By Saltwater Flyters
Fly fishers in Northeast Florida wait with anticipation for the late summer and fall lunar tides. The grass flats in the tidal marshes are rich with fiddler crabs and other crustaceans that redfish pursue with great vigor. For most of the year these spartina grass flats are just above high water and the crabs grow in prodigious numbers because of their isolation, but with the right cycle of the moon and the favorable prevailing Northeast winds these safe havens for the crabs flood and are inundated on the high tides, making them a smorgasbord for redfish and sheepshead. The fish come up on the flats and gorge themselves until the tide changes and the waters recede.
The fish in this feeding frenzy are preoccupied with dinner and this makes them easy prey for a flyrodder with a suitable facsimile of the crab d’jour. The spartina flats are firm and are easily waded as long as the water remains 10” to 18” deep. In these conditions the redfish tail up on the crabs they are rooting up, giving away their locations making them easy to spot from a quietly pooled boat. Ideally you get close enough to wade to a comfortable distance from the feeding fish for your cast. A precise presentation is essential, so practice before hand will pay off big. The idea is to get your distance, determine which direction the target fish is moving as it munches along, and place your fly in the path of the fish without spooking it. If the fly lands about three feet ahead of the fish and on his line your chances are good. Wait for the fish to get close enough to your fly to notice it and a small twitch should do the trick. As stated a precise cast is essential as it is very difficult to strip your fly into place due to the tangling in the grass, which most often alerts the fish to your ruse and the game is over for that fish. When done correctly the resulting hook up is a hoot as the fish tears across the flat. Tailing reds in the grass is one of the most exciting and enjoyable times of the year for fly fishers.
The equipment you need is a way to reach the flats, ideally in a boat with a poling platform so that you can see the fish from a longer distance. A flats boat is not absolutely necessary; my first redfish in the grass was taken from an old johnboat guided by the Northeast Florida legend, Charlie Heston. I will never forget it. The other piece of equipment you will need is an 8 or 9wt. 9’ fly rod (a 7wt. will do and my favorite is an 8wt.). The reel does not have to be fancy; drag is not an issue in the confined space of the flat. You will need a good weight forward floating saltwater fly line with a 9 to 12’ factory tapered leader. The leader is important; I strongly recommend a factory tapered leader 12 to 15 pound test. This is important for those less than perfect casts; a hand knotted leader is much more likely to catch the grass and spook the fish. Waders are optional, some people prefer not to get into the grass with their bare skin but a pair of long pants and wading shoes work just fine, I don’t recommend Crocs or bare footing, oyster shells and other sharp stuff lay on the flats too. Polarized sunglasses go without saying. It is really a simple way to fish.
If you have never done this type of fly fishing it not something to miss. Beginners at this would benefit greatly from hiring a local guide and there are really good ones available (contact Saltwater Flytyers for a referral at SaltwaterFlytyers.com or 904-535- 6929). Another way to get good advice and perhaps an invitation to learn for free is to join one of the fly fishing clubs, First Coast Fly Fishers is one (FCFF.org is a good website to look to for contact), another is Jax Kayak Fishing Club (jaxkayakfishing.com).
There is a wealth of wonderful fishing experiences in Northeast Florida to enjoy year round but I strongly encourage you to not miss the Tailing Reds in the Grass…in any event get out there and have some fun!
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