Finally, all the stars aligned and I got my first tailing redfish OTF.
Headed north today to check out a flat behind my wife’s grandparents’ house. I had never paid much attention to it until the last time we visited, when I realized it was covered up with fiddler crabs and had a hard, sandy bottom. I talked to her granddad about it, and apparently they frequently see tails up in the grass on the flood tide - today didn’t disappoint.
Got there about 2 hours before the high tide- didn’t want to miss out because of the weird weather/higher tides we’ve had lately. Got the rod assembled and hung out for awhile, waiting for the water to get high enough. Not long after the water came up, we saw that first tail.
I eased out on the flat and the fish was working his way back to me, tailing heavily. Dropped the shrimp fly out in front of him and I’m pretty sure he ate it, but I strip-set the fly and nada. Presented it again, and this time there was no question, as he absolutely hammered it. Set the hook this time and he hightailed it out of there. Good five minute fight and I had him - my first tailer OTF. A few quick pictures and he was off to fight another day. Stalked the flat for awhile longer but saw no other sign of any fish.
Here’s a great shot my wife’s granddad got from their backporch balcony…
And here’s the fush…
An absolutely great night on the water, followed by a lovely dinner of sauteed skrimps, cole slaw, and 'tater salad, washed down with some Sweetwater 420’s and a nice glass of chard.
■■■■ I love the Lowcountry.