By Capt. Russ Walker
If a fish can see the bait, they’ll hit it much faster than if they must search through grass or mud. That’s why I rig to suspend the bait, keeping it above the bottom where fish can easily spot it. Grass flats are incredibly productive fishing grounds, and targeting the edges where the flat drops off into deeper water is the key to catching bigger fish.
In around five to six feet of water, grass growth stops, forming a natural erosional edge where fish like trout, cobia, tarpon, and mackerel hunt. These edges act like a “superhighway” for predatory fish. While smaller fish are found on the flat, the big ones hang near the edge, diving into the deeper channel when necessary.
The best tool for this fishing method is a flat-topped popping cork. The cork keeps the bait suspended at the desired depth and makes a popping sound when tugged, drawing fish to the noise. This is especially useful for beginners, as it’s an easy technique that produces great results. With just a few pops, the live shrimp below the cork will jump into plain sight, attracting the fish.
As a charter captain, I’ve found this method effective for anglers of all experience levels. It’s not uncommon to catch 80 to 100 fish during a four-hour trip using this rig. It works equally well offshore near wrecks, suspending bait for species like permit.
I make my own 200 lb. rated, flat-topped popping bobbers, stronger and shorter than store-bought versions. They’re perfect for fishing everything from trout to tarpon, with only the hook size and leader changing. The leader length is always four and one half feet, and the magic depth on the grass-flat edge is five feet.
Typically, I use a 3/0 Mustad Wide Gap Hook with a 1/4 oz. egg sinker and a 30 lb. fluorocarbon leader. This rig works wonders for trout, pompano, mackerel, snook, redfish, and ladyfish.
So, give it a try! Pop the cork a few times, remove the slack, and hang on. When the bobber disappears, just “yank it and crank it.” You’ll see your catch increase by at least 40 percent. Fish On!
Capt. Russ Walker is a USCG Masters licensed fishing guide and owner of Tide Walker Charters out of Cape Coral, FL. www.tidewalkercharters.com.