#1 Most Underrated Inshore Fishing Technique (And How To Set It Up)
- By: Matthew Lanier
- on
What’s the most UNDERRATED inshore fishing technique and why?
It probably isn’t what you’re thinking.
Learn all about it and how to set up this rig below!!
Most Underrated Inshore Fishing Technique [VIDEO]
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Featured Equipment:
- Four Horsemen Popping Corks
- Power Prawn USA Natural
- Power Prawn USA Natural Junior
- Slam Shady BOMBER
- F.R.E.D. 2.0 Paddletail
- F.R.E.D. the Jerk
- Gold Digger Mulligan
- 4/0 Hoss Football Jigheads
- 2/0 Hoss Football Jigheads
Call it what you want – popping corks are extremely effective when fishing inshore!
It has proven to catch fish time and again no matter where you are.
Popping Cork Rig Top To Bottom
Starting at the top of the rig, I have my braid connected to a short piece of monofilament leader above the cork.
That piece of monofilament above the cork prevents the braid from twisting around the metal and cork itself.
If you tie the braid directly to the cork, it will just cause headaches down the road.
You can use 20lb monofilament for this section, but 30lb will keep that line streamlined even more.
For connecting the leader to the cork, I make use of a cinch knot to keep it nice and snug to the cork.
Some popping corks have a swivel at the bottom.
Regardless, you want to make use of the cinch knot here as well to establish a secure connection.
When it comes to leader length, this depends on the depth you plan on fishing.
For example, let’s say I’m fishing a grass flat that is two feet deep with grass growing up to 1 foot.
I’ll tie about a 14-inch leader so with each pop the lure jumps right out from the grass and swims above the grass.
I recommend 20-30lb leader unless you’re going after something bigger.
Then, use a snug knot to secure the leader to your hook with either live bait or artificial lures.
Lure Choice
One of my all-time favorites and a classic go-to for popping cork rigs is a shrimp lure.
Live shrimp is an excellent choice but shrimp lures are just as effective.
The Power Prawn USA Junior on a Hoss Football Jighead is a fantastic choice.
While shrimp lures are a classic choice for popping corks, you can use just about anything you’d prefer.
From paddletails to jerk baits and more, these lures will be effective beneath a cork.
The choice comes down to the time of year and what bait is most prevalent in the water.
Furthermore, the current will dictate what weight you should fish with.
If there is a sweeping current in your area, go with a heavier weight.
FINDING THE FISH HELP
In order to help make sure that you are targeting the right areas based on the latest feeding trends and upcoming weather forecasts, make sure to use the following 3 resources because they will save you a ton of time.
1. WEEKEND GAME PLANS (UPDATED WEEKLY)
These regional game plans will show you exactly what types of spots to target in under 10 minutes… just click the video to start, and you’ll be informed on what to do on your next trip.
Weekend Game Plan Lessons2. SMART FISHING SPOTS PLATFORM (UPDATED EVERY 15 MINUTES)
This exclusive software literally shows you where the most fish are likely to be feeding based on exactly when you’ll be fishing. It factors in the tides, wind, and weather to help you quickly see which areas to target throughout the day.
3. COMMUNITY REPORTS (LIVE FEED)
The Insider Community platform is what you can use to see what is biting near you, and you can get to know other members who fish in your area. Plus, you can use it to keep a log of your catches so you can use past trips to help predict future catches.
Related categories:
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Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish ever trip
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- Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else
- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).
STOP WASTING TIME ON THE WATER!
Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club.
Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish every trip
- Weekly “spot dissection” videos that walk you through all the best spots in your area
- Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else
- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).
Great video, it’s so true how the corks are overlooked. I have only used the corks in the current to get into strike zones under docks. I am going to try them on the flats.
Looking forward to trying a popping cork set up. Great video with surprise tarpon!
I catch fish often with popping corks. Making different leader lengths prior to going out is a good pro tip.
I like
💪💪💪
I take it you mean the bottom line, not the leader. In this ENC heat I haven’t thrown a lure in about a month. Pencil popper (4 horseman) with mud minnows or fresh cut manhadan or mullet always gets bigger, and more reds, trout and flounder. Thanks Ron
You mentioned that there would be links down below but I’m not seeing them. Thanks!
https://saltstrong.com/insiders/does-popping-cork-type-matter-insider-report/
https://saltstrong.com/insiders/how-to-easily-catch-fish-with-a-popping-cork-insider-report/
https://saltstrong.com/articles/ultimate-popping-cork-setup/
Sorry about that Brian! Here are a few links to those topics. You can always find information buy searching in the search bar at the top for relevant material as well. Thanks for the question!
Hi Mattew, Can I bug you to update the above links – they all point to a site that I can’t access, even though I’m signed in.
Thanks!
Hopefully that helps buddy! Let me know! 💪
Great and enthusiastic instructor. On dog day August hot, slow/no bite days in ENC, pencil popping corks with even frozen finger Mullet have saved the morning- nice slot red Drum.
Awesome to hear you are having solid success as well! Thanks for the nice comment, David!
Really enjoyed the video! Thanks for great information. My question is why tie braid to mono leader rather than using a snap swivel and barrel swivel? I’m thinking of having to change things out in a hurry. Thanks again.
Hey David, the knots are less likely to fail (When tied properly) than a snap swivel. However, it can be done for convenience. Good question!
Thanks Matt Very helpful
Glad it helps Larry! Thanks for the nice comment!
Great Popping cork tips Matt! Thanks!
Thanks Amos! Glad to help!
I like using the sliding/adjustable corks.
Those are great as well for areas that are deeper! Great point, Jayme! Thanks for the comment!