How To Catch Spooky Fish (Even After You’ve Scared Them Off)

Picture this:

You’re slowly creeping along the flats, looking for any sign of redfish…

Then all of a sudden, you see a wake take off away from your boat.

A fish was right next to you and you spooked them off before you could cast to them!

Has that ever happened to you?

It’s so frustrating!

But here’s the good news: even if you spook off fish, you can still catch them.

In the video below, you’ll see exactly how to do that.

Let’s dive in!

How To Catch Spooky Fish [VIDEO]

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When it comes to fish behavior, there are generally two types of fish:

Fish that are holding in an area and fish that are just passing through.

Here’s why this is important:

If you spook fish that are holding in an area because there’s food around or the temperature is comfortable, then you’re in luck.

They’ll probably settle down not too far away and you can still catch them.

But if fish are just passing through and you spook them, then you probably won’t catch them.

This is because they’ll keep on traveling and if they sense you following them, they’ll know something is wrong and won’t eat.

How Long To Wait For Fish To Settle Down

A common question is, “How long do I have to wait for fish to settle down after I’ve spooked them?”

This is a tough question and there’s no definitive answer.

I’ve had fish basically run into my kayak and spook off, but then as soon as they slowed down I pitched my lure to them and caught them.

On the other hand, I’ve had to come back an hour later once they’ve settled down to catch them.

Here’s a good rule of thumb I like to use:

If you spook a fish and you see them take off, but then slow down and turn rather quickly, then you have a shot at catching them.

But if you have to chase them down, you probably won’t catch them

Best Lure To Catch Spooky Fish

Once fish have been spooked, they’ll be on high alert, so you don’t want to throw a big, loud lure.

I like to keep things light and simple.

A jerk shad, small paddletail, or shrimp lure are great for these types of situations.

And when you rig them, you don’t want a loud, heavy jig head.

I like to use a 1/8 or 1/16 oz. jig head or weighted hook.

Below are the lures and hooks I like to use.

Lures:

• Alabama Leprechaun (jerk shad)
• Slam Shady (paddletail)
• Power Prawn Jr. (shrimp lure)

Hooks:

• Owner TwistLock Hook
• Saltwater Assassin Pro Elite Jig Head

Conclusion

If you accidentally spook fish off, no worries — you still have a shot at catching them.

If they quickly settle down, then pitch your lure to them.

But if they shoot off and you can’t see them anymore, then don’t try to chase them down because that’ll probably spook them even more and they won’t eat.

Have any questions about catching spooky fish?

Let me know down in the comments.

And if you know someone who wants to catch more shallow-water redfish, trout, or snook, please TAG or SHARE this with them!

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• HOW TO SEE (AND CATCH!) MORE FISH WHEN SIGHT FISHING