Middle Coast Redfishing

[Texas Trouter]

Does anyone have a suggestion on a early morning topwater fly for tailing Reds that won't spook them too bad? Dahlburg Diverse are supposed to be good, but i've never tried...Any ideas?

[Animal Chris]

Divers work good but, it has been my experience, when they are tailing they are feeding on the bottom. I like to use a rattle rouser, bend back or Lefty's Spanish Macarena. Spoon flies work well also, but can be a bugger to cast in a wind.
As far as top waters, you might try some small poppers or crease flies.

[Animal Chris]

More correctly, Lefty Ray Chapa's Spanish Macarena.

[Mark Cahill]

Here are links to a couple of those patterns:

Rattle Rouser (http://flytyingworld.com/PagesK/kd-trr.htm)

Bend Back (http://www.traflyfish.com/tying/salt/bendback_yellow.htm)

[sammy]

What colors do you prefer for these flies for redfish and specks? I have been SWFFing for some time, but just moved to Texas last fall. I am looking forward to some good fishing this year.

[RJ]

In the Indian River and Mosquito lagoon the reds feed on these three flys. Quans - Looks like a cross between a crab with a orange egg sack and a shrimp. A McVey - a small deciever #2 hook size tied with small bead chain eyes-orange nose in front and pearl body with crystal flash tied above the hook body and topped off with red/orange wing fiber. it is light enough to sink slowly. the third fly is a Borski slider.

They all work on specs too!

Bushy bendbacks tied thick with mixed copper and brown flash flash with copper marabo to enhance its weedless qualities.

You can order most of these from the Fly Fisherman, Titusville, FL. 407 267-0348

:-%

[Animal Chris]

The Rattle Rouser - Gold, Copper, Silver
Bend Back - Same as the RR plus Chartreuse, Red and White, Chart. with a black back, yellow with orange black.
Lefty Ray's Spanish Macarena is tied with white craft fur, but I have tied it in chartreuse, tan and dark red.
Spoon Fly - gold, green, red.
Kwan - Tan and brown or tan and green body with orange egg sack and tan tail. I have also tied some up with a chart. tail, but haven't had a chance to try it out.
Sammy, welcome to Texas. Where will you be doing most of your fishing?
Tight Loops.....AC

[sammy]

I am living in Houston, and just got a 21' CC last fall. Most of my fishing will be done in and around Galveston bay, and offshore trips out of Freeport when the seas permit. I am excited about going after kings, ling, tripletail, etc. with my flyrod.
Do you know where I can find pictures/tying info for Lefty Ray's Spanish Macarena?
Thanks for the info on colors. Tying flies gives me something to occupy my mind when I can't get on the water.
-Sammy

[Animal Chris]

Go by Academy, or one of the Houston fly shops, and get a copy of Greg Berlocher's book Texas Saltwater Classics . It's a great book that features home grown Texas flies. Lefty Ray's Macarena is in there, plus a lot of other fine flies. Make a nice addition to the coffee table. If you have trouble finding it, you can go on Texas Game and Fish Magazine's site and order it on line. He is also tying it with a Diaichi (sp) Blood Red Circle Hook and he tell's me he is having good success with this arrangement. Good luck and Be Careful Out There. Tight Loops, AC.