Tips for Hitting the Beach with a Fly Rod

Feature Story by CHESTER MOORE

LISTEN: (3 minutes, 8 seconds)

SCI-FLY FISHING WAS A TERM I came up with to describe the fish-centric method I used for all of my fishing, especially fly and ultralight fishing. It’s about understanding species and their habits, biology and response to environmental stimuli.

I’m new to surf fishing when it comes to my fly fishing, but I will be doing a lot of that this summer. Here are some strategies I plan on trying. Email me at cmoore@fishgame.com if you have some suggestions.

Speckled Trout

Fly Selection: Opt for vibrant, flashy flies like chartreuse and white Clouser Minnows. These colors mimic the baitfish that speckled trout often prey upon.

Technique: Cast your line into the surf and allow the current to carry the fly to where the trout are likely lurking. Retrieve the line with short, jerky movements to mimic the erratic behavior of injured baitfish, enticing the trout to strike.

Best Time to Fish: Generally, dawn and dusk are prime times for speckled trout fishing. The best fishing will always be when the surf is clear. Murky water kills trout fishing in the surf.

Redfish

Fly Selection: Opt for realistic crab-patterned flies. Redfish are known for their preference for crabs, making these flies an irresistible choice.

Technique: Target deeper waters where redfish tend to congregate, such as around sandbars or near oyster beds. Cast your line and let the fly sink to the bottom before using a slow, steady retrieve to mimic the movement of a crab.

Best Time to Fish: Redfish can be caught year-round but are particularly active during the warmer months. Fishing during incoming tides can also increase your chances of success.

Sheepshead

Fly Selection: Opt for shrimp-pattern flies, as sheepshead are fond of feeding on crustaceans like shrimp and crabs.

Technique: Target rocky outcroppings and structures where sheepshead like to feed like those in the surf around Galveston and Surfside. Cast your line near these structures and allow the fly to sink to the bottom. Use a subtle retrieve to mimic the movement of a shrimp, enticing the sheepshead to strike.

Best Time to Fish: Fishing during the slack tide, when the current is minimal can be good for sheepshead. It stinks for other fish, but sometimes they bite on slack tides, especially if you chum.

Pompano

Fly Selection: Opt for small, shiny flies. Pompano are attracted to bright, reflective colors.

Technique: Look for sandy bottoms and troughs along the shoreline where pompano feed on crustaceans and small baitfish. Cast your line and use a slow, steady retrieve to mimic the movement of a fleeing shrimp or baitfish.

Best Time to Fish: Pompano are most active during the warmer months, particularly in late spring and early summer. Fishing during the incoming tide, when food is washed towards the shore, can increase your chances of success. Pompano seem to be increasing in the Texas surf and are tons of fun to catch and great to eat.