Redfish Fly Patterns

Redfish are one of the most visually satisfying targets on the fly, tailing in shallow water, nose-down on a mud flat, cruising just under the surface. The key to fooling them is matching what they're eating where they're eating it. Spoon flies, Clousers, and EP-style shrimp work in deeper water, but the real game is sight-fishing with crab and shrimp patterns dropped inches from a tailing fish. Getting the weight, sink rate, and weed guard right makes the difference between a take and a refusal.

We've tested redfish patterns from Louisiana's marshes to the Mosquito Lagoon, sorting out what actually works from what just looks good in a fly box. The pattern guides below include tying instructions and specific on-the-water notes for each one.