Fly Fishing for Giant Redfish in the Marsh
Fly Fish South Louisiana
While fly fishing is a pastime that has been around for centuries and is steeped in tradition, the popularity of saltwater fly fishing is a bit more recent of a phenomenon. Louisiana is an outstanding and highly desirable destination for saltwater fly fishers, offering unparalleled opportunities to fly fish for truly giant redfish, black drum, sheepshead, and more.
World-Class Fly Fishing
Louisiana’s coastal marshes are among the most biologically productive ecosystems on Earth, providing an estuary fishery that is simply unparalleled. When fishing in the Louisiana marsh, one of the most noticeable attributes is that it vibrates with life. There is movement and action everywhere.
A Bucket List Fly Fishing Destination
In recent years, when discussions about fly fishing “bucket list destinations" arise, Louisiana is often in that conversation alongside legendary destinations like tarpon or permit fishing in the Florida Keys, salmon fishing in Alaska, chasing giant trevally in the Seychelles, and more. What separates the Louisiana marsh from the rest of these destinations is that it is by far the most accessible, the most affordable to reach, and presents the highest likelihood of catching that bucket list fish.
What Does the Angler Need to Do
Prepare for Your Trip
Redchaser Guide Service encourages and caters to anglers of all skill levels; redfish in Louisiana are a great introduction to saltwater fly fishing, as you will normally get a lot of shots, they can often be approached at fairly close distances, and they are typically willing to eat flies.
There are, however, things that you can do to maximize your opportunities and make your trip as enjoyable as possible. Work on your casting, as anglers we are all often prone to overestimate our skill level.
Practice Your Casting
15 minutes of casting practice in your backyard once or twice a week will quickly make a significant improvement in your casting and increase your odds for success.
Master the Double Haul
The ability to double haul is the single most valuable casting skill that you can possess for saltwater fly fishing. If you’re not certain of your ability to double-haul, reach out to your local fly shop or fly fishing club and get a lesson or two. Compared to gear, travel cost, guide fees, etc. It's a very small investment, but the best one you can make.
Accuracy Over Distance
Shots on fish can be anywhere from 10 feet to 60 feet, with the majority in the 20- to 40-foot range. Hero casts aren’t needed, but the ability to get an accurate cast-off quickly is. That’s where the double haul comes into play. It’s not so much about distance but rather about loading the rod and generating line speed with a minimum of false casts. It’s also invaluable when having to deal with windy conditions, which are always likely.