Reds are not usually associated with the Keys fishery but more and more they seem to be showing up down here. They are a wonderful challenge in clear, skinny water. Hunting for crabs and shrimps, they can be found in some of the same haunts as bonefish. We will be sight fishing for them around the mangroves and small bays in water no deeper than 12 inches and usually less. Pursuing Reds this way is very exciting and every bit as technical as fly fishing for bonefish. They can be very spooky under these conditions. Sometimes one shot is all you get.
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When they are keying more on mullet they usually are found near if not right in the mullet muds. This can be tricky because the fish will sit motionless waiting to ambush unsuspecting mullet thus making them a bit more difficult to spot. They can even cover themselves with a bit of silt by vibrating their bodies against the bottom. This creates a small plume of silt to rise and then settle back down on the now very camouflaged fish. Pin point accuracy with fairly short quick casts are the usual scenario here because we will usually be almost on top of the fish before we see it. The good thing is, that if not spooked by the cast, they eat readily.
As with all our fish here in the Keys, an accurate cast is important for success. The fly must initially land close enough for the fish to see it. The skinnier the water the closer it must be. With the rod tip down make one small strip. Observe the fish. Did he see it? If he saw it you will be able to tell. He will come to investigate the possible meal or he may just launch forward and inhale your fly. Either way keep the rod tip down and keep stripping until the line comes tight. Fish on!
Even though Redfish are not considered a "glamour" fish or "bling" as I now call it, this is a very visual experience that I promise you will enjoy while fishing in the Florida Keys.