Flood Tide Tail
As we idle away from the launch, the anticipation builds for what an evening in the flooded spartina may hold. The fly rods are tucked away in the under gunnel and rigged with our favorite flood bugs. We near the end of the no wake zone, give the skiff some throttle so it planes up, and glide over the light intercostal chop. We’re a few minutes early, so we stake out near the edge of the flat while we wait for the rising tide to cover the spot. We discuss our game plan while patiently observing for signs of life.
We witness the marsh crabs begin to scramble, climbing the stalks of spartina to take refuge from predators eager to gain their easy access. With ankle deep water covering the flat, it’s now time. We unholster the weapon of choice - an eight weight fly rod - on the end of the leader a small crab fly the ideal choice for tailing reds.
Photo by Hayden Dobbins
As I unstick the push pole from the mud, we hear the first marsh hens start clucking and cackling. You take the bow, rod in hand, as we push through the first clump of spartina eagerly awaiting the first signs of our target. A great blue heron catches dinner not far from the skiff - a few grass shrimp down the hatch. You look to the left, “Whats that in the mangrove right there?”. It’s a family of raccoons seeking shelter from the surging tide.
A glimpse of something shiny catches my eye at two o’clock. I swiftly spin the skiff in that direction, but it never resurfaces. A loud splash echos just in front of the boat! Catfish. False alarm, lets move on…
As the sun lowers behind the trees, we approach the golden hour. The sky is lit up with vivid, saturated colors - a beautiful inspiration for a painting.. The spartina is glowing with a golden hue… Twelve o’clock! One hundred feet! A bright orange tail pierces the surface of the water. We slowly and quietly pole the skiff into position. Within casting distance, a series of three false casts finishes with you laying out the perfect fifty foot cast. The fish feels the fly pulsating through the water as you slowly strip the fly - sliding across the surface and over grass blades. Lunging forward, the red strikes the small crab fly and inhales it.
Strip set. Tight line. The powerful first run ensues. Backing shows its face.
The red begins to tire out and we discuss executing the perfect landing and release. Gently scooping the red with the net, cheers and laughter spread over the flat.
You’ve landed your first flood tide redfish on fly!
Photos are taken. The fish is kept wet, revived and then returned back home unscathed. High-fives are exchanged as the sun finishes its descent. Time to return to the launch.
The moonlight guides our run back on the ICW as we reflect on a mission executed to perfection.