This time of year the redfish are moving through the lagoon systems in search of food on the flats. While they are not tailing as much as other times of the year, they are still moving around the shallows and looking to eat.
The primary food source this time of year on the flats for redfish is glass minnows, anchovies and mullet. With the abundance of baitfish, it is better to try to sight fish for them rather than blind casting at nervous water as many of these bait pods are not holding game fish. While blind casting can produce fish in off-colored water and deeper holes, it is better to find the fish first and then place a lead of 2-3 feet in front and then start moving the fly when the fish gets to about a foot from it. The flies that are currently working are mullet and small baitfish patterns with small crab patterns also occasionally accounting for a fish. In clear water I like to use lighter colors and then use a combination of black and purple for when the water is off colored. I have found that while calmer days allow for using a 7 or even 6 weight fly rod, a soft 9’ 8 weight like the Scott S4S with a Rio Saltwater line and a 9’ 12# Rio leader is a perfect everyday setup for the lagoon.
