Fall Redfish on the Fly
Fall Redfish on the Fly on the Texas Coast
If you've ever wanted to sight cast to a redfish on the fly, fall is the time to do it. The coast fished really well all summer, and as the water starts to cool, the reds get more aggressive, not less. Summer and fall are our two best seasons on the coast, and fall is when a lot of our regulars book their saltwater trips.
What Makes the Texas Coast Special
The Texas coast is home to the world's longest barrier island system. Behind those islands sit miles of shallow back bays, grass flats and marsh that hold redfish year-round. We fish out of the Rockport and Port Aransas area, running flats skiffs into water most boats can't reach.
Most of the time we're sight casting in super shallow water, sometimes just a few inches deep and often gin clear. You see the fish before you cast. You watch it turn on the fly. It's visual, technical fishing, and it's the closest thing to bonefishing you'll find without getting on a plane.
What You'll Catch
Redfish are the main event. Most of the fish we see on the flats run in the 20 to 30 inch range, and they pull hard in skinny water. Speckled trout are mixed in, and you never know what else might show up on a given day.
The real draw isn't size, though. It's the hunt. Spotting a tailing red, getting the boat into position, and making the cast is what keeps people coming back.
Why Fall Is Prime Time
As temperatures drop, the redfish get fired up. Cooler water puts them on the feed, and they spend more time pushing shallow where we can see them. Fall also tends to bring calmer days than spring, which makes spotting fish and making the cast a lot easier.
Fall weather on the coast is about as good as it gets, too. Cool mornings, comfortable afternoons and none of the summer heat.
How We Fish It
We fish from flats skiffs built to float in very shallow water. Your guide poles the boat quietly across the flats while you stand on the front deck and look for fish. When we spot one, your guide calls the distance and direction and you make the cast.
If you're new to saltwater, don't let that scare you off. Beginners are welcome, and we'll work with you on the cast before we ever get to the first fish. If you've fished freshwater for years and want to try something new, this is one of the most accessible and exciting ways to do it.
What to Bring
All equipment can be provided at no additional cost, including rods, reels and flies. You'll need to bring:
A Texas fishing license with a saltwater endorsement
Polarized sunglasses (the most important thing you'll bring)
A hat, sunscreen and a sun shirt
A light rain jacket or windbreaker for cool fall mornings
Shoes or boots that won't mark up the deck
If you want to bring your own gear, an 8-weight rod with a floating line is the standard setup for redfish. Bring a few shrimp and crab patterns in natural colors.
Fall Dates Go Fast
Fall is one of our most popular times of year on the coast, and weekends fill up first. If a fall redfish trip has been on your list, now is the time to lock in your date.
