Lefty Ray's Saltwater Flats Flies

I prefer to throw topwater flies at redfish and speckled trout, hence the first flies that are listed all float on top. These are the flies in my fly box and are used on a daily basis.

"B & R Diver"
This the first fly I will tie on while fishing the flats. While some people think "B&R" stands for Brown & Root. It actual stands for Bill & Ray. I designed the color pattern many years ago after experimenting various combinations. Since I do not tie with spun deerhair very well, I enlisted Bill Slough also of San Antonio to do the handiwork. This fly is in Gregg Burlocher's book "Texas Saltwater Classics." Since it floats, use various speeds when retrieving. It will pop much like a popper, then dive due to the collar, and then rise back to the surface. This zig-zag motion drive reds crazy. Also do not forget to use some fly floatant to keep this fly floating up on top. Since this color combination is not available commercially we do sell these.

Cypert Foil Popper
A good fly for reds and specs. I prefer the gold color versus the silver. This is the second fly i will tie on. These are available in 3 sizes. Overall I use the middle size. The windier it gets the larger popper you have to use to overcome the wave frequency. A word of warning: Casting these into a school of reds will either create panic and spook the entire school or it will cause multiple strikes until a red gets a good grip on it. When a strike occurs do NOT raise the rod for a hookset. Just keep stripping the fly until adequate tension is achieved. I have had so many customers raise the rod and loose so many fish it is unbelievable. KEEP THE ROD LOW! This fly is available in most fly shops across Texas, but is becoming rare.

Texas Crease Fly

This surface popper pattern was originated by east coast fly fisher Joe Blados. His commercial version can be found in most fly shops across the state. My version has a bigger mouth opening enabling a bigger "pop" when stripped. This is a huge fly and can be difficult to hurl even with an 8 weight. If big specs are around or if you are in an area full of potholes this is THE fly I would throw. Reds will also hit this on occasion. So far the best red has been a 38 inch redfish in 2003. I make these in blue, black, green, and orange. Minimum order 6 flies. Email me for the fly pattern recipe, Texas Crease Fly.

Kwan Fly

This a recent addition to my fly box and it is gaining a god reputation for big reds. It looks like maybe a crab, but I think it looks like a baby stingray. Some variations are available from the mail order fly shops. I have not seen any in local fly bins. This one pictured has a weedguard tied to the hook, but the current ones I am tying have 2 pieces of stiff mono which form a "V" as a weedguard. Todd F. caught his 30 inch red on this fly. Other variations include a blue-ish one to imitate a blue crab (which are everywhere).

"RCA"
This is the secret fly everyone keeps asking about. It is a combination Seaducer/Bendback. The front hackle collar will push water while the bendback portion keeps it weedless. This fly is for the shallowest of water since its sink rate is not very fast. The black and chartreuse color combination gives it a good contrast under the water. This is a custom pattern and not available in fly shops. The largest fish caught to date with this fly is a 36 inch redfish. RCA stands for Redfish Catching Angle. Email me for the fly pattern recipe, RCA.

Dupre's Spoon
This is good for redfish. This fly will rotate much like a Johnson spoon on conventional gear. Due to the rotation I recommend a 8 inch bite tippet tied to a barrel swivel which is then tied to your leader. Due not use a snap swivel unless you want to lose your fish. I prefer the gold or copper colored ones. These are available at most fly shops. Another spoon you might come across is made by Capt Scott Graham. This spoon is now being made and distributed by East Cut Flies. The difference is that this fly works best by dropping it in front of a red and letting it wobble down to the bottom.

     This is the barrel swivel I use. It is available from Roy's Bait & Tackle in Corpus. It is very small and rated at 50lbs.

Seaducer
I use this fly in very shallow water. It sinks very very slow. Other good colors include brown, purple, and chartreuse. Good for redfish. These can be purchased at any fly shop.

Red/white Clouser
I use this fly primarily when working the drop-offs. The big eyes enable it to sink fast. I may count to 10 (one thousand, two thousand, etc . . )or 20 to let it get down. This is good for specs and flounder. This fly is found in most fly shops or is very easy to tie.

"La Buena"
In essence this is a black over white Clouser. When all else fails I will throw this at specs and reds. For some reason the huge jacks that are found at the jetties like this fly too. Overall it is a small fly (size 6 or 8) hook. (Also works well on bass and rainbow trout). Might be available at fly shops.  This fly was feature in Southwest Fly Fishing magazine.