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15lb redfish on the fly!

Winter time redfishing!!

Hooked up to a tailing redfish in Charleston Harbor
 
South Carolina offers flyfishing clients many year round opportunities. Most of our flyfishing centers around redfish. In the winter months, the redfish gather into huge schools, and prowl the shallow water flats. The cold temperatures cause the water to become very clear so sightcasting is at its best. We pole the flats hunting for these schools of redfish, and it is not uncommon to find schools of 200-500 hungry fish. The summer months also offer excellent flyfishing for redfish. During the high tides, the fish will move into the spartina grass to feed on crustaceans. Many times we will find 15 or 20 fish tailing in a single flat. Many anglers find this to be the most exciting fishing there is! Most of the time, we will pole the flats looking for tails and feeding fish, but sometimes we leave the boat to chase the fish on foot. Flyfishing for reds can also be great during the spring and fall months.

Trout and flounder are other possible targets for flyfishermen. Trout are sight feeders and readily take many different types of flies. We do not target flounder on the fly, but do catch them from time to time when fishing for reds and trout. The fall and spring months are best for trout and flounder.

The migratory species also make great flyfishing targets. We find spanish mackerel and bluefish busting the surface around the Charleston Harbor and the surrounding inlets. These are the easiest of species to catch on the fly. Sometimes they will take the fly right next to the boat. Even though they are easy, they still pull great! Ladyfish are incredibly fun on the fly. They also can be found smashing bait through out our estuary. Ladyfish are cousins of the mighty tarpon and act very much the same. They make lightning fast runs and jump like crazy. They also love poppers which makes for some exciting fishing! The biggest and toughest species to tackle on the fly is the jack crevalle. These fish average around 20 pounds but get much larger. A new 20lb-tippet world record fish of just under 40 pounds was caught in the Charleston Harbor in 1999. These fish are also found busting the surface and love poppers!

For the most part, an 8wt rod with weight-forward floating line will handle everything except the giant jacks. For the jacks, I suggest a 10wt or larger rod and a reel with at least 150 yards of backing. Fish Call will provide all the flies needed, but if you have something special, bring it along. Clients are encouraged to bring their own equipment, but can use mine if needed. I have a 7, 8, and 10wt rods with weight-forward floating line. I normally tell flyfishing clients that they need to be able to cast 30 to 50 feet accurately in two false casts to be successful without getting lucky.
 
 

Black Drum on the Fly!!

Sunrise Redfish

Casting to tailing redfish

Jack Crevalle on the Fly!!

email Capt. Waits:
jrwaits@fishcall.com

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