Top 5 Mistakes Beginners Make When Fly Fishing for Redfish

The waters surrounding Charleston can be overwhelming at times. Our estuaries hold a vast variety of bait, fish, natural structure, and much more. For a beginner, it’s a lot to take in. Over the past few years, I’ve had the opportunity to guide anglers of all backgrounds and skill levels on the bow of my skiff. Don’t let being new to fly fishing in our fishery scare you. With a few helpful tips, you can greatly increase your odds for success.

Safely released to fight another day

1. Minimize False Casts: Get the Fly in the Water Faster

When fishing inshore, many of your shots will be close to the boat. Standing on the bow, false casting dozens of times for a 20-foot cast isn’t necessary and will almost guarantee spooking a fish. Most guides in our area run 8wt rods, so you don’t have to baby them. Get that line out there!

Short and accurate casts are critical

2. Forget the Long Bomb—Master the Short, Accurate Cast

In preparation for your fishing trip, don’t spend the majority of your time trying to lay out an 80-foot cast. Although it’s cool and definitely a fun party trick, it isn’t necessary when fishing for redfish. Focus your time on making very accurate casts with minimal false casts, ideally around 40 feet. Start with a hula hoop, then downsize to a coffee cup.

3. Practice with the Breeze, Not Just the Trees

Here at the coast, we often have a pretty constant breeze. It’s common to experience sustained winds of 15 to 20 knots. Any and all casting practice is helpful, but that being said, find some places to practice where there’s a breeze. It shocks many clients how their casts will collapse in the wind, even though they’ve been throwing perfect layout casts in their backyard.

All practice is good practice

4. See Something? Say Something—Help Your Guide Help You

Guides are weird people—we have to be. I chose a career that requires me to push a boat around with a stick all day while my angler ribbon dances on the bow. While I’m calling out something I see or explaining something odd, just ask for clarification. Although we’re all weird and obsessed, we also have thick skin. So, don’t be afraid to speak up if you don’t understand directions or a term that was used. Also, call out things you see to your guide. We get surface glares often and can’t see into the water from our angler, but you might. Looking under the bow of the boat is nearly impossible from the poling platform. If you see close shots, let your guide know.

Capt. Cleve sending a great shot on a school

5. Don’t Let Boredom Cost You a Catch

Stay focused! Being in the sun for long periods of time can definitely take a toll on you. If you need a break to sit down, hydrate, or snack, let your guide know. It never fails—once an angler gets bored or pulls out their phone, a fish swims right under the bow. So, stay in the game as best as possible. It will pay off!

Just feet from the skiff

Fly fishing for redfish in Charleston can be a challenging and rewarding experience, but it’s all about preparation and focus. By minimizing false casts, practicing in the wind, communicating with your guide, and staying engaged, you'll have a much larger chance of success. Remember, fishing is a skill that improves over time and with every cast, so stay patient, and stay focused!

Thank you for reading.

• Capt. Conner