The Art of Stealth: 5 Tips for Catching Redfish on a Paddleboard

with Jordan Blinn

Jordan Blinn talks with us today about how to catch redfish from a stand-up paddleboard. In this interview, he shares five essential tips, from moving slowly on the water to using subtle techniques like pushing off the bottom instead of paddling. His advice is perfect for any anglers looking to up their game on the flats.

Jordan, what are your top 5 tips for catching redfish from a stand-up paddleboard?

Tip #1: Go slow, the slower you go the better. Redfish really tune into fast movements and makes them very uncomfortable. (You will be able to spot them easier too)

#2: If It’s shallow enough, push off the bottom instead of padding. They really don’t like it when you paddle/ splash.

#3: Lead them a LOT, if the fly gets there without them knowing how it got there your chances of getting a bite increase drastically.

#4: Bait doesn’t attack back it always flees. Don’t strip you fly into or at the fish, they know something is wrong if the fly comes at them, always make sure it looks like it’s trying to get away from the fish. 

#5: Focus on structure that’s a little out of place, a dead tree out in the middle of the flat, a deep hole, a point in the mangroves, are all things that they like. Also differences in weather like rain or temperature, a drastic change in rainfall or warmth could change there attitude drastically. 

About: Jordan

Jordan, how did you first get into fly fishing, and what inspired your passion for the sport?

I first started fly fishing when I was about 10. Always was drawn to fly fishing in particular. started off on trout streams in New Mexico, Colorado and Wyoming.

What was your journey like as you transitioned from traditional fishing methods to fly fishing, and what challenges did you face along the way?

I switched from conventional to Fly fishing as soon as I saw someone cast a fly rod from a very young age, and have fly fished for the majority of my fishing. Biggest struggle was just learning all the techniques at a young age because not really any of my close family fly fished so I had to teach myself.

What do you enjoy most about targeting redfish from a stand-up paddleboard, and how does it compare to other fishing experiences you’ve had?

Probably my favorite thing about fishing for redfish is the hunting aspect and when you are able to visually see the moment the fish decides to eat your fly. Redfish really enjoy getting shallow to find there food and the paddle board really allows for you to get shallower than any boat could. Shallower water also gives redfish a sense of safety because they can feel a larger predator through the movement in the water, and the paddle board does not push enough of a draft through the water to alarm them.

How did you develop this approach to moving slowly on the water, and have there been any specific experiences or moments that taught you the importance of stealth when targeting redfish?

Biggest tip I could give is to go slow! The slower the better, redfish really tune into the feeling of the water through there lateral line. If you are splashing and paddling fast down a flat, that tells them immediately to be aware and careful. The more you can sneak up on a redfish without him knowing you are there your chance of getting a bite goes up dramatically, and that goes for all species you target.