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Redfish will fall for well-placed crab flies

By Pat Damico, Times Correspondent
In print: Monday, September 1, 2008

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Absent threatening major storms, shallow-water redfish are readily available this time of year. Take advantage of the low, late-afternoon and early evening tides. Large schools of redfish are regularly appearing on flats with very skinny water. Some of these fish are above the slot size (18 to 27 inches) and are great fare for patient fly rodders.

Equipment requirements: Wading provides an advantage of getting close to the fish. Even if you use a boat, get out and quietly approach "tailing" fish. The surface disturbance caused by their tail is most noticeable when the redfish has its nose in the soft bottom searching for a crab or other crustacean. A 7- or 8-weight fly rod is preferred. Use a floating weight-forward line with a 9-foot leader tapered to 15-pound test. I like to use crab patterns that match the bottom in color. Kwan flies, Merkins and Puglesi patterns in size 1 will work. Use very light dumbbell eyes so that when the fly hits the water close to the fish it will not spook.

The best time to cast is when the fish is facing you. When the tail is up, his head is down. If the fly enters the water while the fish is groping for dinner, when it looks up it will likely see your offering. Keep your line tight so that you can transmit slight movement to the crab. A large strip will look unnatural and scare the fish. Violent strikes can occur. React with a strip strike, keeping the rod tip close to the water's surface. Try to get larger fish "on the reel" quickly.

Pat Damico charters lower Tampa Bay and can be reached at captpat.com or (727) 504-8649.