[Sleeves]

I'm headed to Tampa, FL in 3 weeks for big Reds and Speckled trout. Any recommendations on flies to take with me?

 

[dpost2]

Take a mix of weighted and unweighted flies that YOU like in the 1-4" range; the fish aren't that picky. Many local guices recommend small 4's and 6's, al la Banana Lagoon, but my average flies are about 3" long and I catch plenty of fish. I've probably caught as many fish down there on an all white #2 Clouser as anything else.
I'm headed down to Clearwater next Saturday and I'll post a report when I get back. In addition to specks and reds, I also plan to target some juvinile tarpon in the rivers.

 

[Bonefish79]

#2 brown over red clouser is my go to for reds down that way. Have fun!

 

[The Old Man]

I like browns/oranges/bronzes/coppers/tans/reds combinations for clouser colors down there, but also bendbakcs, rattle flies, deceivers. Also Electric Chicken.

Baby Tarpon like a Puglisi baitfish, smalllish.

 

[jnicklason]

Grass shrimp?

Grass shrimp dead drifted for the trout works down near Lynnhaven. Can't imagine that it wouldn't work there as well.

 

[Capt Frank]

The small Puglisi flies work good on reds in fall/winter. The best book around down here on flies is Aaron Adams "Saltwater Prey" Aaron is from Md. and works for Mote Marine in SW Fl, as a fisheries biologist, and has researched heavily on snook. The book looks at the bait in the area and matches the flies that will work. BTW the shrimp fly discussed is one of my favorites on snook.

Capt Frank

Southwest Florida Salt Water Fly Fishing Guide

 

[Sleeves]

Thanks guys, I'll let you kow how I make out. With the snow coming down today, I'm ready to go now. The only thing I'm concerned about is that it's a little difficult to practice throwing my fly line around when it's been so cold outside. I'm hoping to get the chance to sneek into a local indoor gym this weekend.