Backcountry Redfish Gear & Flies

This is a collection of our favorite backcountry redfish gear from rods and reels to leaders, fly lines and flies.

A 7 or 8 weight is ideal for the size redfish you’ll find on backcountry flats. You can get away (you can enjoy, is a better term) with a 6 weight on calm days, the 7 and 8 are better suited for a little wind. Pair with a floating line.

Leaders should be 9′ 16lb. With a bite tippet of 20lb fluorocarbon. If you’re using a topwater fly like Giacobba’s Gurgler, use a mono bite tippet.

The best flies are crab and shrimp patterns that land softly, have weedguards, and move enticingly without a lot of stripping. Having a black version of a fly like this for when the fish’s vision is obstructed by mullet mud is a must. A mullet fly is also a good idea for when you find fish cruising down shorelines.