Advanced Inshore Fishing: Success Is In These 3 Details

You can be fishing the RIGHT spot, throwing the RIGHT lure, at the RIGHT time…

And STILL struggle to catch fish!

That’s because once you get past the basics of inshore fishing, it’s often the smallest details that separate a frustrating trip from an incredible day on the water.

In the video below, I’m breaking down three important details that can make a HUGE difference in your fishing success.

And I’ve got some nice redfish and snook catches to prove it!

Featured Gear:

• Rod: Slot Machine Medium
• Reel: Otis 2500
• Lure : The Mulligan 5″ Bomber
• Hook: Hoss Helix Hook 4/0 1/8oz
• Mainline: Diawa J-Braid 10lb
• Leader: Ande 15lb Mono Leader w/ 30lb Tippet

1. Find the BEST Spot Within a Good Fishing Spot

Just because you’ve found a productive shoreline doesn’t mean fish are feeding along the entire stretch.

You need to find the 90/10 zone WITHIN the 90/10 zone!

When I’m working a shoreline, I’m looking for anything that stands out:

• Small islands, cuts, or points
• Isolated trees or submerged structure
• Culvert pipes with moving water
• Areas where baitfish might concentrate

During this trip, I caught redfish near unique shoreline features and a nice snook near a culvert pipe with flowing water.

The lesson? Don’t just find a good fishing spot. Find the BEST areas within that spot!

2. Pay Attention to Boat Positioning and Casting Angles

You can have the perfect lure tied on and still get ignored if you’re approaching fish incorrectly.

First, give yourself enough distance from the fish to avoid spooking them.

During this trip, I stayed roughly 20 to 25 yards away from the structure I was targeting.

Next, pay attention to the current.

Ideally, you want to cast into the current and retrieve your lure naturally with the flow of the water.

If the wind isn’t cooperating, try casting across the current instead.

Avoid retrieving directly against strong current when it’s pulling your lure out of the strike zone.

Small adjustments to your casting angle can help keep your lure in front of feeding fish longer.

3. Make SMALL Presentation Adjustments Before Switching Lures

When fish aren’t biting, it’s tempting to start changing lures.

But sometimes you already have the right lure tied on!

Before switching, try adjusting:

• Retrieve speed: Slow down or speed up depending on how fish are responding.
• Pauses: Give fish an opportunity to strike during your retrieve.
• Rod tip position: Keep it lower to help your lure stay deeper in the water column.
• Lure action: Experiment with subtle movements instead of constantly working your lure aggressively.

During this trip, I was using a larger 5-inch Mulligan Bomber paddletail.

With bigger lures, sometimes less action is MORE effective!

The key is figuring out what the fish want before completely changing your approach.

Final Thoughts

Catching more inshore fish isn’t always about finding a secret spot or buying another lure.

Sometimes it’s about paying attention to the little details.

The next time you’re fishing a promising area without getting bites, take a closer look at your positioning, casting angles, and lure presentation before moving on.

And if you want help putting together a better fishing game plan, check out the Salt Strong Insider Club.

What’s one SMALL adjustment that’s made a BIG difference in your fishing?

Let me know in the comments!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why am I not catching fish in good inshore fishing spots?

Fish often concentrate around specific features rather than spreading evenly throughout an area. Look for unique structure, moving water, and places where baitfish gather.

Should you cast with or against the current when fishing artificial lures?

Casting into the current and retrieving with the flow often creates a more natural presentation. Casting across the current can also help keep your lure in the strike zone.

Should I change lures when fish aren’t biting?

Not always! Before switching lures, experiment with your retrieve speed, rod tip position, casting angle, and lure action. Small adjustments can sometimes make a BIG difference.