Redfish are a popular species for saltwater anglers in Florida. They are a forgiving saltwater fish for new anglers to go after, as they honor solid fly presentations and are accessible throughout the year.
When to Go Fishing for Redfish
Contrary to popular belief, redfish can be found year-round in Florida. However, the ideal fishing times are from September through May. During this time, the water tends to be the cleanest, and the clarity is best.
This is when the coastal marsh system has filtered enough water to make for optimal sight fishing conditions. In contrast, the months of June, July, and August are hot, and the weather can be unpredictable.
Where to Find Redfish
Redfish can be sight fished in shallow water, usually one to three feet deep. If you’re looking to sight-fish redfish in the water, look for light copper bodies moving through the water or similarly shaped dark silhouettes.
The pectoral fins on a redfish are slightly curved and slanted up, glowing when light hits them.
You can also spot redfish by noticing what the water is doing. Redfish can be tailing, or muddy water is kicked up where they have been feeding.
I find that the Smith Optics Chromapop sunglasses do the best job of letting you see directly into the water for sight fishing grass flats and even backcountry waters in Florida. There are many styles, so shop them all at the button below.
Fly Fishing Techniques for Redfish
Redfish are known for their fight, similar to having a carp on the fly. They will bulldog you and can be a fun but heavy load to fight on a fly rod.
When fighting a redfish, point your rod at your target and use the butt of the fly rod to lift and pull. Apply pressure to the opposite side of which the fish is swimming to break its spirit quickly.
To maximize your chances of success:
- Practice your casting before heading out on your trip.
- Focus on shorter casts between 15-20 feet range, as this is the distance you will most likely be casting when targeting redfish.
- Use lines more heavily tapered on the front end to help turn over your flies at shorter distances, or overline your rod by using a 9-weight line on an 8-weight rod.
Fast-action rods are also good, especially if the wind picks up. A reel with a really good drag will benefit you too.
The Redington Predator in 8wt or 9wt is a great choice for inshore fishing in Florida. This rod features a powerful, fast action that commands enough power to combat aggressive-fighting big reds.
Choose fly colors that match the weather conditions. Blacks, purples, and oranges are popular colors for redfish flies in Florida. Topwater fishing using crease flies and gurglers works well too.
If you’re unsure where to start with redfish or inshore flies, an assortment like this will get you well-started down that path.
Strip your fly to trigger the predatory instinct of the redfish. Strip it away from their reach, pause, and strip again. They may follow your fly up to the boat before they bite it.
Tips to Improve Your Success Rate
It would help if you remembered a few things to maximize your chances of hooking a redfish:
- Be quiet: Don’t shuffle your feet on the boat’s bow when making a cast, as this could spook the fish. Don’t slam the hatches.
- Be stable: Plant your feet and make the cast.
- Check your line: Check your leader and tippet from time to time to ensure it isn’t frayed from oysters.
- Spooked redfish: If you spook a redfish, put the fly right back in there and strip! They may turn around and eat.
Key Points
Redfish are an exciting species to fly fish for in Florida. Practicing your casting technique, selecting the right fly, and paying attention to your surroundings will increase your chances of success.
Redfish push water as they swim, so keep an eye out for this telltale sign. You can also spot them by looking for light copper bodies moving through the water or by noticing what the water is doing. In some cases, you may even see redfish tailing or notice a muddy section of water where they have just been feeding.
To catch redfish, it’s essential to be ready at all times. These fish can be caught year-round, so don’t limit yourself to a particular season.
It would be best if you also practiced your casting before your trip, as you’ll need to be able to make short and quick casts.
Regarding the actual fight, be prepared for a heavy load. Redfish are known for their bulldog-like fighting style, and they can be a lot of fun to fight on a fly rod. Use the butt section of your fly rod to lift and pull, and apply side pressure to the opposite side of the direction the fish is swimming to wear it down quicker.
The LAMSON Guru S is a great inshore fly reel with plenty of stopping power for inshore redfish in Florida. Pairs well with the Redington Predator mentioned above.
Vary your fly colors if things are not working. The color of your fly may be a significant determinant of your success, so consider using different patterns based on the weather conditions. Blacks and purples are popular colors, as well as orange hues.
Topwater is a popular method to land a redfish, and crease flies and gurglers work well. Use weed guards when necessary.
Fly fishing for redfish in Florida can be an exciting and rewarding experience. By paying attention to your surroundings, practicing your casting, and being ready for a fight, you can increase your chances of success and have a great time on the water.
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