Fly Fishing for Redfish: 8 Pro Tips

Redfish are a favorite among fly fishing anglers for their fight and accessibility. Whether fishing for redfish on the East Coast or the Gulf of Mexico, you’re in for a challenge. 

These eight pro tips can help you improve your redfish adventures. 

1. Pick a suitable rod.

The right rod can help with everything from casting to reeling in a big one. You’ll probably want an 8 to 10-weight rod when fly fishing for redfish. 

An 8-weight rod is great for reeling in smaller fish in shallow water, but if there’s any wind, you might find casting easier with a 9-weight rod. If you’re fishing for bulls over 20-lbs, you’ll probably need a 10-weight rod to get the fish onto your boat. 

2. Choose the right fly.

Fly fishing is all about getting your fish to chase the fly, which won’t happen if the fly doesn’t stand out in murky or grassy waters. A variety of colors will help. The most crucial element is finding a fly with the right amount of movement.

Go after bigger fish with a 5 -6” puffy fly. Realism matters much less than the movement, and large, flashy flies are great at captivating the big fish. 

Getting that realistic motion across the bottom of grassy water often means dragging your fly through the weeds. Prevent it from getting stuck with a monofilament weed guard attached to the hook. 

3. Practice casting accurately. 

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The skill and action of fly fishing set the technique apart from other sit-and-wait fishing methods. As a result, fly fishing is fast-paced and challenging. You’ll have a much more successful fishing trip if you consistently get your fly to the fish, which might be 10 to 50 feet away from your boat.

The good news is that fly fishing for redfish is simpler than angling for other species. You often have multiple chances to make an excellent cast to your fish, so pin-point accuracy isn’t necessary. 

4. Try fishing the flats.

The flats can offer an exciting change of scenery and a great opportunity to see your fish in the shallow water. It can be helpful to fish the flats with a guide, especially if you don’t have a flats boat or are unfamiliar with the area. 

Greater visibility means you can see fish from farther away, which means you’ll often cast up to 50 feet in distance.

5. Keep your eyes peeled.

Look for wakes, tails and even bodies in the shallow waters around your boat. If you’re lucky, you’ll happen upon a redfish school, but it’ll often be up to you to spot your fish and get your lure to the right place.  

Wearing sunglasses and a hat or visor can help your vision stay sharp in the bright Southern sun, which translates to a more successful fishing trip.

6. Wear the right gear.

Performance fishing gear can help you stay comfortable during long days on the water. Avoid cotton, which absorbs and holds moisture, and gravitate toward moisture-wicking and SPF-rated fabrics.

7. Don’t rock the boat.

In the shallow water, it can be easy to startle your fish with waves from your boat. Keep still and quiet, especially when casting. 

Casting bow-to-stern with a wide stance can help distribute your weight evenly as you cast, giving the hyper-sensitive redfish less chance of sensing a predator.  

8. Bait correctly.

Source: Penny Richard / Shutterstock.com

A good cast should land about three feet in front of a redfish. After your fly lands, let it settle for at least a second before starting the flight away from the fish.

Being able to see the fish in the water gives you an advantage as you try to bait it with a fly. If the fish is moving away from you, wait and watch it. You’ll have a better chance of getting the fish to bite if the fish is facing the boat when you cast to it.

Reel in the Redfish

Fly fishing for redfish is exciting and rewarding, but it requires skill and the right equipment for a good result. Whether you’re looking to improve your catches or wondering how to get started fly fishing, these tips should help. 

Rods, reels and flies are crucial for your fly fishing experience, as are your fishing duds. Huk has all the performance fishing gear you need for your next fly fishing expedition.