No reds, but lots of trout

Fishing Saltwater
1

On Monday, I headed for Palma Sola Bay. I had gotten a tip that redfish were plentiful there – and they were. I cast at several, but didn’t get a hit or land a fish.

Tuesday morning, I returned. Redfish were strangely absent. I did fare well on spotted seatrout, though. Picked up 10 real quick from a sand hole. Then, I paddled to the flat where the redfish had been. Got a 6-pound trout and several 18-inchers. In all, I caught and released 25 trout. All came on my Big Eye Baitfish.

2

What’s your Big Eye Baitfish receipe?

Gene

3

Already posted on Fly Tying. But here it is for you:

This is a fly that has been producing very nicely for me. The reason I came up with this particular combination of materials is that I needed a fly that held up to Spanish mackerel and bluefish. It does! It also appeals to spotted seatrout, pompano, ladyfish, jack crevalle and other species. The fly is simple enough to tie.

Gibby’s Big Eye Baitfish

Hook: No. 1 Mustad 34007
Thread: Fine mono
Wing: White Fish Hair with chartreuse Super Hair over it
Eyes: Large Orvis Crystal Dumbbell Eyes
Body: 1/8-inch silver Flexicord coated with Devon 2-Ton Epoxy

Typing steps:

Do the body first and coat with epoxy. Allow to dry.
Attach thread about 1/8 inch behind hook eye and add eyes. Tie on Fish Hair and then top with Super Hair.
Whip finish and then epoxy the head.

4

I’ve been using those eyes in the salt and fresh and I really like them! They are durable. Great report and a nicely designed fly. Thanks.

Charlie

5

Thanks Steve for the receipe.

Gene in North Port

6

Steve, this is a great fly. I’ve tied up a couple using a surrogate material for the Fish Hair (couldn’t find that locally). I had a question about the bodies - do you push the Flexi material over the hook, or is it wrapped around the hook before the epoxy. I have a couple different body braid materials, and the one I used certainly didn’t get the dramatic scale effect yours has.

Thanks in advance!
92E

7

Good question. I push the Flexi-Chord over the hook and tie it off at the back and just behind the eye. I then epoxy it and allow to dry before going on.