Hello,

Since shallow water/flat fishing is newer here than ya'll have been doing it, I am looking for some advice. I have been lurking in the backwaters for reds and have been scaring them on my bait choice, seems like any bit of splash (from my lure) and I see them running off. How about some advice on techniques/bait choice to not send them running off. Thanks in advance for any advice.

Tails can be presented very subtely. I usually fish Norton Sand Eels or those made by Texas Tackle Factory. Stanley Wedgetails have also become a favorite. If you can't cast beyond the fish or school, try pitching. By pitching the bait, you can gently set it in the water, as opposed to a larger splash generally created by an over-hand cast.

If the fish are spooking easily, a clear Zara Spook can also create a subtle presentation.

Well, let me say this.....try starting with live shrimp. Use 10 pound braid main line and 20lb flourocarbon leader. NO WEIGHT.

Head hook shrimp

Cast from a low vantage point well beyond the fish, hopefully upcurrent or in front of them by 5 to 7 feet.

keeping your rod high so as not to "line" the fish (hit with your line) reel the shrimp slowly over in front of the fish. if they do not eat it immeadiately, give it a slow subtle twitch!

This may take 10 trys to work, but it will. Once you feel you perfect this method then we can talk artifical.

I am still trying to get bonefish to eat a jig or fly.....it happens once in a while but not often. Reds are obviously more attentive to eating artificials, but it takes practice.

You have another less "hunting" like alternative.

If you determine what tide stage fish are feeding in a certain location, you can arrive before they do and set up upcurrent from the feed location.

Stake out quietly and beging chumming with fresh shrimp and blue crabs. That will flow down current and bring the feeding fish to you. You can have small quater sized blue crads on 2/0 hooks laid out in their normal feeding location and wait.....or you can cast the shrimp slightly upcurrent ahead of the fish when you spot them.

If you leave shrimp out instead of blue crab you stand a very likely chance of catching "undesireable" fish and blowing your 1 shot at the reds......

I can always come to NC and show you....that's option 3!

email me with any more questions.....jesse@madsnookin.com

GOOD LUCK!

Capt. Jesse
www.madsnookin.com

Thanks for the advice, ready to hit the water and try!!
Comeon to NC, fishin is OK, but no mad snook lurking around.

Any shallow water fishing is great, after 19 years of Snookin' change is always good!

Do what I reccomended and let me know