Redfish on the Flats

Redfish, also called red drum, are one of the most accessible and rewarding fly fishing targets in Pine Island. Unlike the elusive tarpon, redfish often hold in shallow water where you can literally watch them eat your fly. They have a distinctive copper-bronze color with a black spot near the tail — a feature that gives them their scientific name 'ocellatus,' meaning 'eyed.' The largest redfish, sometimes called 'bulls,' can push 50 pounds, though most of what we catch on the flats range from 15 to 30 pounds. The backcountry waters around Pine Island — the mangroves, grass flats, and oyster bars — hold redfish year-round, but the best sight-fishing happens when water temperatures drop into the 60s and 70s. During these conditions, redfish prowl the flats in ankle-deep water, tailing actively as they root through the grass for crabs and shrimp. The presentation is simple: cast ahead of the fish, let the fly sink, and strip it back with a slow, erratic retrieve. A solid hookset is critical because redfish have tough mouths.