Redfish

General Info: Redfish were once considered a trash fish and were rarely targeted with conventional tackle or with a fly. Once anglers figured out what great fly rod fare they are, things changed quickly. These big, aggressive fish are apt to take a fly and are just wary enough to present a nice challenge. They can be targeted in the flats, around marshy areas and out in the open water. Big reds are caught closer to shore in the winter, and reds can be caught in good numbers throughout most of the year.

While Redfish can occasionally be found as far north as Massachusetts, their stronghold is the Carolinas down the coast, into the Gulf of Mexico and all the way along the Northern shore. While Texas and the most Northern part of Mexico have good redfish populations, they are far less available as you travel down the Mexican coastline.

Preferred Gear:

Rods: Fast action saltwater fly rods. Most anglers use an 8wt or 9wt, with a 9wt being the go-to Redfish rod. You could easily get away with a 7wt if you stayed inshore and only targeted smaller "schoolies" Big Bull reds in the 50 plus pound range are mostly targeted with 10-12wt rods.

Favorites: Orvis Recon Saltwater, Echo Prime, Redington Predator,

Reels: Large arbor, sealed drag reels are preferred.

Favorites: Orvis Mirage, Lamson CenterFire, Redington Grande,

Lines: Specialty floating lines for Redfish are nice, but many lines will work. You may need a cold-water line for targeting Reds in the winter.

Favorites: RIO Premier Redfish, Scientific Anglers Titan Long, RIO Outbound Short (Tropical or Coldwater)