OUT THERE. Sometimes, they can be a bit more technical. 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. A tailing red may be one of the easiest reds to catch, but they can be very particular at times as well. Other examples include modified Divervariants and the Popcorn Shrimp. True trophy fish can mean being in the right place, with the right flies, setup for success. Crab flies come in two different styles and can be fished two different ways. Locals like the Surfin Wooly. Check this first and try again. For deeper redfishing, Sheka includes lead under the chenille or substitutes lead eyes for nylon ones, and he ties it large to be a more visible target, usually with a marabou tail that absorbs water to help it get down. He will say, however, t wasnt easy to develop. Theyre not as explosive or exciting as tarpon, or as elusive as bonefish and permit, but for East and Gulf coast fly-rod anglers, theyre easily accessible and extremely fun to catch. Colors run the gamut too, from pink to orange, and from yellow to hot green. The Razmatz is an excellent choice for a shallow, dirty water fly pattern. Call Captain Kenjo direct ASAP 361-500-2552 or BOOK NOW online! 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 . Boat shoes are great, so you dont slip and slide around on deck. SUMMARY. She coaches clients in advance of these opportunities: Drum prep is like a fire drill, she says. Redfish feed on a variety of marsh-like critters. Redfish are resourceful and feed on a variety of crabs, shrimp, and baitfish. 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. They tolerate a wide range of water temperatures and salinities, and eat everything from crustaceans and mollusks to baitfish. 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 weighing less than 15 pounds can be landed using most any fly rod.