Texas is One of Most Exciting Redfish Destinations in the World
From the pristine flats of the Laguna Madre to the marshes of Rockport and Aransas Bay, the Lone Star State is home to some of the best redfish fishing in the country. Stretching for several hundred miles along the shore from Galveston south to the border with Mexico is prime wild habitat, much of which sits in swaths of largely unexplored protected refuges accessible only by airboat or skiff. This pristine habitat provides a prime feeding ground for Texas redfish throughout their life, and serves as a sheltered, rich nursery for the millions of juveniles that are born every year.
Inaccessibility keeps this coastline protected from the angling pressure common to other coastal fisheries and offers anglers a rare opportunity to target several other species such as speckled trout, black drum, sheepshead and even tarpon in these rich coastal waters.
Anglers traveling to the Texas coast will discover a unique fishery unlike any other saltwater fishing destination. As such, we’ve put together a comprehensive list for the gear and equipment you’ll need to be successful whether you’re wading or sightfishing from the casting platform.
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Gear Checklist
Suggested Items
- 8 wt. outfit with floating warm water fly line (redfish)
- 9-10 wt. outfit with floating line (jack crevalle & tarpon)
- Polarized Sunglasses and Hat
- Leaders and Tippet
- Lightweight rain jacket
- Quick drying shirts, shorts, pants
- Boat Shoes, flip flops or sandals
- Flies (optional)
- Sun Protection (hoodie, buff, and gloves)
Texas redfish aren’t known to be as picky as other saltwater game fish, but weather conditions, water clarity, time of year, and tidal fluctuations can all play a big role in whether the fish sees your fly and identifies it as food. And as with any species, the bigger they are, the harder they are to fool. So having the right fly goes a long way to catching the redfish of your dreams.
We’ve taken the guesswork out of the equation and put together a short list of our top-producing patterns and a few wildcards that can turn a good day on the flats into an unforgettable one. Our Pro Staff is always happy to help with building a good box for your trip to the Texas coast, so feel free to drop us a line any time.
And if you’re planning a trip to the Lodge, we always have a big selection of flies on hand at the Pro Shop for you to fill up your box. Generally speaking, a #4 in any of the patterns below will be the right fit, but going up a size on shrimp patterns and down a size in crabs will cover you well.
Redfish Cracklin’
If we had to pick one fly for Texas redfish it would be the Redfish Cracklin’ fly. Something about this pattern that makes redfish lose their minds. The dumbbell eyes and thick profile gets the fly down to their level quickly and keeps their attention. We typically fish a copper/rust on bright days and a purple on dark or overcast days.
The Skinny Cracklin’
Redfish can get spooky, especially when they’re in the skinny water of the back bays and creeks. The Skinny Cracklin’ has the same properties as the Redfish Cracklin’ fly but on a diet, allowing for a softer all around presentation.
Freeport Fiddler
Some days redfish seem to want to eat crabs, and when they’re in that mood, nothing gets it done like the Freeport Fiddler. Fine-tuned to match the juvenile crabs commonly found here, it’s become one of our go-tos.
Marsh Mohawk
Marked by a bold, barred, central rabbit zonker strip, the Marsh Mohawk fly is like a piece of redfish prime rib. We always carry a bevy of colors, but a gold/tan is sure to ring the dinner bell for a hungry drum.
Gurgler
There is nothing like a topwater take from a Texas redfish. Experiencing it will change you forever and leave you wishing they’d never take anything else. Alas, redfish pick their moments when it comes to eating up top, but when they do, you’d better have gurglers in olive, brown, and tan.
Flies for Other Species
In addition to redfish, the Texas coast offers intrepid anglers the opportunity to fish for a variety of other gamefish including black drum, speckled sea-trout, jack crevalle, tarpon, and even shark. If you’re interested in targeting these species, reach out to us and we’ll provide you with gear, equipment, and fly recommendations.
Most of our guides tie flies for the Lodge Pro Shop, and we keep a healthy selection on hand at all times. If you’re looking to outfit yourself ahead of time, or want to equip yourself for DIY redfish, our Bay Flats Lodge fly box with twelve hand-picked patterns is a great place to start.
For most days on the flats, you’ll want a nine-foot 8wt fast action rod. A good fast action rod will aid in punching through wind, and you’ll need every ounce of an 8wt to coax a Texas redfish to hand. Most 8wt rods today come equipped with a fighting butt, and we highly recommend having one. While it’s also good practice to have a backup rod when you travel, our guides are fully equipped and can provide you a rod in the event of a break.
