The weather was still cool in the mornings and we adorned our light jackets. As we headed out over the bay the sun was sneaking up over the horizon and I could not help but to give thanks for such a great site. I for one appreciate the sun and the colors that it evokes as it breaks the surface of the horizon and the early morning clouds. The mauves, pinks and shades of orange are just indescribable before the full light of day comes upon us.
Rubin and I headed for the west side of the Lower Laguna Madre to fish the Holly Beach area for some of the first reds to show up along the edges in skinny water where we might find some tailing action. With fly rods it's most appealing to site cast to tailing fish in shallow water and usually easier to fish tailing fish as they have their head down rooting in the grass for shrimp and crabs. As I poled my Ibis down the shore line, mullet were working the edge too looking for their vegetarian meal of the day found along shallow grass. We hadn't been after it very long when we saw our first tail, no it was more than one it was about five or six in a tight pod all rooting for their morning meal. The first light illuminated the wet tails and was shinning like a flashlight at us.
Rubin was ready with his 8wt rod and started his false cast. On his third back cast he lunched his cast and the Sea Ducer landed perfectly just on the other side of the pod. He stripped the fly into the pod and low and behold none of the five fish saw the fly. They were too engrossed in what they were looking for to see the fly come by them just inches over their heads. Rubin picked up the cast and presented again, this time the fly landed right in the middle of the fish and BOOM! one sucked it in. The fight was on and the rest of the fish blew out and headed for the safety of the deeper water just yards away. After a five minute battle on the long rod the fish came along side the boat and I sat down on the edge and put my feet on the bottom where I grabbed the fish by the tail and slipped my other hand underneath the belly and handed it up to Rubin for a quick picture. We released the red back into the salty brine to fight yet another day.
Fishing for redfish this time of the year can be most rewarding. With the wind usually howling from the south in the spring it's really nice when it lays down and gives fly anglers a chance. As spring moves on into early summer the wind becomes less and less and gives them more of those opportunities. However, even with the high winds it's not that hard to learn a few different casts and still be able to fish the fly and be successful. Casting sideways to the wind is almost like casting without wind. So you can look to your left (if you're right handed) if wading and or position yourself at that angle to be able to make a cast sideways to the wind. Wading is the best way to fly fish with a lot of wind because you're closer to the water and the cast dose not have to be that long, plus you can take multiple shots at a fish too as you're not as likely to spook the fish from an elevated position.
A Belgian Cast is another way to beat the wind. This cast is really easy to learn. First roll out downwind about 25 feet of line straight and in front of you. When you make your back cast pull the line off the water sideways at about 15 to 20 degrees of the horizon and come to a quick stop. Don't hesitate like you normally would but bring your rod straight over the top and stop at the 11:00 position. Launch the line then and there and what you have is a giant roll cast that the wind now carries out for you. Only one stroke is all that's needed to put the bug out there 40 to 50 feet and more. With a little practice you can master this cast in no time; most of my clients are amazed at how easy it is to catch redfish in the wind using this cast.
Spring is also a great time for ladyfish. Most people cuss the pesky rascals. However, fly fishers like the added sport of catching a fast running and jumping lunatic, which is about what they are. I have clients from Washington State that actually enjoy catching ladyfish more so than the redfish. So don't over look the lightning fast fish of the South Texas flats, they might make your day.
Skipper Ray is a fishing guide and freelance writer from South Padre Island, Texas where he owns and operates Island Outfitters. www.islandoutfittersspi.com
Email sray@islandoutfittersspi.com 956-433-9935