Fly Fishing Myrtle Beach: Essential Redfish Flies for Success
Introduction: Redfish, also known as red drum, are one of the most sought-after gamefish along the coastal waters of the Southeastern United States. Renowned for their powerful runs and aggressive eats, these bruisers present an exciting challenge for fly anglers. To unlock the thrill of redfish on the fly, let's delve into the art of choosing the right flies. Join us as we explore the essential patterns that will entice redfish and enhance your fly fishing experience.
Understanding Redfish Behavior: Before we dive into fly patterns, it's crucial to understand the feeding habits and preferences of redfish. These powerful predators often patrol shallow flats, marshes, and oyster beds in search of prey. They have a keen sense of smell and are known to root around the bottom for crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish. Tailor your fly selection to mimic the local forage and entice redfish to strike.
Redfish Cracklin’ from Sight Cast Fishing
Clouser Minnow: The Clouser Minnow is a versatile fly pattern that mimics baitfish, making it a go-to choice for redfish. Its weighted eyes give it a realistic jigging action when retrieved, resembling a fleeing baitfish. Tie this pattern in various sizes and colors to match the local baitfish species, adjusting to the water clarity and light conditions.
Crab Patterns: Crabs are a staple in the redfish diet, especially in shallow waters. Crab fly patterns, such as the Merkin, Kwan style crabs or Copperhead Crabs, are effective choices for enticing redfish. These patterns imitate the natural movement and appearance of crabs, making them irresistible to hungry redfish cruising the flats.
Shrimp Imitations: Redfish are opportunistic feeders and won't pass up a tasty shrimp. Shrimp fly patterns, like the Razzmataz or Redfish Cracklin', can be deadly when presented effectively. The lifelike movement of these flies in the water triggers predatory instincts, prompting redfish to strike aggressively.
Gurglers: For surface action, consider using a Gurgler. This topwater fly creates commotion on the surface, attracting redfish with its popping sound and wake. It's an exciting option, especially in shallow water where redfish might be cruising or tailing.
Tips for Success:
Match the Hatch: Observe the local baitfish, crabs, and shrimp to tailor your fly selection to the redfish's natural prey.
Retrieve Techniques: Experiment with different retrieve styles, including slow strips, erratic jerks, and pauses, to find what triggers redfish strikes.
Seasonal Adjustments: Be mindful of seasonal variations in redfish behavior. In colder months, consider slower retrieves, while warmer months may call for faster-paced presentations.
Conclusion: Fly fishing for redfish is a thrilling pursuit that requires a well-stocked fly box and a keen understanding of the fish's behavior. Armed with the right fly patterns and techniques, you'll be ready to face the challenge of targeting redfish in diverse coastal environments. So, tie on these essential redfish flies, head to the flats, and experience the exhilaration of hooking into these powerful and iconic gamefish.
The Win
Winning. It’s what we all strive for whether it be as small as success in a new area or winning your first tournament. All of it boils down to dedication, effort, and a little bit of luck on your side.
Luck, the intersection of preparation and opportunity. Without either you cannot expect to be a winner, you’re not going to trip into a pot of gold. Your effort and time plays into your outcome. Take the extra time, over prepare, and be persistent, it pays off.
This summer was special for myself, this was my first opportunity to fish in a local tarpon tournament in my own skiff. I spent a copious amount of hours watching, finding, studying these fish throughout different tide cycles, currents and times of day all spring and summer. I really felt good about where to be and when lines in hit.
The night before I spoke with my anglers before the captain’s meeting about our plan. We toughed out the rain that night, loaded up on bait, kept them cool and fresh all night, and knocked that off the list for tournament day. When others were looking for bait we were planning on putting a tarpon in the air. We hit the bed early knowing how fast 4:30 am would come.
The alarm goes off and jump out of bed like a kid on Christmas. Suited up, checked my baits, and splashed the boat. Lines in was a 6:30 and we were making great time, no need to rush whatsoever. Where we were going I had these fish consistently showing up for the past week. It just felt right. We show up 6:15 drop trolling motor and immediately rollers in all direction, I couldn’t wait to drop a bait.
6:30. Lines in. Not ten minutes we are tight, 5 minutes in never saw the fish, and it was gone. Bummer. Re bait after 3 other bites at 7:24 am. We are tight this feels different, next thing, a silver fish is in the air. Myself at the helm, Jordan on the rod, and Michael videoing, it was like a symphony. We worked perfect harmony, and 11 minutes later we had an official release. Holy shit, that felt great. We never put another one to hand but neither did anyone else. We won the tournament, on time. I believe our preparation lead to our success, we showed up prepared to win.
This was one of the most rewarding days on the water of my life. Even though it was a small local tournament, I felt like we won the Gold Cup. Some weren’t thrilled the new guys won, but hey, everyone hates a winner. Especially, when luck is on your side. Stay humble, work hard.
-Johnny
Lowcountry Christmas
The dog days are over. The morning air is crisp, the marsh is coming alive….
The dog days are over. The morning air is crisp, and the marsh is coming alive. The time of the year we all dream about, fisherman and hunters alike. Every thing magical happens in the Fall.
We push the boat off, its 6:30 am and a slight chill gives you goosebumps. You know it is on, the full moon from the night before still high in the sky, the tide is rising, and the race to the flats begins. We show up early, water slowly floods the short grass, the fish push their way on, so skinny you swear their eyes are dry. We work our way up, get a shot, lined… Fish is gone, shake it off keep moving.
Eyes up, 40 yds, 10 o’clock, the shimmer of a blue tail reflecting in the morning sun. It just feels right, we pole 70’, 50’, 30’. She’s happy, only worried about what is in front of her nose. Take your time, breathe, pick your shot, its quiet as the fly unfolds in the zone. She’s on a string. Bump, Bump, Bump, get tight! Like a weed wacker across the flat, bring her home, hand around the tail, she’s ours. We decompress. Release, lets find another.
Fall, its Christmas time in the Low Country.