After putting together my thoughts on the advantages of throwing an intermediate sink tip line, I figured it would be worthwhile to discuss how I basically accomplish a similar end result throwing a more manageable floating line. Moreover, in an estuarine environment like Charlotte Harbor where your working water depths no deeper than four feet, it possibly could be a better.

I’m referring to the Clouser style fly and the way it mimics the motion of a jig.  For sure, with a spinning rod, fishing jigs like a soft plastic or feathered is one of the most effective ways to catch fish. As it drops to the bottom, it represents the fleeing movements of a panic stricken baitfish. With the Clouser, the weighted eyes positioned on the forward half of the fly serve the same purpose. I also like the way it rides hook up. Like some patterns, it doesn’t stop moving during the retrieve when the angler is not stripping. Basically, what baitfish would stop when chased by a predator? Due to the weight, it is a bit tougher to cast. However, there‘s no need to develop a tight loop, it calls for more of a wide loop that’s easy to learn. In fact, the Rio weight forward floating line that I use is designed to throw just this type of weighted saltwater fly.

Red Fish Tailing in the Grass

Spring Fishing Report and Special Announcement

Fly Fishing Film Festival is coming to Brunswick on April 12

A full day of fly-fishing goodness is planned on April 12.  Special fly tying with Blane Choclett, Vendor Tents and a skiff show with the Film Festival starting at 6:00.  This is the major fundraiser for the Georgia Saltwater Anglers Association.  This is one of the few organizations pushing for red fish and general fisheries conservation.  Make plans today to attend.

We are in the Spring pattern for fishing.  The big winter schools of reds seem to have broken up.  On good wind days, we can find these fish on the flats or at the backs of creeks.  However, they are not everywhere, and it is necessary to actively seek them out.  As the Spring progresses, the weather will become more stable, with light Southerly winds in the morning changing to the sea breeze in the afternoon

Trout are coming back shallow and are being found on Oyster bars and at creek mouths.  You must move around during this season.  We find them one here and one there.

The Triple Tail are back.  This is a unique fishery where these fish free float in front of Jekyll Island.  It is also a spotty fishery.  Sometimes they pop up and other times they don’t.  Look at my blog on Triple Tail fishing on my Captain’s Musings Page. You must have light, westerly winds to hunt these fish in the ocean.  At this time of year, if the conditions are right, I like to combine shallow water sight fishing for reds with sight fishing for Triple Tail.  Catching your first Triple Tail on the fly is an exhilarating experience.

At the water approaches 70 degrees, the May flood tide fishing should be excellent.  We have good tides for tailing reds on the evenings of May 23-25 and June 14, then June 21-23.  Call if you are interested in booking one of these days.

I have lots of availability for the flood tides of September and October.  There are some excellent tide dates still available.  Call, text or email to enjoy this Classic Southern Fly Fishing to tailing redfish in the flooded marsh.

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