Many anglers do not know exactly how to optimize their chances of landing the most fish working the birds. This is because serious bird action only occurs in certain locations at certain times of the year. There are a few things you should know if you want to improve your success working the birds in the bay.
There is a subgenre of sight fishing known as “working the birds”. It has been demonstrated that fishermen of all ability levels may identify a fruitful spot with a large number of redfish and trout by fishing under a flock of birds feeding on bait fish in the water.
What Does Working The Birds Mean?
Working the birds delivers a punch of adrenaline because the angler, the fish below, and the seagulls are all nervous – anglers may only have the opportunity to land a fish or two, or five, or eight, during the first minute or two after they approach the birds.
Best Time Of Year For Working The Birds?
Fall is the best time of year for bird action so be sure to be courteous and respect the space of other boats working the frenzy. You have a wide overall area of water to search – this is where a good set of binoculars can really be an anglers best tool. Look for a quarter size patch of dark dots through the lens, or a small cluster of boats and you usually found yourself a flock.
Where To Cast Under The Birds
As you get closer to the flock, ensure that your preferred fishing rod and reel are set up and ready to go. At the very end of your throwing range, there is a chance that you will see a seagull stoop down to grab a shrimp, let this be your targert – you should try to cast several yards over where the birds are shrimp diving. You will be fighting the urge to retrieve rapidly, though a steady, medium retrieve is best. If you don't get a strike on the first few casts, try different retrieve speed variations to cover a larger water column.
May The Best Boat Win…
On busy weekend days out in the bay, there are typically more boats than there are birds in a flock of seagulls. In some cases, this is literally the case. Flocks move because the fish move, this is where the boat with the best trolling motor tends to outshine and lead the pack. You will for sure encounter a few potlickers, or you might even be seen as a potlicker that wants in on the action.
Nobody owns the water but you don't want to scatter the flock and ruin the party. If another angler gets to the location before you do and you are unable to sneak up on the birds discreetly from a reasonable distance, you may be forced to pass up a few tempting shots at a rapid haul of specks.
What's The Best Lure For Working The Birds?
A tried-and-true method for catching fish is to combine your go-to soft plastic with your medium to light jig head. In this case, generally any color combo of soft plastic or lure works great – single hooks are preferred as there tends to be quite a few schoolies under the birds and you will want to get the those fish off your hook fast. The largest trout are frequently caught a bit deeper into the school of feeding specks or reds, so you might switch from a 1/4 oz jighead to a 1/2 oz jighead for distance and water depth on your retrieve.
Working The Birds Summary Checklist
- Working the birds involves fishing under a flock of birds feeding on bait fish in the water.
- Fall is the best time of year for bird action so be sure to respect other boats working the frenzy.
- A tried-and-true method for catching fish is to combine your go-to soft plastic with your medium to light jig head.
- Single hooks are preferred as there tends to be a few schoolies under the birds and you will want to get those fish off your hook fast.
Fish on..
