Along the coast, you can find areas where freshwater and saltwater blend together to create a unique brackish water fishing environment. In brackish waters, you can often catch a wide variety of species that are usually found in either freshwater or saltwater areas. If you’re going fishing in brackish water, these tips will help you learn how to catch more fish.
Fish the Right Areas
Fishing brackish water is similar to any other kind of fishing. You need to fish the areas that have a high probability of holding the fish you are targeting. Often fish are drawn to structure because it helps them hide from predators and ambush other smaller fish. Fishing from bridges where fish may gather together. Other likely areas include near fallen trees and stumps along the banks.
Another thing that will help you find the fish is the presence of shrimp or baitfish. In any kind of fishing, if you find the food, the fish that hunt the food won’t be far behind.
Fish The Tides
Just like when fishing the ocean, you also have to pay attention to the tides when fishing brackish water. Often the fish activity will be highest as the tide is coming in or receding. This is the prime opportunity to catch fish.
Use The Right Gear
There is a wide variety of fish that can comfortably live in brackish water. So you need to make sure you have the right gear for the fish you are targeting. Some popular species are known to hard fighting fish, such as snook and red drum. It’s always best to be prepared and make sure your rod, reel, and line can handle the fish that are biting.
Use Natural Baits
Match the hatch work is any kind of fishing, brackish waters included. Figure out what kind of baitfish or forage is commonly eaten by other fish in the waters you are fishing, and make sure to use that to increase your success rate. A good brackish water rig can work great when tied with natural bait. Oftentimes shrimp and finger mullet are common in brackish areas, though you can also use your favorite artificial lures with success depending on the species you are going after.
Experiment
Lastly, don’t be afraid to experiment. If you really want to be a successful angler, you have to experiment with new lures, new techniques, and new gear. Fishing is all about constant improvement and trying new things to see what works. Often times little tweaks in the way you work your lure or set your hook can mean the difference between catching a fish or having a weak fishing day. So don’t be afraid to mix things up.
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