First off, let me preface this by saying today was my probably my most productive day when it comes to Sightfishing Reds on the Fly.
5 to the boat, 2 spit hooks, 2 more eats but hook misses, 2 top water blowups, both missing the hook. And my PB on the fly at 27”. (2) 24”s on the 6wt rigged with my Blk/Gold shrimp. The rest on the mangrove 8wt rigged with Blk/Purple Deceiver, and Just an absolutely beautiful morning.
Now the deets. Launch on a neg low of -.08 at 8:30a which was of course lower than predicted, so the tunnel got to flex a little. Winds were forecasted to be 5, gusting 15. It never really got to 15, thankfully, but still had pretty solid 5-7mph. Air temps were low 50, but climbing to 80.
I initially wanted to run off shore a bit and check the outer flat, but it was rough. The neg low coupled with the little bit of wind had some really big swells pushing up, so after getting wet, I decided pretty quickly to stay on inside. I ran to my intended area and as soon as I’m up on the platform there lays a nice red, probably 20” right off the bow. At this point I haven’t even taken the fly off the guide. So needless to say, he promptly went on his way, but still a terrific sign. In no time I start seeing signs and a tailer here n there. I strip off my line and make a cast to get everything straightened out, and get a solid strike, but no hookup, however I see the flash and identity a red. I immediately cast back at him and it’s fish on!! (Second cast of the morning)
After a quick pic, I get straightened back out, and see a tailer. I ease over and take the shot, and it’s game time again.
This fella was 20” and hit the cooler for his date with the holy trinity.
As I push along to a small hole a little further down the line, I see a small school of good sized fish hanging out and take the shot. I give a nice slow strip right across his nose and he ever so gently slurps the fly and it’s on again. I didn’t realize just how big he was.. I know you LA guys are rolling your eyes, but we don’t all have endless bulls buzzing around here like y’all do.. but once he had that hook I quickly found out. He never made the reel, or burned any drag, but he fought like Tyson (in the 80s) and finally made it to the net, becoming my PB (Fly) at 27”
Being happy with my catches thus far, I switched up to my top water popper and had a massive blowup, back out of the water, stalked the fly ect.. But he missed the hook and went on about his way. By now the tide was really pushing in and the area I was in was getting flooded pretty good. So I headed into skinnier territory. I got another shot off on Top water, but agin missed the hook. As I’m approaching the next area of tailers, I switched to my 6wt. I get the opportunity for a nice shot on one that was flagging me down, but as I’m getting the rod in hand a damn mullet jumps and spooks him, but he doesn’t bolt and leisurely starts heading towards me. I fire off and put the fly about 6” in front of him and he slurps it. Fish
n again.
After this guy, I continue on chasing tails, and cross paths with another, but he spooks, and circles around, just to join up with a pal. I make the shot, and sho enough the buddy slurps my shrimp, number 2 for the 6wt!! Having my fill of Reds and the water really starting to pile in, I figured I’d go chase some sheep’s and black drum. Unfortunately they never really showed up, and only saw one black, and maybe 6 or 8 sheep’s but didn’t get any good interactions. All in all just a magnificent day. Hopefully the bite will hold as I’ve a good friend turning 50 this week and we are scheduled to get after it on again on Friday.