If you are a freshwater fly fisher it is easy to become quickly overwhelmed by the thought of having a saltwater fly fishing experience. Th...
If you are a freshwater fly fisher it is easy to become quickly overwhelmed by the thought of having a saltwater fly fishing experience. Thoughts of being out of your element with a high priced guide in some exotic locale after spending thousands of dollars on new gear, can put a big caution sign in your head. Not to mention a steep learning curve after that huge investment; suddenly any enthusiasm you had begins to dampen.
But if you find yourself with a free week; and a couple of extra duckets fly fishing for redfish is not that big a leap for the intrepid fly fisher ready to try something new. For one thing with a little online research the do-it-yourselfer should have no problem finding a guide free way to give it a try. Geographically speaking redfish can be found from the Texas coast east through Florida then northward to North Carolina. The best times for them is generally winter and fall, and that winter part is enticing for those of us in northern climes. They inhabit a variety of waters from backcountry to flats right outside a reasonably priced hotel, or are located within an hours drive from such vacation destinations as New Orleans, making it easy to combine a little fishing with other activities.
For gear think around an 8 weight rod, using a weight forward saltwater floating line, with leader ranging from 7 to 14 feet depending on the situation, flouro is always a good idea. If fishing in open water 10 to 12 pound test is good, if in heavy grass go heavier. And for redfish flies, there really isn't much secret to their diet, crabs, shrimp and baitfish, and voila you're ready to give these guys a try.
But if you find yourself with a free week; and a couple of extra duckets fly fishing for redfish is not that big a leap for the intrepid fly fisher ready to try something new. For one thing with a little online research the do-it-yourselfer should have no problem finding a guide free way to give it a try. Geographically speaking redfish can be found from the Texas coast east through Florida then northward to North Carolina. The best times for them is generally winter and fall, and that winter part is enticing for those of us in northern climes. They inhabit a variety of waters from backcountry to flats right outside a reasonably priced hotel, or are located within an hours drive from such vacation destinations as New Orleans, making it easy to combine a little fishing with other activities.
For gear think around an 8 weight rod, using a weight forward saltwater floating line, with leader ranging from 7 to 14 feet depending on the situation, flouro is always a good idea. If fishing in open water 10 to 12 pound test is good, if in heavy grass go heavier. And for redfish flies, there really isn't much secret to their diet, crabs, shrimp and baitfish, and voila you're ready to give these guys a try.
