Quick, Simple, and Easy Redfish Fly for Pawleys Island

Flies. They can get wild. 10 materials, some endangered animal hair that the tier swears makes the difference. In my travels, I have learned simple is the way. For example, the Clouser minnow is 2 materials, and has arguably caught more species than any other fly. We call simple, effective flies “guide flies,” because after a long day on the water, having to reload the box can be a chore and easy flies are key. My goal is to keep flies to 4 materials or less, and 5-7 minutes of tying time per fly.

The fly I am highlighting today, is the Steve Thomas Firecracker. This fly has been guilty of peaking more interest than any other fly in my box in the warmer months. The 4 materials are Mylar Piping, Estaz Grande (olive), rubber legs and a pyrex rattle, of which I purchased at Rivers and Glen in Mt. Pleasant, SC. The fly is tied on a Clouser hook of your choice with Bead Chain Eyes.

This fly can be tied with a weed guard for flood tide fishing, or without for low tide crawlers. I fish this in short 6-8 inch sharp strips to get the rattle working in my favor. (think how a shrimp swims, jerky with a suspend). The heavy flash and rattle allows them to locate the fly in less than ideal visibility.

The story behind this fly is near and dear to me, because my first tailing redfish was caught on it. Steve Thomas was a walk and wade guide out of Hobcaw Barony in Georgetown SC, and a talented old school fly tier. I met Steve while managing the fishing department at Orvis in Myrtle Beach, and later invited me to fish with him. To me, his presence was that of Lefty Kreh or Flip Pallot, a legend. He was well traveled, had plenty of stories and knew the fish. I still have the first Firecracker Steve gave me. He has since passed and highlighting this fly in his honor only makes sense. Thank you Steve to opening my world to redfish on fly.

Spin it up, fish it, get tight.

Materials:

Gamakatsu B10s size 2

Larger Gold Mylar Piping

5mm Glass Rattle

Rubber Legs

Estaz Grande (Olive)

Medium Bead Chain Eyes

Firecracker redfish fly tying for Pawleys Island Redfish