Also new to flats fishing

[Brown trout]

I'm somewhat new to saltwater fly fishing (first trip last summer) and am ready to get into it a bit more. I'll be concentrating on the areas surrounding Panama City, targeting mostly redfish. Ok, so I know what equipment to use, which flies to toss, but I'm still confused as to what to look for. I always hear "grass flats" but being mostly a northern river fisherman for my fly fishing life up to this point, I really don't know what a "grass flat" is. Any help? What am I looking for? No boat, but I do have a kayak from which to fish. Not interested in hiring a guide - as hard as it is to believe, I have other things to spend my money on!

I've had minimal success further west up the coast of FL, but only after someone drew me a map and told me where to go and when to go.

Thanks in advance!

[Seth]

Hello Brown Trout, I'm not sure why our "fly guys" have neglected this thread, but welcome and I will try and answer you question.
A grass flat(s) is a bed of sea grass. I sourced a few articles that may help in your panhandle endeavors. I hope this helps. Let me know if I may be of any assistance on the site. :gr_cheers:

http://ftp.ij.net/danscustomflys/TipsOnWadeFishing.htm
http://www.combat-fishing.com/flatslayout.html
http://www.floridasportfishing.com/magazine/march-april-2006/lush.html
http://www.floridasportfishing.com/magazine/fly-fishing-florida/redfish-on-fly-how-the-panhandle-s-best-beat-them-at-their-own-game.html

[Shadowcast]

I would stick to an 8 wt outfit with weight forward floating line (WFF). Your tippets should scale down to 12# with a 20# shock tippet. As far as flies go, Clousers, Spoon Flies, Poppers, Bendbacks, and EP Baitfish patterns are a good start. I don't kow if you have bought a rod yet, but GLoomis has a great, and affordable, new line of rods called Xperience. Check them out.