South Carolina Saltwater Flies

Fly Selection for South Carolina Saltwater

One of the most common questions my fly fishing clients ask is about fly selection—what I fish and what I trust. The good news is that saltwater fly fishing in South Carolina is refreshingly simple.

A few months back, I had the good fortune to spend a day with world-renowned fly designer and tier Bob Clouser. A small group of us sat along the banks of the Santee River in Georgetown, South Carolina, talking about life, casting, fly tying, and—of course—fishing. At one point, I asked Bob what his favorite color was for saltwater fly fishing. After a brief pause, he smiled and said, “Chartreuse.”

Considering Bob has spent a lifetime chasing fish across the globe, that answer stuck with me. If chartreuse is good enough for Bob Clouser, I’ll take that to the bank.

A Few of My Favorite South Carolina Saltwater Flies

I’ve put together a short list of the saltwater flies I always carry when fishing the marsh for redfish and spotted sea trout. From June through November, our local fishery is loaded with baitfish, so I lean heavily on baitfish imitations.

One of my go-to patterns is the Kinky Muddler, tied by a good friend. There are hundreds of saltwater baitfish patterns out there—endless colors and variations—but these are the ones I trust. They’re proven, dependable flies for South Carolina saltwater gamefish.

I’ve tested them day in and day out, and they simply work. Redfish, sea trout, ladyfish, and flounder in the Lowcountry can’t resist the movement and profile of a well-swung muddler in the marsh. See the list below.

Tight lines.