Low Tide on Fly

It is hard to say that anything tops tailing reds on the flooded grass flats but hunting them at low tide sure comes close. Last night, there was a predicted 0.4 low tide at 6:00pm which makes for a perfect after work trip. I loaded up the Gheenoe, grabbed my cigar and fly gear and was on the water at 5:45pm. As soon as I arrived at the creek, I was greeted by two reds crashing bait down the shoreline.  I picked up the 8weight first since the wind was in my face but as quickly as the reds showed, they were gone. I began blind casting as I worked my way down the bank and picked up two small trout.  Although the trout are fun, looking for that big red was the mission. I abandoned the blind casting and just patrolled the banks waiting for my shot. I set up in front of a pocket where fish were working but couldn’t get to them in time. Thankfully, a red came out of the creek and into the pocket with his back out of the water. A well placed fly a few feet out front and he slammed it. 

Upper Slot Red

The one thing that differs from the flood tide fish is these reds ability to fight. On the warm flood tide flats there usually isn’t a lot of room for these reds to run plus there is not as much oxygen in the water and they tire quickly. I noticed that the water temperature has fallen some from the upper 80’s we have been seeing and believe that was one of the reasons for all the activity. From September to December or until the cold weather really shows up can be the best time to fish in Jax. For me, canoes, kayaks or small skiffs are the best choice for this area and especially during low tide sight fishing. Being able to float in six inches or less quietly will increase the number of fish you see and catch exponentially. The fly producing lately is the Fro-Toad.

Fro-Toad

Tied with a Finnish raccoon tail, palmered estaz body, and Enrico Puglisi’s crustacean brush plamered over the estaz to the front. I comb out the EP brush which gives it a larger profile in the water and gives it a fro look. Tied in a myriad of colors this fly has great action due to the coon tail and weight and water absorption is minimal with the EP fibers. I get all materials at Black Fly Outfitters since they carry everything from normal to weird materials in all colors. Remember, buy local and you get the best advice.