Late May Inshore Update...Reds and Flounder

Our excellent winter Redfish fishery from a few months ago, has transitioned into a really solid spring Redfish fishery.  In the short time since I returned from the Roanoke, the fishing has been excellent most days with lots of Redfish around.

Some days have been really epic, and other days we have had to put some work in to make it happen.  That has nothing to do with lack of fish, as we are getting plenty of opportunities each trip.  Some days the Reds will eat anything that crosses their path, and some days we have had to switch offerings and tactics to "crack the code" on them.  Every day is different, and I love the challenge.

Redfish aren't the only game in town, as there have been lots of Flounder around.  Not just small and medium flounder scooting around the flats, but quite a few doormats way back in the marsh.  We don't even have to target them specifically, as any fly or subsurface lure designed for Redfish will get inhaled when it comes within reach of  a Flounder.

Early mornings have been great for the topwater Reds.  Rapala Skitterwalks are my topwater of choice, but Zara Spooks, Top Dogs or anything similar will do the trick.  It's all in the way you walk it, and if you can "walk the dog" properly, it's hard for an aggressive Redfish to resist.  And as much as I love fly fishing, there's not much that's more exciting than watching a Redfish explode on the surface knocking the lure clear out of the water.

When they aren't eating on the surface, I have a few go to subsurface lures that we can put into action.  Gold Spoons have always been a favorite, but these Z-Man Chatterbaits are quickly becoming a favorite search lure.  I have a few other "secrets", but these two lures are responsible for a lot of the fish that come visit my skiff for a photo.

When it comes to flies, there have been a variety of patterns that have worked for us lately.  Everything from crabs, to shrimp, to baitfish patterns have worked in certain circumstances.  Although fly pattern is important, this time of year it's more about seeing the fish and putting the fly in his sights before he looks up and realizes you are there.  It's a challenge, but that's what makes this type of fishing so fun.

So far we've had a fantastic spring, and June is just around the corner.  We just fished our first few "tailing tides" the last couple nights and I'll fill you in on that on the next report.  If you'd like to get out on the water and chase Reds, Flounder, or some nearshore fish like Spanish and Blues, get in touch and we'll get you out there.  Thanks as always!  John

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