The 3 Ways To Identify Target Zones In A Creek System
- By: Richard Thomas
- on
- Found In: Fishing Tips, Kayak Fishing, Weekly Newsletter: 8-15-21
It’s creek fishing time!
Being successful when you are fishing a creek system in a new area is pretty simple if you follow the 3-step recipe.
Timing.
Bait.
And target zones.
So in this new video, you’ll learn the best tides for creek systems, where you can find bait, and how to identify target zones.
Check it out!
How To Identify Target Zones In Creeks [VIDEO]
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Timing
What is the water level within the creek system at the times you are fishing?
This is important because it determines where the baitfish and predator fish are going to be stacked up at certain times of the tide cycle.
Finding Baitfish
Note the timing of when you find bait.
Baitfish are very consistent and they’ll typically come into the creek system at the same part of the tide cycle every day.
This is great intel if you want to come back the next day (or even the next week) and know where the bait will be!
Also, try to determine what type of bait you’re finding and that will help you match the hatch with your lure selection.
Target Zones
There are three key factors to determine target zones: structure, current, and an entrance/exit for baitfish.
An ideal spot to find feeding predator fish will have all three components!
Conclusion
Targeting creek systems can be incredibly productive to catch redfish, speckled trout, and flounder.
But you must know what areas to focus on, when to fish those spots, and how to identify your target zone!
Do you have any tips for fishing creek systems?
Have any questions about identifying target zones in these areas?
Let me know down in the comments.
And if you know someone who loves to fish creek systems but isn’t having much luck, please TAG or SHARE this with them!
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Nicely done video Richard. I like how you used/inserted graphics to identify specific points you mentioned. Very clear to understand.
Really enjoyed this video! This area looks like the creeks I’ve been paddling here in Charleston. It was nice seeing how you applied these concepts to a familiar setting to me. Unfortunately I haven’t been able to have a successful trip yet, but this video set a good example of things I need to focus on. Hopefully I’ll be able to post my first slam to the local community board before the summer’s over. Again, great video!
Thanks Steven! Can’t wait to see a Slam Report from you soon!
Thanks for the Info.
Anytime Jerry!
Thank you. I liked the way you explained how to fish the area.
No problem Jim! Glad you liked it!
Where did you get the rod holders you have on your wall? Great video. Very informative.
I don’t remember the brand name, but it was a wall mounted, 3 rod holder.
I live right next to the Tomoka Basin and Tomoka River. Unfortunately, there isn’t a huge amount of water coming in and out with the tides because of the distance to Ponce Inlet and Matanzas Pass, which are the two supplying ocean openings. Any specific tips for me?
The same principles will apply including the water level, but for areas with low current, the wind will will be the main factor for which direction the water will flow and how strong the current is. So take note of the wind direction and where the bait is being pushed. If the wind blows consistent over the course of a few days, the wind blown shorelines will have more water and likely have more bait as well.
That looks like my backyard. You close to Nocatee? Great info, BTW.
Thanks, and no I don’t live close, but I have taken a couple trips to fish around Palm Valley before.
I take it this holds to estuaries affective by tidal flows?
This video was specific to tidal flow areas, however other areas without tidal flow will often still have current due to wind. I’d use many of these same principles in those areas as well.
Excellent job Richard. Honestly one of the best depictions of tips for the type of fishing that I do the most that I’ve seen. Very, very helpful that you captured video of the bait moving into the creek. I think one of the things that is often missed on fishing videos (because I’m sure it’s tough to catch) is actually being able to see the bait movement that leads to determining a higher probability spot. Well done.
Thanks Jamie, glad the tips were helpful! Thanks, definitely took some time to get the bait on film, but being in the right place at the right time always helps!
Helpful info and nice presentation, Richard.
Thanks Rob, glad it was of some value to you!