Saltwater fly fishing

[MoTex]

I am a transplant from just outside of Houston, Texas. I grew bass fishing and fishing in the bay in and around Galvaston. I never picked up or saw a fly rod until I got to SW Missouri. I've been fly fishing for about 4 years here in MO, but next week I am making a trip back home (Texas) and have a trip planned to hunt for reds out in the bay. I'll be fishing with a guy who uses a spin. gear and is not familiar with saltwater flys. And neither am I. I am bringing a 9" 9wt. rod but I need advice on line, leader, tippet, and flys.

Thanks

[flydude]

Well, I've been a couple of times in the marshes. Did'nt do much good because of the cold weather both times.From the info I obtained a bass taper flyline is as good as any.With the Reds you are sight fishing so I would image you won't have to shoot a whole line. Especially since it's windy 8 out of 7 days a week down there.A leader that tapers to 0 or 1x should do.We'd make a leader using 25,15 and 10lb line. It seemed to turn over well. You might want to go to 30,20,15 since you are using a 9wt.If you are going for the fish with teeth, that's out of my league.Good Luck and God Bless!

[Gavin]

I do a bit of salwater ffishing down at my folks place in Tampa Bay. A 9' 9wt should be about perfect. bring some clouser minnows. Chart/White, Tan & White, and if you can find them some Dupree's Spoon Flies, and some pink & tan stuff that looks like a shrimp. For leader..It really doesnt matter much. I usually use a 60/20/20 formula. bout 4-5ft of 40lb, 2-3ft of 20lb, and some 20lb flourocarbon bite tippet. The hard part is reading tides and finding fish. If your doing it on your own, scout the flat at low tide so you can see the flat inlets and pot holes, then fish the outer edge till the tide comes in. When the tide rolls in, fish near the cuts and pockets. Cheers.

[snagged in outlet 3]

I have done a fair amount of redfishing and the info detailed above is right on. Both in Florida and New Orleans a gold spoon fly put them in the boat. Even used a spoonfly called the 9-11 fly. It was painted red, white and blue in honor of the victims of the 9-11 attacks. Those reds pounded that thing. I think if it wobbles they like it. Just buy a bonefish tapered leader around 9 feet long. Report your success when you get back.

Snagged.