#1 Most Underrated Inshore Fishing Technique (And How To Set It Up)
- By: Matt Lanier
- on September 6, 2023
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
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I catch fish often with popping corks. Making different leader lengths prior to going out is a good pro tip.
I like
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You mentioned that there would be links down below but I’m not seeing them. Thanks!
https://www.saltstrong.com/insiders/does-popping-cork-type-matter-insider-report/
https://www.saltstrong.com/insiders/how-to-easily-catch-fish-with-a-popping-cork-insider-report/
https://www.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!
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!
Great video Matt my question is Fishing the Chesapeake bay I’ve never seen any shrimp in the bay, but I hear everybody using shrimp elsewhere is that something you can use no matter where you are fishing.
As long as there are shrimp in the waters, The Power Prawn will work! I know many have used it to catch Largemouth Bass, so I imagine it would work just the same for striper!
What part of the bay are you? There has been talk about making commercial licenses available for shrimp trawls.
Great video Matt. You never mentioned what lure was at the end of your popping cork. Also fishing Murrells Inlet, SC I usually target flounder, have you had success catching flounder on a cork. Thanks for the great video, looking for the next video.
Hey Ed! I like to change up the lure underneath the cork often depending on the bait that is in the area. If I want a baitfish presentation, I will use a paddle tail. Good question!