We are extremely proud to be able to offer Sage Salt R8 and Winston Air 2 Max fly rods; we believe these rods to be among the best in class and both offer superb action for our unique fishery.
10wt rods should be considered when targeting migratory tarpon, jack crevalle and shark. If you have questions about what fly rod would be best for your trip, don’t hesitate to contact our Pro Staff.
We recommend fully anodized, corrosion-resistant saltwater reels to all our fly anglers. Typically, 8wt reels will be best, as long as they are able to hold a full WF 8wt fly line and 100-200 yards of backing. Large arbor fly reels are always a good choice in the salt, and fly fishing for redfish is no exception.
A high quality, adjustable drag system is important when playing Texas redfish, especially in the fall when bull reds come into the marsh. One of the hallmarks of our unique fishery is the labyrinthine nature of the marsh — a veritable maze of interconnected creeks and inland flats — and a reliable, adjustable drag system can aid in keeping a redfish from taking you for a ride. We’ve found that an 8wt large-arbor reel is ideal for fishery.
The same rules apply for other species like jack crevalle and migratory tarpon, but should be upsized accordingly; a 10wt outfit would do well against these bruisers.
Unlike in other saltwater fisheries, casts to Texas redfish can often be rather short, sometimes as close as 10 to fifteen feet from the boat. And unlike the skittish bonefish and wily permit, the redfish has a reputation for gulping a well-placed fly even on the run.
Many saltwater fly lines are designed for longer casts and as such typically don’t have the required mass to load a fast-action fly rod at short range. We highly recommend fly lines that have heavier shooting heads that load the rod faster. We are particularly fond of Rio’s Premier Redfish line that has been developed specifically for redfish with a 37’ double-taper head that supports good short casts while maintaining precision and soft presentation.
Rio also makes Premier Lines with a clear floating tip, which can be the ace up the angler’s sleeve on clear water days, or when targeting migratory tarpon.
A 9-foot, 20lb fluorocarbon leader is a good choice for Texas redfish, especially when presenting sinking flies. Topwater takes are not uncommon in our fishery, so enterprising anglers should also consider mono leaders for presenting gurglers and floating crabs. We recommend Rio tippet — both fluoro and mono — in a 12 to 15 pound test.
While Texas redfish can take long runs, needing backing in excess of 150 yards is unlikely, making traditional dacron backing sufficient.
Other species, such as tarpon or jack crevalle, may require different setups. Our Pro Staff would be happy to assist you with setting up your rod for success here in Texas. Feel free to drop us a line!
Most, if not all of our fishing takes place from a skiff. And while many anglers elect to go barefoot, this can leave your feet susceptible to sunburn. We advocate for wearing comfortable, non-marking shoes while fly fishing, especially for anglers coming from colder climates who may not be accustomed to the Texas sun. We like the new line of Performance Marine shoes from OluKai, but similar types of footwear can be purchased from other brands as well.
Another advantage of wearing shoes is that from time to time, our guides may allow you to dismount from the skiff and approach redfish on foot. The marsh is a mix of mud flats that can hide sharp shells and other hazards (such as stingrays) that can cause harm if tread upon with a bare foot. The added protection of a water shoe prevents these types of injuries.
For the intrepid and experienced saltwater anglers, a pair of sandals or flip flops are a good option which can easily be stowed while you’re on the casting platform.
Outerwear for Fishing for Texas Redfish
Weather on the Texas Coast can change fast, and anglers should be prepared for a mixture of sun, wind, and rain over the course of a single day; a lightweight, warm-weather rain jacket is an essential piece of kit. A lightweight windbreaker can make a windy day, or boat runs between spots, much more pleasant. We recommend muted earth tones for these garments, as bright colors can alert fish to your presence.
Hot and humid weather is a staple of the Texas Coast, regardless of the time of year. When preparing for your trip we recommend you consider packing apparel that is lightweight and which dries quickly. But the key to comfort while fishing for redfish is breathability. Anglers should plan on getting wet throughout the day.
Shirts & Hoodies
Fishing shirts that are ideal for fishing in Texas should be made from fabric that dries quickly, and have ample ventilation. Short sleeves can be nice for some outings, but we recommend long sleeves, especially from May through September when the sun is strongest. Since you’ll likely be fishing from a boat, and the guide will have all requisite gear on-hand, gear pockets aren’t crucial. Instead, focus on comfort. Soft fabrics like bamboo limit chaffing, and shirts with spandex blends stretch to accommodate movement.
Shorts & Pants
Pants and shorts should be made from material that dries quickly and has ample stretch. Shorts are suitable most of the year, except in the late fall and winter months when temperatures drop. If you are planning to fish between September and March, it’s a good idea to pack a pair of long pants.
