What We’ve Been Seeing on the Water

June has delivered everything we love about summer fly fishing in the Beaufort area. Water temperatures have settled into the high 80s, bait is everywhere, and the marsh is full of life. Finger mullet, menhaden, shrimp, and juvenile crabs are all active, creating plenty of feeding opportunities throughout the tides.

Most Active Species

Redfish

Redfish continue to provide consistent action throughout the month. Early and late flood tides have produced excellent opportunities for tailing fish in the short spartina, while lower water has fish cruising oyster edges, creek mouths, and shallow mud flats looking for shrimp and small crabs.

The warmer water has made fish noticeably more aggressive, and we’ve seen plenty of eats from fish willing to move several feet to intercept a well-presented fly.

Tarpon

Tarpon have officially arrived in good numbers throughout the Beaufort area. While opportunities often require patience and a sharp eye, rolling fish are becoming increasingly common.

Whether you’re targeting laid-up fish or intercepting rolling pods, every shot counts. These fish demand accurate presentations, quick reactions, and a willingness to stay ready throughout the day.

Cobia

Cobia remained a major player through June. Fish continue to move throughout the rivers, sounds, and nearshore structure. Keeping a heavier rod rigged has paid off more than once this month. The anglers who stay alert while moving between redfish spots have often been rewarded with unexpected shots at quality fish.

Jack Crevalle

Jack activity has continued to increase as water temperatures climb. Schools have become more consistent, and when they show up, the action is fast and chaotic. Watch for birds, nervous bait, and explosive surface feeds. These fish are built for speed and power, making them one of the most exciting targets on a fly rod all summer.

Shop Tips – What’s Working

Flies

Redfish

  • Fuzzle Shrimp continues to shine on flood tides and a fresh shipment just hit the fly bins last week.
  • Po Boy and Dirty Bird Crab remain excellent choices around oyster bars and lower-water presentations.
  • Small baitfish patterns have also produced when finger mullet are abundant.

Tarpon

  • Black and purple or white.
  • Tarpon Toads and large EP baitfish patterns.
  • Keep hooks razor sharp and don’t be afraid to make multiple presentations.

Cobia

  • Large Flashtail Whistlers are still the ticket.
  • White, chartreuse, orange, and red continue to produce.
  • Steady, fast strips remain effective.

Jack Crevalle

  • Large white/chartreuse baitfish flies.
  • Poppers and foam-headed patterns when fish are feeding on top.
  • Durable flies capable of handling multiple aggressive fish.

Gear

Rods: An 8 wt remains the go-to setup for redfish. Have an 11 or 12 wt rigged for tarpon, with a 10 or 11 wt ready for cobia and jacks.

Lines: Floating lines continue to cover most of our sight-fishing situations. An intermediate tip line can be useful when targeting tarpon in deeper water.

Leaders: 9 ft leaders tapering to 16–20 lb fluorocarbon for redfish. Step up to 20-30 lb class tippet with 60–80 lb shock tippet for tarpon, and 20 lb with 40 lb shock tippet for cobia.

Pro Tip

July is shaping up to be a “hot one”, so planning for the heat is just as important as planning your fly selection. Stay hydrated throughout the day, wear lightweight sun-protective clothing, and don’t forget a quality sun mask, hat, and sunscreen. The best fishing often happens during the cooler morning hours, but if you’re on the water all day, taking care of yourself will help you stay sharp when the opportunity presents itself.