I’ve just started fly fishing and want to start scouting some areas for tailing redfish. I plan on putting time in on the water to find the fish so I’m not asking for spots or even general locations. Just asking for what to look for. Is it better to scout on lower tides and look for crabs on the flats or is it better to go on the flood tide and look for the fish? Do you need to hoof it on a potential flat to see the fish or will cruising by slowly be enough? Like I said, I don’t mind putting the time and effort into finding them, just looking for a head start when I get out there.
If I was going to a brand new area I would find the fish at low water first, then look for the nearest marsh with short grass and creeks flooding it. A small island or two in that marsh is also a plus, but not a necessity. I would then check the short grass parts of that marsh where the small feeder creeks dump out onto the flat.
12lb has always done me well. flies with lots of breathable materials (ie wrabbits and marabou) work well in the grass- they move so you dont have to move the fly (crabs don’t hop!) EP flies work well when they aren’t in grass also kwans, toads
I recommend carolina critters and merkins with very stiff weed guards. I use mono leader material. have had nothing but trouble with fluorocarbon.
Tailing reds are not very leader shy.
I use a 9 ft leader. 50% 40 lb, 25% 30 lb, and 20% 20 lb. All tied with double uni or blood knots. IMHO, the sport is in presenting the fly and hooking the fish.
Beating him quickly and letting the fish go is very important especially in warm water.
Many epic tailing flats are near small hammocks in Ga and SC. They give the fish a lee to get out of wind and current. Also, it seems that there is always some open water around the edge of the hammock. Lots of feeder creeks and short grass.
Lastly, they are a good place for casters to get out of the strong afternoon sea breeze.