Strip sets only

Fly fishing for redfish can be exciting and rewarding, but the territory is rough and quite challenging for all levels of fly anglers.

Oysters, marsh grass and debris will grab fly line, leader and even the fly itself. It is hard enough to land the fly in the right spot without landing the line on oysters or on top of the fish. The majority of the fish will be lying within sight, but the bite will not always be seen.

Anglers should keep the rod tip near the water and strip right through the bite instead of raising the tip and pulling the fly violently out of the water into the marsh grass. Since most fly rods set up for saltwater fishing are long, oysters and debris can sometimes feel like a bite, too. The strip-setting technique will keep the fly within the strike zone longer. If a fish has the fly, a long strip will set the fly right in place. Then, the fish will give the angler no choice but to fight for dear life.