Fly Fish Everglades Redfish

Redfish are one of the least hyped species of fish in the saltwater fly fishing game. They aren’t put on a pedestal like a permit, and the Everglades isn’t a place that many flyrodders come to specifically target them, but the Glades is home to a very good population of slot sized redfish that provide excellent opportunities for anglers of all abilities.

Everglades redfish spend much of their time in relatively shallow water moving around in search of baitfish, crabs, and shrimp. They are known as a schooling fish, but are usually found in the northern half of the Everglades in singles, pairs, and small groups, on and around the shorelines foraging for a living making easy meals of everything in their path.

Redfish prefer areas of relatively high salinity with bottom consisting of mud and oysters, although they can be occasionally found in areas of very low salinity as they thrive near places with high freshwater influx. Redfish are bottom oriented feeders that will almost stand on their heads while feeding on the bottom. Their tails can frequently be seen above the surface when they are trying to root a crab out of the mud or a shrimp off of an oyster bar. Although redfish will relax and sit motionless, most fish are seen moving which makes them relatively easy to spot.

Fly fishing for redfish in the Everglades involves slowly poling a skiff down shorelines and flats looking for fish actively feeding in the shallows. When a fish is spotted, sometimes there is enough time for the guide to maneuver the boat for an optional shot. The job of the angler is to present a fly in front of a redfish and make the fly flee from the fish when it is close to it. Redfish have a tendency to eat a well presented fly more ofter than not. Like all fish, redfish have days where they act spooky a will turn their noses up at even the best shots.

Not all redfish are caught sight fishing. During times of high tides, dirty water, or high winds, spotting redfish can be difficult and blind casting in likely areas can produce redfish bites.

All in all, redfish are one of the most accommodating saltwater gamefish, and days of 20+ shots at redfish are not uncommon in the Everglades, making them one of the best day in and day out targets for fly anglers of all abilities.