| Redfish, black drum, and seatrout will eat a wide variety of flies. Their diet ranges from crabs, shrimp, and other crustaceans to many types of baitfish. Fly fishing anglers have the advantage of being able to present the fish with small baits that mimic much of their natural prey. Below are pictured some of the flies I use on a regular basis. Most are simple to tie but very effective. Color is mostly a matter of personal preference. Proper presentation is much more important. My Favorites The redfish flies I like the best, and use the most often, do not really resemble anything I have seen in the water. I tie most of mine in black but brown and olive work very well also. You can watch a video on tying a simple redfish fly on my Youtube channel. Crab Flies Crab style flies can be made with many different materials and should be a staple of any inshore saltwater fly angler. Redfish and drum feed heavily on crabs and seatrout will eat them as well. Most of my crab flies are tied on Mustad 34007 hooks in size 4. Body materials can include yarn, EP streamer brush, or chenille. Tails can be made from various types of hair, rubber legs, or marabou. Shrimp Flies Another pattern that is effective year round is shrimp style flies. While you can purchase some extremely realistic shrimp, the patterns pictured below are simple and quick to tie. Bendback Flies This baitfish imitation is simple to make, is weedless, and lands softly. When fishing spooky fish in very shallow water, this is my go to fly. They can be tied in various sizes on #4 through #1 hooks. A favorite of large seatrout, it is also very effective on redfish. They can be tied with bucktail or synthetic fibers. Copper, gold, or holographic flash is commonly used. These flies can also include a rattle for added fish attraction. See how to tie a bendback fly here. If you need more details on any of these flies, contact me for more information. Smashing the barbs down on all your fly patterns will have several advantages. Not only will the hook more easily penetrate the fish, it is easier to remove without tools and prevents the fly from being damaged. I provide all the flies you will need on a fishing charter with no additional cost. Capt. Chris Myers is a Mosquito Lagoon fly fishing guide specializing in sight fishing the flats for redfish, trout, and drum. He is an FFF certified casting instructor and full time charter guide. If you would like to book a trip fly fishing in east central Florida, call him at 321-229-2848 |
| Flies for the Mosquito Lagoon |
| Central Florida Sight Fishing Charters Orlando Fly Fishing Guide Mosquito Lagoon and Indian River |
