What We’ve Been Seeing on the Water

June has delivered exactly what we love about summer in the Lowcountry—hot days, warm water, and great action on the flats.

Tailing Reds, cruising Jacks, and sunning Cobia have made this month a joy for our fly and light tackler anglers.

Water temps climbed into the 90s in some places, and we saw clarity come and go in our inshore waters. Early mornings and post-thunderstorm (and sometimes even during) evenings have been prime time—classic summer patterns here in Beaufort.

Most Active Species:

  • Redfish have been tailing like clockwork on evening flood tides. Dark crab patterns have been the ticket on the flood. Sizing up your fly selection has proved useful on low and mid tide.
  • Cobia showed up in good numbers in early May. The difficulty as of late is trying to find the right conditions. If you had a 10–12 wt ready, good sun, and low wind,  you had a shot. We are consistently hearing that numbers of fish have been better than in most recent years.
  • Jacks and even a few tarpon have been moving through the sounds and rivers.

Shop Tips – What’s Working

Flies:

  • Redfish: Drum Beater (black/purple & olive/pink) for low water. Blind Faith (natural) and Kung Fu Crab (olive) have been the ticket for fishing the flood. If you’re looking for a single fly to do it all, it is hard to beat the Dirty Bird Crab fly.
  • Cobia: Jungle Junkie, Peacock Reducer, and FT Whistler are staples. The key is having all these in the box – if a Cobia sees but doesn’t eat your fly, it is time to change.
  • Jack: Top water Banger and Crease flies are a must.

Gear:

  • Redfish: 8-9 wt rods with floating lines and 20 lb leaders.
  • Cobia & Tarpon: 10–12 wt. Even if you don’t think you’ll need them, bring them. (You’ll thank us one day)
  • Don’t forget the sun protection: Buffs, sun gloves, SPF hoodies—June sun is no joke.

Looking Ahead – July Fly Fishing Forecast

July will keep the heat turned up—both in the air and on the water. We expect water temps to reach mid 90s in the next couple of months making early morning and late evening sessions almost mandatory.

Tides will be key. Look for:

  • Redfish continuing strong—especially on evening flood tides in the second half of the month and morning low tide action at the beginning, middle, and end of July.
  • Tarpon sightings increasing through September.
  • Tripletail on floating structure (we’ve had success with small crab flies) especially during slack tide.

Fly Shop July Prep List:

  • Stock up on tippet (20lb) – as the water clarity changes, narrow diameter tippet is less of a concern.
  • Have a 10, 11, or 12 wt rigged for that shot at Tarpon or Cobia.
  • Don’t forget polarized glasses— early and late hours = low sun angles.

Final Word from the Shop

June reminded us why we love Beaufort. The flats are alive, the fish are hungry, and the fly opportunities are endless. July will challenge your timing and precision, but the rewards—big reds on tailing tides, explosive eats from ladyfish and jacks, maybe even a tarpon—are well worth the early alarms and late dinners.

Swing by the shop for up to date information, fly recommendations, or to share a story from the water. We’re here to help get you rigged, ready, and inspired.