I just started on flats/sight fishing. Came up empty this weekend on them and had a few questions.
When is it best to get on your flat?
If a flat floods nicely at 5.0 and you get a 6.0, should you get there early when it is 5.0? ie: will it get too deep in a stronger flood tide?
Will fish go as far as they can?
If a flat floods beyond your reach, is it worth fishing there? Or should you look for one that floods but is constricted by shoreline?
Any basic things to look for when looking for potential flats?
I’ve been looking for open areas that will flood with fiddlers running around.
Funny, now that I’m into it I see flats EVERYWHERE! Its like I am constantly craning my head and looking for access!
Thanks. I know that’s quite a few questions but any help would be appreciated.
LOL! I feared the “depends” answer!
Vinman
“Every saint has a past, every sinner a future”
www.summervillesaltwateranglers.com
2011 Carolina Skiff 178DLV
90 HP Honda
Vinman, I’m fairly new to flats fishing myself. I’ve done alot of reading and research online and found out there is no “right” way to do it. Everyone has their own method developed around the basics. I just decided to try a little of everyones method and get out in the flats. Made some PVC push/anchor poles and got to it. Some days I do ok other days I strike out. I’m slowly starting to figure some things out. I think my next step is to spend a little and hit up one of our local inshore charter captains and go out for a day to get a better feel for it and learn a little more about choosing spots and the effect of the tide. Bottom line is I’m out on the water and having fun.
“Nanny Goat” 1980 Malibu 14’, 25 Merc
Looking for a 8-10’ Jon
Caught a lot of fish out of a 14 Malibu like yours! 
Small tiller boats are fun!
Hang in there and keep trying …
Thanks, Captain Ross
http://T-Topless.com folding, stainless steel T-Tops fit most center consoles
http://ShadowTop.com entry level T-Topless kit
http://Montauk-T-Topless.com for your Boston Whaler Montauk, Dauntless or Outrage
http://Flats-Top.com shade for Flats Boats</font id=“size1”>
Drop your top and go T-Topless! T-Topless@RNR-Marine.com
I have several flats that I have fished for years by my house. They dont recieve any pressure because they only get around 2hrs of water at flood tide and most boats including flats boats cant touch them. They all have the hard bottoms with the short grass. These shortgrass areas with a few bald mud bottom areas always have Reds on them at high tide and are great for wading. My little Jon Boat only draws about 3-4" (half a beer can) and I can pole all over them. I follow the tide on the flat so it’s shallow enough to see them crusing and tailing.
Will fish go as far as they can? No. I have been to the back end of many creeks that end in a large open flat with just enough water to pole through at dead high and found nothing… consistantly. I have found if water is stagnant with that scum film the odds are slim of finding anything. These are only high tide flats though. Mid and Low Tide mud flats are just as fun. It’s awesome to follow the tide on a mud flat and watch all the bait fish going crazy because the Reds are right behind them.
If you see them tailing today, chances are you will see them tailing there again tomorrow.
19’ Fiberskiff, 150 Bluewater Mercury. 14’ Gamefisher, 5hp Mercury.
Thanks for the responses. Good little nuggets to keep in mind. bmarvil I took your advice and found some good tips via internet and interesting Youtube videos.
A club friend advised fishing flats in areas where you’ve caught them off the flats, reds being homebodies and lazy creatures of habit. Good logic there, also.
I know learning will be fun!
Vinman
“Every saint has a past, every sinner a future”
www.summervillesaltwateranglers.com
2011 Carolina Skiff 178DLV
90 HP Honda
If you walk the flat, I have found out if you cast at the first fish, they will avoid that point if you catch him … just my $0.02
Bragging may not bring happiness,
but no man having caught a large fish,
goes home through the alley.
-Anonymous
quote:
Originally posted by LagerHead
I have several flats that I have fished for years by my house. They dont recieve any pressure because they only get around 2hrs of water at flood tide and most boats including flats boats cant touch them. They all have the hard bottoms with the short grass. These shortgrass areas with a few bald mud bottom areas always have Reds on them at high tide and are great for wading. My little Jon Boat only draws about 3-4" (half a beer can) and I can pole all over them. I follow the tide on the flat so it’s shallow enough to see them crusing and tailing.
Will fish go as far as they can? No. I have been to the back end of many creeks that end in a large open flat with just enough water to pole through at dead high and found nothing… consistantly. I have found if water is stagnant with that scum film the odds are slim of finding anything. These are only high tide flats though. Mid and Low Tide mud flats are just as fun. It’s awesome to follow the tide on a mud flat and watch all the bait fish going crazy because the Reds are right behind them.
If you see them tailing today, chances are you will see them tailing there again tomorrow.
19’ Fiberskiff, 150 Bluewater Mercury. 14’ Gamefisher, 5hp Mercury.
Lagerhead - some good tips there!
Thanks, Captain Ross
http://T-Topless.com folding, stainless steel T-Top fits most center console boats
http://ShadowTop.com entry level (Do-It-Yourself) T-Topless kit
http://Montauk-T-Topless.com for Boston Whaler Montauk, Dauntless or Outrage
http://Flats-Top.com Shade for Flats Boats</font id=“size1”>
Drop your top and go T-Topless! T-Topless@RNR-Marine.com
