Captain Scott Barmby not only runs Rock On Charters, but is also an Orvis-endorsed outfitter and an Orvis Fly Fishing School instructor. Fly fishing for spring bull reds is one of his favorite fisheries, so that’s the topic we’ll cover this month.
Q: What’s your favorite environment to fly fish for reds in the spring?
A: Shallow flats with oyster beds or grass flats are key areas to watch. Because they’re shallow, they warm up quickly in the sun.
Q: What’s the right rig for this sort of fishing?
A: We use Orvis Helios and the all-new Orvis Recon 10-weight rod. Both give you the backbone to drive tight loops into the wind and turn over weighted flies accurately. We pair them with an Orvis Mirage V reel because they have a sealed drag, smooth startup, and more than enough stopping power when a bull redfish decides to head for the oysters. The line is Scientific Anglers Sonar Titan Full Intermediate, 10-weight. A full intermediate line is key. It keeps the fly just under the chop and maintains a straight connection to it when fish are cruising slightly below the surface. Then we use a short six-foot leader. A weighted Clouser Minnow is the fly of choice and white/chartreuse is a staple. Olive/white works great over grass. Black/purple is the pick for lower light. Give a quick strip, pause, and let it drop—that’s usually when they eat.
Q: Is stealth important in this sort of fishery?
A: Stealth matters, but it’s not the most important factor. This is a sight-fishing game so the ability to see fish first is critical. That means great eyes, a tower on the boat, and high-quality electronics to help locate and track fish moving across shallow flats. The single most critical factor, however, is the angler’s ability to quickly get the fly where it needs to be. You typically have three to five seconds to make the presentation so long false casts, slow line management, or hesitation usually means a missed opportunity.
Q: Any tips for fighting a redfish up to the boat?
A: They pull—and they keep pulling. Reds don’t give up quickly and they use their size, weight, and stamina to their advantage. The key is to fight the fish with your body, not your arms. Keep the rod low and angled and use the lower butt section. Do not fight with the tip, that leads to fatigue and broken leaders. Use your legs, core, and the reel’s drag to do the work. Stay calm, keep steady pressure, and let the gear do what it’s designed to do.
Q: You not only take people fly fishing but you also teach fly fishing, so tell us your top three tips for becoming a better fly angler.
A: Becoming a better fly angler doesn’t happen by accident, it comes from doing the right things consistently.
- There’s no substitute for practice, and even short practice sessions improve casting accuracy, timing, and confidence.
- Take a lesson. A good instructor will identify small casting issues, fix them quickly, and help you understand why, not just how, things work. One lesson often does more than months of trial and error.
- Sign up for a fly fishing school, because the structure accelerates learning. Schools combine casting, tackle, fly selection, fish behavior, and on-the-water application into one complete experience.
Q: Open mic—what haven't we talked about that you'd like to tell all the anglers out there?
A: Fly fishing for trophy spring bull redfish is not easy, but we have a world-class fishery right in our backyard. Here are some additional tips:
- Casting speed matters more than casting beauty; you need to get the fly there fast because you won’t get many chances.
- Forget long, delicate leaders. We fish short, strong leaders, typically 40- to 60-pound test. They turn over big flies, handle wind, and survive oysters.
- Big flies catch big fish. Bull redfish are hunters and they’re not afraid of size.
- If you remember one thing: this fishery rewards preparation.
When everything comes together—conditions, eyes, timing, and execution—this fishery is about as exciting as it gets.
Thank you, Captain Scott! To give fly fishing for bull reds a shot or to learn more about saltwater fly fishing, give him a call or text at (240) 372-1864, email [email protected], or via fishrockon.comhttp://fishrockon.com.