As the temps drop and the air turns crisp, fall brings some of the best redfish action of the year to Tampa Bay. Cooler water means clearer flats, lower tides, and hungry fish sliding into skinny water looking for an easy meal. It’s the perfect season for fly fishing — and for having the right patterns in your box.
That’s where my Redfish Fly Assortment comes in. It’s a handpicked set of six premium, weed-guarded flies designed to handle every situation you’ll face this season — from tailing fish in ankle-deep grass to cruising reds along oyster bars. Each fly in this kit has earned its spot for one reason: it works when it counts.
Below are the six flies I always carry for fall redfish, and why each one shines when the water cools, clears, and the fish get picky.
1. Shrimp Pink Turbo Shrimp
When the water cools and clears up, shrimp become a key part of the redfish diet. The Shrimp Pink Turbo Shrimp imitates those natural movements perfectly — subtle, soft landings with just enough flash to get noticed. It’s ideal for calm mornings or sight-casting to tailers in clear shallows when a quiet presentation matters most.
Best for: clear water, spooky fish, and low-tide tailers on grass flats.
2. Low Tide Bruiser
As the name suggests, this fly earns its keep when the tides drop out and the fish are pushing into skinny water. The Low Tide Bruiser rides high and lands soft, making it great for shallow, calm conditions where you need stealth. Its profile mimics small baitfish and shrimp — perfect for cruising reds that are looking for a quick bite in skinny water.
Best for: ultra-shallow flats, clear sunny days, and pressured fish.
3. Redfish Marabou
Fall redfish can get moody, especially when fronts roll through and water temps dip. That’s when movement matters most — and the Redfish Marabou delivers. The natural motion of the marabou breathes life even when the fly is sitting still. It’s an awesome all-around pattern when fish are less aggressive or feeding deeper around structure.
Best for: cooler, slightly stained water and when fish want a slower presentation.
4. Camo Flexo Crab
When redfish start keying in on crustaceans around oyster bars and mangrove roots, the Camo Flexo Crab is my go-to. The mottled color blends beautifully with darker bottom and turtle grass, while the weed guard lets you throw it right where the fish are feeding without snagging.
Best for: oyster bars, muddy flats, and darker bottom where reds are rooting for crabs.
5. Olive Rust Dime Piece Crab
When the sun’s high and the water’s clear, subtlety wins. The Olive Rust Dime Piece Crab offers a natural, realistic look that blends perfectly with sandy or grassy bottoms. The neutral tones and compact profile make it a deadly choice for sight-fishing in clear conditions when reds are feeding slow and methodical.
Best for: clear mid-day flats, finicky reds, and calm weather.
6. Purple & Black Dime Piece Crab
As light fades or the water muddies up after a tide change, darker colors help your fly stand out. The Purple & Black Dime Piece Crab creates a strong silhouette that grabs attention in low-light or stained water, making it perfect for early mornings, late evenings, or overcast days.
Best for: stained water, low-light conditions, or post-front days with reduced visibility.
Why These Six Flies?
Fall fishing in Tampa Bay is all about adaptability. Water clarity can change by the hour, tides shift fast, and redfish move from deep edges to tailing on top in a single tide cycle. This assortment covers all of it — from clear shallow water to murky back bays.
Each fly is hand-tied with premium materials, equipped with weed guards for snag-free casts, and stored in a waterproof push-button fly box so you’re always ready to go. Whether you’re chasing singles in knee-deep grass or schools pushing across the sand, this kit gives you confidence that you’ve got the right pattern tied on.
Final Thoughts
When the fall bite heats up, I never hit the water without this Redfish Fly Assortment. These six flies have proven themselves time and time again across Tampa Bay — and no matter what the conditions throw at me, one of them always gets the eat.
Cooler air, clear water, and fired-up reds — fall is prime time. Pack smart, fish slow, and trust your box.
Because when you’re guided by tides, preparation is everything.
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