By Captain Billy Norris:
Time and time again I get asked the same question; “what kind of artificials should I use?” Personally, I will take live bait over artificial every time. However, I do use some and depending on what your fishing for, certain ones can be very effective. Fishing for snook, reds, and trout with soft plastics seems to be where I have the best luck. To start, I use a 1/4-ounce chartreuse jig head. There are many different companies who make them but don’t cheap out. The cheaper ones can be straightened by big enough fish. As far as the plastic itself I like either Gulp! shrimp, or DOA CALs. Color choices will vary depending upon the water you’re fishing, but white or root beer are my two go-to’s. Without using a jig head I have found nothing that works quite as effectively as the DOA night Glo shrimp. It doesn’t sink as fast and is deadly over the grass flats. You can use any of these artificials free-lined or under a popping cork. Summer is here so get out there and catch em up!
Captain Billy Norris owns Pale Horse Fishing Charters, he can be contacted at 239-285-7710, by email at palehorsefishingcharters@gmail.com, or his website at www.palehorsefishingcharters.com.