Top 3 Redfish Flies and How to Tie Them

Top 3 Redfish Flies and How to Tie Them

Redfish flies are artificial lures tied to a fishing hook, specifically designed to catch redfish. Redfish are an abundant saltwater species found in coastal waters such as the Gulf of America, marshes, and estuaries.

The lures are crafted to mimic the natural prey of redfish—such as crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish. They are typically made from materials like feathers, fur, and synthetic fibers to create a lifelike appearance.

1. The Kwan Fly

Why It Works:

The Kwan Fly is one of the most versatile redfish flies ever created. It’s designed to imitate a range of prey, including shrimp, small crabs, and baitfish. Its subtle movement and weedless profile make it perfect for shallow flats.

Lightly weighted with a bead chain or small lead eyes, the Kwan Fly mimics lifelike movements using faux fur, EP fiber, and a synthetic body. A weed guard allows it to navigate through grass and oyster beds with ease.

Available in multiple color variants— like tan, olive, and root beer— this fly is ideal for clear to slightly murky water, where stealth and subtle presentation are crucial.

How to Tie a Kwan Fly?

  • Start your thread at the hook eye and attach the bead chain or dumbbell eyes with figure-8 wraps.

  • Tie in a small tuft of craft fur for the tail.

  • Add a couple of strands of Flashabou to the tail.

  • Tie in a clump of craft fur or EP fibers near the eyes for the body, securing it in sections to create a bulky, segmented look.

  • Add a weed guard by tying a loop of mono in front of the eyes.

  • Whip finish, trim the body to shape—and you’re done!

2. Redfish Crack

Why It Works:

A buggy, flashy, and loud underwater fly, the Redfish Crack is perfect for murky water or when redfish are feeding aggressively. It sinks at just the right rate and produces a pulsing movement on the strip. This fly excels in stained to dirty water, overcast conditions, or deeper potholes.

It features dumbbell eyes for a moderate sink rate and flash accents for enhanced visibility. Made from chenille and craft fur, it comes in several color combinations, including black/purple, brown/orange, and tan/gold.

How to Tie a Redfish Crack:

  • Start the thread behind the hook eye and attach dumbbell eyes with figure-8 wraps.

  • Tie in a clump of craft fur for the tail.

  • Add a few strands of Krystal Flash on each side of the tail.

  • Tie in cactus chenille at the tail base and wrap it forward to the eyes.

  • Tie in a collar of craft fur or a rabbit strip behind the eyes.

  • Whip finish, trim—and you’re ready to fis

3. Spoon Fly

Why It Works:

The Spoon Fly is a modern pattern that adds flash and vibration to your fly selection. Redfish are naturally drawn to the shimmer and wobble of a spoon, and this fly’s rod-friendly profile makes it especially effective in low-visibility water or when redfish are keyed in on baitfish schools.

It features a Mylar body shaped like a spoon and is weighted to wobble enticingly on the strip. Available in color variants such as gold, copper, and chartreuse, it’s a standout option in murky conditions.

How to Tie a Spoon Fly:

  • Start your thread behind the hook eye and attach eyes with figure-8 wraps.

  • Cut a spoon-shaped piece of Mylar or metallic sheet.

  • Attach the Mylar spoon over the hook shank, ensuring it curves slightly downward.

  • Cover the body with UV resin or epoxy, creating an even, bubble-free coat.

  • Add optional flash under the body for extra visual appeal.

  • Finish with a weed guard in front of the eyes.

  • Cure the resin or let the epoxy set—and you’re good to go.

Wrap it up

Redfish flies come in a wide variety of designs, each crafted to imitate the natural prey of redfish while withstanding the unique conditions of coastal waters. From the versatile Kwan Fly to the bold Redfish Crack and the flashy Spoon Fly, each pattern has earned its place in a fly angler’s box. Whether you’re fishing clear flats or murky potholes, having the right fly—tied right—makes all the difference when chasing these prized saltwater game fish.