Intro | Redfish Comeback | Destinations | Gear | Techniques| Guides

Redfish Equipment

Rods. Florida anglers prefer a 7- or 8-weight rod, but a 6- or 9-weight will work. On windy days, you may need a 10-weight to punch the fly through the wind. Nine feet is the preferred length, but when wade-fishing, some anglers prefer a 91/2- or 10-foot rod.

Reels. You'll need a reel that can hold a 7- or 8-weight line and at least 100 feet of 20-pound backing. You don't need an expensive reel unless you also intend to use it for bonefishing. Why a high-quality reel for bonefish? Although it's rare for a redfish to take more than 200 feet of line in a run, a large bonefish can streak 200 yards.

Accardo Redfish Special

Lines/Leaders. Redfish feed in water from six inches to four feet deep, and the fishing is done with floating lines, including the relatively stiff ones with relatively short front tapers and stiff cores for shooting long lines in a warm climate. They include Scientific Angler's Bass, Bonefish, or Saltwater Tapers, or Cortland's new 444 Lazerline Tropic Plus.

A relatively stiff 8- or 9-foot saltwater leader, tapered to no lighter than 8-pound tippet, allows you to turn the fly over easily in windy condtions and hook these hard-hitting fish without breaking off.

Flies. My experience is that if you can get the redfish to see your fly, whatever the pattern may be, it will eat it. But the standbys include a chartreuse-and-white or brown-and-white Clouser Minnow tied on a 4X or 6X long-shank stainless-steel hook, some with weedguards and some without. You should also include in your arsenal a selection of small poppers, Deceivers, Accardo Redfish Specials, and Seducers.

Redfish feed heavily on crustaceans, and crabs are a favorite food item. Thus, weedless #4 or #6 Del's Merkin crab imitations should be in your fly box. Use stainless-steel hooks, because other hooks rust in salt water and when you put them back in your box, all the flies that touch them will turn rusty brown.

On-Line Catalogs
A.A. Outfitters Full service, fully stocked flyshop located in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. Allen Brothers Quality Fishing Flies Quality is more than just a word. We use Daichii hooks and all our beadheads are tied with tungsten. Check out unique variations on a lot of the classics, plus our original patterns! Angler's Pro Shop The finest products the fly fishing industry has to offer. Bighorn Fly and Tackle Shop Montana's premium fly shops, lodging and guide service. We're dedicated to helping you experience the best Montana has to offer. Bob Henley's TIE-A-FLY 19 traditional patterns. TIE-A-FLY kits have all materials needed to tie them, instructions/illustrations, a pre-tied fly to use as a model. Gary LaFontaine's "The Book Mailer" Every angling book & media in print—10% off 3 or more. LaFontaine fly patterns & materials. FREE anti-catalog. Crystal Fly Shop Online Store Quality products at reasonable prices from Winston, Elkhorn, St. Croix, Galvan, Solitude, Idylwilde, Chota, etc. Many items 15-35% off. Custom Fly Rod Crafters Fly rod building components, tools & supplies. Dan Bailey's Online Fly Shop Outfitting fly fishermen since 1938. Equipment & information to make your next fly fishing trip be a memorable one. Fly Fishing Flies & Gear Shop RiverBum.com for premium FLIES and GEAR from Simms, Sage, Fishpond & more ... Free Shipping on orders over $25!		FlyShack.com High quality, hand-tied flies. Assortments from $.60/fly. Great selection and excellent service. Free Shipping. FlyShopCloseouts.com Now—new and expanded—with much more brand name fly fishing tackle and gear at huge savings. Save 30-50% on quality brands you will recognize in an instant. Galloup's Slide Inn Online Fly Shop Full online store offering cutting-edge flies, equipment, and the best streamer selection found anywhere in the U.S. Hills Discount Flies Fly shop quality flies at wholesale prices. Over 1,000 patterns. Check out bargains in "Hot Deals" section. Hooked On Flies 65¢-69¢ a fly. That's 3 flies for less than the retail price of one fly. 450+ Trout Fly Patterns! Madison River Fishing Co. Spring is coming! We have TONS of new gear this year. Cloudveil, Simms, Sage, Under Armour, Vosseler Reels and lots more. Click or call 800-227-7127 for catalog. www.ShopUltimateAngler.com Your steelhead and smallmouth specialists featuring Simms, Sage, Patagonia, Orvis, guide services, local fishing reports and more!