I want to start FF for reds or anything else that will bite, but I am very unsure about finding flats. I have used Google Maps & Bing Birdseye, but I really don’t know what I am looking for. I am looking for walk-to flats (rebuilding the boat), and that I could eventually take my dad to.
I’m not expecting anyone to give me their honey-hole, (unless you’re just feeling extra generous) but just an spot that might be well known. Then I can compare that to the internet maps, and use that to find other spots. I want to learn the ropes, but a jump start would help the process.
It’s hard to find flats from Google Earth in my experience. All flats have the potential to hold fish. The redfish are eating fiddlers when they are up on the flats. You are looking for areas that on a typical tide, 5’ 6" or so, has no water on it. When the new moon or full moon comes around, tides are taller, like 6’+ typically, and it covers the flat with enough water for reds to swim. Don’t fool yourself, redfish will swim in very very shallow water, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen their backs out of the water rubbing their belly on the bottom as they are swimming. In order to wade a flat, the bottom has to be somewhat hard…or else you’ll sink up to your armpits in pluffmud. Trust me, you don’t want that. What you are looking for is short sparse grass, this tends to have a harder bottom. Tall grass grouped tightly together tends to be softer mud and not easy to manage. There are exceptions to this rule, but its not the norm. Plus with the short sparse grass, its easier to see and deliver a lure/fly/bait to the feeding fish.
I’ll tell you this; there’s no shortage of walk to wadable flats in Charleston. Always take a buddy when exploring new areas in case you do find a soft spot. The best bet for any beginner is trial and error. It’ll mean more to you once you find them yourself, trust me.
Also, you could hire a guide during a “tailing tide” period, and fish, learn and see what type area the fish are using. Ask your guide questions. Since you are just getting started, it will help you to actually “see” what you are looking for… This can save you a whole bunch of time. Do not overlook the smallest of flats- I have a tiny little spot off Daniel Island that I can drive to, and it has been real solid for a long time. Does not look like much at all, but sure does hold fish. Good luck, and keep after it.
Once the water temperature heats up into the spring, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to figure it out. I personally don’t think it’ll do you much good to go out right now as the fish are there, but haven’t been tailing (this is what I’ve seen). May tends to get going pretty well…but I’ve caught them on the flats as early as the last week in March.