Like in so many other saltwater fly fishing destinations, sun protection is one of the most important factors to consider when planning your trip. There is little to no shelter on the flats, and our skiffs are uncovered, meaning anglers should plan on being in full sun for the entire fishing day. Sunblock is highly recommended.
Hats & Buffs
A hat with a brim is a must. Whether a classic ball-cap style or a wide brim hat, keeping your face and eyes shaded throughout the day will help protect from sun burn and limit eye strain. Hats with dark under-brims help absorb glare and improve visibility. Hats with vented rear panels help keep you cool throughout the day.
A sun buff is an inexpensive and effective way to cover your neck and ears, and when coupled with a hat, can offer superlative sun protection. Buffs also aid in protecting from wind burn on excessively windy days.
Our Pro Shop has a wide selection of hats and buffs, available both online and in-person at the Lodge.
Gloves
Gloves are an oft overlooked piece of equipment, but one that can save you a lot of discomfort. Burns to the hands can be extremely painful, and can lead to serious skin problems down the line; applying sunblock to your hands can be hit-and-miss, and lotions are depleted quickly when handling fish.
Fishing gloves not only protect the angler’s hands from the sun, but they can help prevent blisters from forming. This is especially important for those who don’t fly fish in saltwater or heavier-weight rods on a regular basis. Water, salt, and sand can build on your fly rod’s grip during a day on the flats which can further irritate your skin. There is nothing worse than incurring an easily-avoidable injury on day one of a multi-day trip.
Some fishing shirts — like our BAY FLATS Airflow Fishing Hoodie — have cuffs with incorporated thumbholes, letting anglers cover their hands easily without the need for gloves. Shirts like these are a fantastic option for those who want protection without investing in another piece of gear.
Fly fishing for redfish on the Texas Coast is a sight-fishing game. Not being able to see the fish you’re targeting puts you at a distinct disadvantage. This makes a good pair of fishing sunglasses one of the most important pieces of equipment for your trip.
There are three main considerations when choosing a pair of fishing sunglasses: lens color, frame design, and polarization.
Polarized lenses work by filtering out horizontal light waves, which are the main cause of surface glare on water. For anglers, this means clearer visibility beneath the surface, allowing them to spot fish, read structure, and navigate shallow flats with far greater precision.
Lens color and material can also enhance your ability to spot fish. Brown, copper, and green lenses are good choices; copper base boosts visual clarity and cuts haze, while the green mirror adds extra glare protection—especially on flats and inshore waters under intense sun.
Fishing sunglasses tend to have wrap-around style frames that help shield sides of your eyes from light. This helps reduce eye strain and increases the effectiveness of the lens.
We are proud to offer a wide selection of sunglasses online at our Lodge Pro Shop where you can try on different frames and explore various lens colors and finishes.
The Redfish Season on the Texas Coast
Spring (March - May): Clear Water & Active Fish
Spring is one of the best times for redfish fishing in Texas, especially for fly anglers. The waters are clearer, making it easier to sight fish in the flats, and redfish become more active as temperatures rise.
Summer (June - August): Early Morning & Late Evening Bites
The summer heat pushes redfish into deeper waters during midday, but the early morning and late evening bites are phenomenal. This is a great time for topwater fishing, as aggressive redfish attack lures on the surface.
Fall (September - November): Peak Redfish Season
This is the best time to fish for redfish in Texas. Massive schools of bull redfish push into bays and nearshore waters, creating unforgettable fishing experiences. If you're after trophy Texas redfish, this is the time to go.
Winter (December - February): Giant Trout & Cold-Water Redfish
While the cooler months slow down some fish, redfish remain active year-round. Winter is also prime time for catching giant speckled trout in Texas waters.
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Final Word: A Redfish Resource for the Long Haul
Whether you're planning your first redfish trip to the Texas coast or returning to familiar waters, we hope this guide becomes a trusted companion in your preparation. At Bay Flats Lodge, we fish these marshes, flats, and bays every day, and we've poured that experience into every recommendation you’ll find here.
Conditions change, seasons shift, and tackle evolves, but the fundamentals of chasing Texas redfish remain the same: thoughtful gear, sharp eyes, and time spent on the water. If you’re gearing up for a guided trip or just deepening your own understanding, consider this your home base for fly fishing the Texas coast.
Have questions? Our Pro Staff is always available to help you refine your setup or plan your next adventure. And if you're ready to see it for yourself, we'll be here—on the skiff, pushing into the marsh, chasing tails.
Ready to find out more?
Drop us a line today and discover all that Bay Flats Lodge has to offer.