Lessons from the Lowcountry: Mastering Fly Fishing in Charleston NC

with: mattfitts_

We caught up with Matt between tides in Charleston, where he spends his time chasing redfish and dialing in his fly fishing craft. From growing up fishing with his dad to figuring out the complexities of redfish behavior in every season, Matt has put in the time to master the Lowcountry waters. We sat down to hear his journey into fly fishing, his thoughts on Charleston’s unique fishery, and his top tips for anglers looking to land their first red on the fly.

Matt, how did you first get into fly fishing, and what was it about the sport that hooked you from the start?

I grew up fishing with my father at an early age of 3 years old. We had an old 20ft parker hull with a 2 stroke suzuki that was a brute of a boat. We loved being on the water together whether it was inshore fishing for redfish, trout, and flounder. Or running to the nearshore reef to target cobia, bull reds, bonnethead sharks, or anything that would eat and bend our rods.

I didn’t get introduced to fly fishing until later on when I was in highschool. I had a gheenoe at the time and was really dialing in redfish patterns, habits, and movements on a spinning rod. I had some friends that were putting down their spinning gear and catching reds on fly rods and I was very intrigued. I was a sophomore in highschool when I went to my local fly shop and purchased my first fly rod and reel. At the time that was “The Lowcountry Fly Shop” and one of my buddies worked there and helped me decide on the rod and reel. It took me months of trial and error in the backyard and on the boat to get my cast good enough to give me the confidence to target reds on the fly.

I hooked and landed my first redfish on the fly 6 months after purchasing my first rod and reel in a local flat that my father showed me when I was 5. He used to put me on a boogie board when I could barely swim and pull me around as he waded around the flat looking for tailing redfish. Catching my first red on fly on that flat will be a memory I’ll have forever and the fish that I’ll remember as the one that started my fly fishing obsession.

Over the years, you've gained a lot of experience in the sport. How has your approach to fly fishing evolved since you first started?

Having been Fly Fishing now for over 10 years in Charleston every month and year I have grown and learned from the fish, the environment, the seasons, the tides and everything in between. When I first started out I thought I could only target redfish on fly during the summer and fall months on a high tide when they are tailing in the flats. While that is my favorite way to catch them they are still there and eating flies in the other two seasons as well. Over the years I have learned to catch these fish on fly from January to December Low to high tide. Watching and learning their tendencies in different seasons and different tides. In the winter and spring the redfish are schooled up and lethargic. The water is crystal clear and finding fish at low tide in shallow creeks or poling a bank off the main water way for miles is exhilarating and frustrating.

The fish are plentiful in numbers but lazy and stubborn. It takes persistence, knowledge, and experience to get these winter fish to eat. And sometimes just dumb luck. Once you find the fly, strip technique, and speed to get an eat out of those fish its game on and a damn good time. By putting in the time and being willing to listen and ask questions I figured out how to catch these fish year round no matter the tide cycle and swing.

Your Instagram is full of amazing redfish catches. What do you think makes Charleston, SC, such a special place for targeting reds?

Unlike many places on the east coast that have a healthy fishery for redfish, the lowcountry has a unique spin on how to target them. We have on average two 6ft tide swings in a 24 hour period. That means that on any given day we will have two low tides and two high tides within a 6ft height distance of each other. In the morning you might be fishing belly crawlers in a tight and shallow creek with a 5ft wall of pluff mud on either side of you. And 6 hours later you could be on top of that bank 6ft up fishing tailing reds in a grass flat. In the late summer and fall we get what we call “Flood Tides” or “King Tides”. During these cycles the tide can get as high as 7 and 8 feet on a high tide. This presents great opportunities to target tailing reds in flats that normally never see water. The tide cycle in the lowcountry in regards to targeting redfish is unlike anywhere else in the world and is an experience that you should be adding to your bucket list.

Matt, for new anglers looking to target redfish in Charleston, what are your five top tips they should keep in mind?

For anglers that are looking to target redfish on the fly in Charleston I have five top tips that I would recommend you keep in mind whether you're visiting or live here and are looking to get into the sport. First a good pair of polarized glasses could make or break your trip. Being able to sight fish below the water line is an edge that should not be overlooked. I recommend the “Lowlander” in a glass lens from Cordina Eyewear. Secondly, study and remember the habits of redfish in different seasons. Winter/spring fish act and are in different places then summer/fall fish. Don’t think you're gonna come to Charleston and catch a tailing red walking a flat in February.

Do your research and make your trip/plan accordingly. Thirdly, visit the local fly shop. This applies to everywhere. I've found that most fly shops have knowledgeable people that are happy to share wisdom and insight to people that are willing to listen and learn. That does not mean to ask the guys where to fish, don’t do that, you're doing yourself more harm than good. Fourthly, take it slow.

Whether you're on foot or on a boat, going too fast looking to find fish will lose you more opportunities than it will give. Slow down and look, these fish can hide very well and can be very spooky. Fifthly, If you are inexperienced and looking to learn, don’t be afraid to hire a local guide. Their job is to teach you, find fish, and give you an enjoyable experience on the water. There are plenty of talented fly guides in Charleston that would be happy to have you on their boat. Catching your first red on fly with a guide is a great experience.

Looking ahead, where do you hope to take your fly fishing journey next, and what new challenges or goals are you most excited about?

I hope the future takes me to places I have never been chasing fish I have never caught with people I have never met. I wish for the future to be memorable, insightful, and challenging. I hope to never get to a point where I think I have it all figured out, as that would be ignorance. I plan to continually learn and experience new places, people, and fish. Lastly I can’t wait to watch my baby boy grow up and catch his first redfish on fly in Charleston, SC.