As reported by Chris Martin . . .
Mother Nature has made us work harder than we’re used to. Water levels are manageable one day, then extremely low the next. When tides are down, the wind is often up, making access to off-the-beaten-path locations tougher. Higher winds and lower tides have forced me to spend more time poling the edges than I prefer, but the payoff has been worth it – redfish and black drum have been holding near deeper water and mud.
Current Conditions
Now in the last quarter of April, water temperatures are beginning to rise. Sand saucers surrounded by grass have become prime ambush points for redfish. Clean, deeper water continues to hold larger fish, often those stunning crimson-shouldered redfish that we all chase. Mud flats, grass pockets, and deeper channels remain the key zones for finding consistent action.
Fly Patterns and Tactics
With water levels starting to come back up, it’s time to use heavier eyes like dumbbells or medium bead chain to keep flies in the zone. Redfish always seem to have an attitude – sometimes they crush a fly, other times they act stubborn. For the picky ones, slow things down: a slow, 6-inch strip often triggers a reaction.
