Salt Water Sound Barrier texas saltwater fishing, texas fishing, wadefishing, wading, bay fishing, speckled trout, redfish, snook, tarpon, texas redfish, texas speckled trout As the popularity of saltwater fishing continues to increase, so does the pressure on these fish. The more fishermen are on the water, the more likely it is that a fish has seen a particular plug or presentation. It is important to find a way to stand apart from the crowd. Understanding how a fish decides what to eat helps. Fish feed by sight, sound, scent and feel. A lure's color, shape and size will impact a fish's ability to see it, as will water clarity. All lures give off some vibration or displace a certain amount of water when moving. This will trigger the fish's sense of feel. Scent is rarely addressed with artificial lures, although there are some scent sprays that can be applied. The most important thing is that the plug does not have any harmful scents that would cause a fish to be suspicious. Scents such as cologne, gasoline, tobacco, etc. have a way of rubbing off a fisherman's hands and on to their bait. The slightest whiff of one of these scents can send fish scurrying. That brings us to sound. It seems that these days every hard bait manufactured is fitted with a sound chamber. While it is true that sound attracts fish, in some instances it can be overdone. It is important to choose the proper sound for each situation. When fishing thigh to waist deep flats, in green or off-colored water or with high chop, the more noise the better. In these situations, a big, noisy bait is best. Chuggers, such as the Storm Chug Bug and Rapala Skitter Pop, cast easy and make plenty of racket. Prop baits are also a good choice when making noise is essential. The Smithwick Devil's Horse and Heddon Torpedo are two of the best. Walk-the-dog type plugs can also be plenty noisy. Some of the louder models include the Mirrolure She-Dog and Heddon Super Spook. Early spring is a perfect time to use these loud rattling plugs. The fish are generally in a little deeper (waist-deep) flat and the water is commonly off-colored. Additionally, the surface is often choppy and wind-swept. Small waves make noise, necessitating the use of a plug that is loud enough to be heard above the sound of the water. While making plenty of commotion is at a premium in deeper, darker water, the opposite holds true in skinny water. When fishing ankle to knee deep or crystal clear water, a more subtle approach is necessary. Heddon Zara Spooks and Super Spook Jrs and other dog-walkers with either no or quieter sound chambers are good selections. This is also a good time for floater/divers. Bomber Long As, Cordell Red Fins and other "wounded minnow" plugs fit the bill. Again, make sure that if it has rattles, they are subtle. Too much noise on a gin-clear flat will send fish in every direction. Often times just modifying the retrieve will be enough to adjust the noise level. Working a Super Spook or Top Dog in an aggressive, erratic fashion will cause more sound. Conversely, allowing a pause between twitches and using less force to move the plug lends to a stealthier retrieve. Again, sound can be a valuable tool. But, it is important to know how and when to use it. Just remember, it doesn't necessarily need to be loud in order to be effective. texas saltwater fishing, texas fishing, wadefishing, wading, bay fishing, speckled trout, redfish, snook, tarpon, texas redfish, texas speckled trout