It is that time of year again, and have employed this tactic and it works well with a light jig head, so water entry is soft, combined with a super quiet approach...
One tweak you may want to also try is the use of a weedless jig head which will reposition the placement of the weight and how it falls in the water. Though can be hard to find at times, we are big fans of these jig heads from Slayer Lure Company
Which utilizes a quality sharp hook, and the only change I make (like with all my hooks regardless of type) is to press the barbs down. This configuration allows for several advantages...
Faster hook penetration/sets in fish like Tarpon with a mouth like a cinder block!
Also, having the barb flush will make it much easier to dig it back out of you (I hate when that happens) or your fishing partner's ear from a rouge cast.
This profile is a tad more aerodynamic and hydrodynamic, thus cheating the wind slightly better for distance casting while sliding through the grass better. The 1/8 oz size is great for an even slower drop rate (stays in the strike zone longer), which is useful in cooler waters when the fish have a slower metabolism.
Slayer also makes some nice jig bodies with a steeper attack angle on the paddle tail than many, thus creating more vibration for the same (or slower) retrieval speed as others.
Also, it is hard to beat natural-looking color profiles when fishing in places like Tampa Bay or any pressured ecosystem.
Now, if you want to learn more tips and tactics like this or for use year-round. Podcast Episode #11, found by clicking Here, was just an excellent and very educational show with Tommy!
Or it can be found on our Flats Nation YouTube Channel!
If you would like to learn this system and the approach in person from Captain Tommy, he is located in the NE Florida / St. Augustine area and you can find out more about him and how to reach him for a personalized and educational trip by clicking Here
In the meantime,
We invite you to take in a few Flats Nation Podcast Episodes to help "Scratch that Fishing Itch" when working or traveling and you cannot hitch up the Skiff and go, on these links:
Our main podcast page works well for your mobile devices since it will stream (or download) right on your phone/tablet. It can be found by clicking Here.
Our newer Flats Nation YouTube Channel can be found by clicking Here and sharing them with family and friends if you find them Entertaining and Educational! We have some great guests in the works and planning stages on a wide range of topics and product coverage soon.
Tight Lines, and God Bless!
Dave and the Team
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