Actual length of fly patterns

Flashback Max

I've been looking at a lot of patterns for redfish, snook,etc. However it's hard to really tell the actual length of the patterns. So when tying for say redfish, how long should the fly be? I realize it depends on the pattern itself. But just in general what's and average length/size? For snook?

sunflower

Those are both biggish predators, and in general I would say flies in the 2 - 4 inch range are what you are thinking of. A lot is determined by hook size. There are an infinite number of videos posted on YouTube showing how to tie flies by name, species, material, etc. They will tell and demonstrate every detail to you, and are a great resource. The Puglisi site has a great video you can watch for free of him tying his peanut butter design. It is great just for his discussion of materials, and how to handle and tie them.

Flashback Max

I guess really when I think about it, I was wondering about the size of the forage. Big question I know. Totally location dependant I'm sure. We're headed down to North Port in the spring and I can't wait to wet a line. However, having only fished the salt a couple times in my life, and never in FL; Guess I need to buckle down and study this stuff up. Thanks for the response.

lemaymiami

If you're going to be booking a guide down here in paradise, ask him/her to send you a sample of whatever you'll be using when you come down. As a guide that's also a commercial tyer.... I do my best to get a sample of something new that I'm being asked to tie a dozen or 100 of.... That whole business of proportion and size can be tough to figure out just looking at photos.