Fly Fishing For Redfish In Louisiana

Redfish have become one of the countries favorite inshore saltwater gamefish to pursue on both conventional and fly tackle as they inhabit the entire US coast of the Gulf of Mexico and most of the southern US coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Redfish spend the majority of their time in relatively shallow water and can be found as singles, in small groups, and in large schools. They are voracious opportunistic feeders that will grab everything that looks like an easy meal. Redfish can be seen floating or laying on the bottom while looking to ambush prey, and cruising, crawling with their backs out of the water, or tailing in shallow water while actively hunting their next meal. Because of their habits, redfish are a great fish to sight fish for when the conditions are right. Redfish are the star of the show in Louisiana, and Southeast Louisiana is known in the fishing realms as the home of the biggest redfish on the planet.

Fly Fishing Louisiana Redfish

Redfish have put southern Louisiana on the fly fishing map as the area is loaded with them. Redfish are as accommodating to fly anglers of all abilities as any fish that swims. They are not difficult to see, don’t regularly require long casts, and more often than not, do not need a perfect presentation to eat to a fly. Redfish are usually targeted in less than 3 feet of water by quietly poling a skiff through the shallows and visually hunting them. When a fish is spotted, the angler and guide work as a team to capitalize on the opportunity. Once the boat is in position, the angler has to take a few factors into account before delivering a shot. The distance to the fish, the weight of the fly, the wind, the water depth, and the fish’s movement direction all play into the judging the proper shot. Redfish want a convenient meal, and flies that are placed as close to the fish as possible (without spooking) and stripped with short quick movements usually get bit.

Louisiana redfish are tough fighters, no matter their size, but big bull redfish pull hard, are known to make runs deep into the backing, and test an angler’s tackle to its limits. Thirty pound plus bull reds are consistently caught and multiple big fish days in the Louisiana marsh are not uncommon.