One of my most successful techniques to utilize during the heat of summer is “skippin’ mangroves” with artificials or cut bait (mullet or ladyfish). Ever wonder where all those redfish go when the tide gets super high in the middle of the day? If you guessed tucked up under the mangroves… you’re on the right track. Skipping the “bushes” is what the locals call it and it’s a deadly technique on snook and redfish on higher water because there’s zero angling pressure on these fish. Every summer I take my Flats Class clients out to teach them this skipping technique and they’re stunned to learn about this unknown fishery that’s available to them.
Mangrove shorelines that consistently produce decent fish will probably have the following components… deeper water, scattered oyster bars, hidden drains, and big mullet milling in & out of the shade line. I like to use my Minn-Kota trolling motor for covering these mangrove shoreline zones and maximize my search efforts instead of push poling. The trolling motor not only let’s me cover more shoreline but gives me added power to pull big fish out from under the mangrove roots and limbs once I’m hooked up. Try to keep a manageable distance (30 feet) off the shoreline so you won’t spook the fish you’re targeting… but even when you do blow fish out they often return 20 minutes later to the same location.
The key to skipping soft plastics under the mangroves is a sharp low-trajectory cast that skips the lure several feet back under the mangrove limbs. It takes a little practice to become proficient at this cast but once mastered… a skilled angler will be able to catch fish when no one else has a chance. I start my cast with the rod tip at a low angle and try to keep it parallel to the surface throughout the cast until the very end of the casting motion where I gently lift the rod tip up. And yes, you will get hung up a great deal and if you’re not hanging up from time to time… well then you’re not probably getting the lure back in there where the snook & reds are foraging for food.
Tackle I recommend for “skippin’ mangroves” in general would be a 6’8” to 7’0 medium heavy action spinning rod with an extra fast tip… you’ll need a rod that can skip a Texas-rigged soft plastic but with enough back bone to pull fish out of the cover without giving up line . I like a 4000 size (TDA Advantage) spinning reel because it has a bigger spool that picks up more line per handle turn… very important when you can’t give up any line in this “locked down drag” scenario! I like to spool up my Daiwa Advantage 4000 with a minimum of 40lb. braid and at least a 50lb. fluorocarbon leader. This brutish mode of fishing is no place for standard flats fishing equipment unless you like the sound of “zing pow” after each hook up!
My favorite lure for skipping is the Strike King “Z-Too” series rigged Texas style on a 5/0 heavy wire rigging hook… a heavy strong hook is a must in these “can give an inch” zones! The buoyancy of the Elazatec material of the Strike King Z-Too matched with the 5/0 hook is perfect for a nice natural slow fall that drives fish crazy. Colors that get results for me are pearl and watermelon red flake… some days the fish want lighter colored baits and other days they prefer darker colors. Once my Z-Too is skipped into the zone… I like to let it gently glide down into and around the mangrove roots and slowly retrieve it with a slight lift and fall action. Of course, lures coated with Pro-Cure gel scent will get gobbled up even faster… mullet or menhaden scents are better for summer-time fishing in my opinion.
Most importantly once your bait gets hammered under the bushes, a fire drill will ensue… keep your rod tip low, reel like hell, and make sure your trolling motor is pulling the boat away from the mangrove shoreline! It’s definitely a heart pounding, adrenaline rush filled, combative brand of fishing that you’ll find to be very rewarding during the “dog days” of summer!
Keep’em Bent,
Capt. C.A. Richardson
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
This is one of my favorite techniques. But I enjoy doing it from my kayak. Big gear is necessary as I found out when I got hit by a big Goliath instead of a snook.
C A , love your show. One of the most informative out there. Skipping is my favorite way of fishing, nothing can compare to the heart stopping action. I also use this technique as part of my lure presentation when fishing the flats for tailing reds. I feel it represents a shrimp or baitfish being chased, and will trigger a reaction strike. I have seen reds turn and chase the bait as it skips by. Everyone needs to learn the technique.
Keep up the good work!