Best Redfish Flies

When it comes to flies for Redfish, the selection isn’t as critical as the presentation. Where, how, and when the fly lands are everything. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the abundance of fly options available, but the most important factor is delivering the fly quickly and accurately into the fish’s path or line of sight. More often than not, a well-presented fly will lead to a successful hook-up.

Practice your Casting

I strongly recommend that fly fishermen practice their casting before any guided trip, with a particular emphasis on perfecting the double haul. This technique is essential for a successful day in any saltwater fishery, especially when targeting Redfish. The double haul loads the rod, increases line speed, and results in longer, more accurate casts—crucial when fishing in windy conditions. By dedicating time to practicing the double haul before your trip, you’ll almost always increase your chances of bringing more Redfish to hand.

Summer Redfish Flies

When targeting South Carolina Redfish, the most effective fly patterns are baitfish and shrimp imitations. These patterns create a strong profile and are crafted with the right materials and weight to move naturally through shallow waters. The essential colors that I always bring are black/purple and brown/tan. While other color variations can be effective, I have found these to perform best in the stained water often seen during the summer months after heavy thunderstorms.

Flies that push water or contain a rattle can be highly effective. My go-to baitfish pattern is the EP Rattle Mullet—it’s the first fly out of my box when sight fishing for Redfish on the flats or around oyster bars.

The Best Fall Redfish fly patterns

Fall marks the peak of shrimp season, and big Redfish are keying in on the abundance of shrimp during this time. As the season shifts, I primarily switch to shrimp patterns to match the hatch. I tie my shrimp flies using craft fur, bucktail, and Estaz fibers, adding natural-looking barring to the tail with a marker for a more realistic appearance. In the clearer fall waters, I prefer using natural colors to mimic the shrimp’s true look.

When the first cold front arrives, Redfish begin herding shrimp in the shallow mud and sand flats, and that’s when I reach for my fly rod. Late September, October, and November are prime months for sight fishing. Tailing Redfish can be found plowing through shrimp in shallow creeks or under diving birds, making it a thrilling time for anglers.

Topwater Redfish with Surface Flies

If you’ve ever wanted to spend a day throwing surface flies for big Redfish, fall is the perfect time! The Gurgler is a topwater fly that creates a surface disturbance when stripped, effectively imitating a struggling baitfish or a popping shrimp. This fly can trigger aggressive strikes from Redfish, leading to some of the most exciting eats of the year. Watching a big drum on a flood tide chase down a popper and inhale it boat-side is truly an unforgettable sight.

Winter Fly fishing means less is more

Clear cold water plagues us from January through early spring. This calls for scaled down flies with little to no flash, small bead chain eyes and sparsely tied materials.  Winter I really like small Clousers minnows and small Kwan style flies.

The Kwan Fly was specifically designed for targeting Redfish, making it a top choice for anglers during the winter months. Featuring a heavy dumbbell eye, a slender body, and a soft hackle collar, this fly excels in fishing deeper potholes where Redfish tend to congregate.

Winter Redfish Behavior and Fishing Tips

During winter, Redfish gather in large schools for safety, but they can be easily spooked. If one fish gets startled, the entire school may scatter, which can quickly shut down your fishing opportunities. These large winter schools often face significant angling pressure, requiring a more cautious and strategic approach.

To improve your chances, consider using longer leaders, lighter tippets, and making soft landing presentations. These subtle adjustments can make all the difference in your success rate when targeting winter Redfish schools.

Best Practices for Targeting Winter Redfish Schools

When targeting winter schools of Redfish, it’s essential to cast beside the school rather than directly into the center. Aim for the outer fish or those sitting highest in the water column. Casting into the middle can spook the entire school, making the fish harder to catch.

Contact Us for Redfish Fishing Tips and Fly Recommendations

If you’re eager to learn more about Redfish and the best flies to use for them, don’t hesitate to drop us a line or give us a call. We’re always happy to share advice and help you plan your next fishing adventure!

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