How To Catch Spooky Fish (Even After You’ve Scared Them Off)
- By: Tony Acevedo
- on
Picture this:
You’re slowly creeping along the flats, looking for any sign of redfish…
Then all of a sudden, you see a wake take off away from your boat.
A fish was right next to you and you spooked them off before you could cast to them!
Has that ever happened to you?
It’s so frustrating!
But here’s the good news: even if you spook off fish, you can still catch them.
In the video below, you’ll see exactly how to do that.
Let’s dive in!
How To Catch Spooky Fish [VIDEO]
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When it comes to fish behavior, there are generally two types of fish:
Fish that are holding in an area and fish that are just passing through.
Here’s why this is important:
If you spook fish that are holding in an area because there’s food around or the temperature is comfortable, then you’re in luck.
They’ll probably settle down not too far away and you can still catch them.
But if fish are just passing through and you spook them, then you probably won’t catch them.
This is because they’ll keep on traveling and if they sense you following them, they’ll know something is wrong and won’t eat.
How Long To Wait For Fish To Settle Down
A common question is, “How long do I have to wait for fish to settle down after I’ve spooked them?”
This is a tough question and there’s no definitive answer.
I’ve had fish basically run into my kayak and spook off, but then as soon as they slowed down I pitched my lure to them and caught them.
On the other hand, I’ve had to come back an hour later once they’ve settled down to catch them.
Here’s a good rule of thumb I like to use:
If you spook a fish and you see them take off, but then slow down and turn rather quickly, then you have a shot at catching them.
But if you have to chase them down, you probably won’t catch them
Best Lure To Catch Spooky Fish
Once fish have been spooked, they’ll be on high alert, so you don’t want to throw a big, loud lure.
I like to keep things light and simple.
A jerk shad, small paddletail, or shrimp lure are great for these types of situations.
And when you rig them, you don’t want a loud, heavy jig head.
I like to use a 1/8 or 1/16 oz. jig head or weighted hook.
Below are the lures and hooks I like to use.
Lures:
Hooks:
Conclusion
If you accidentally spook fish off, no worries — you still have a shot at catching them.
If they quickly settle down, then pitch your lure to them.
But if they shoot off and you can’t see them anymore, then don’t try to chase them down because that’ll probably spook them even more and they won’t eat.
Have any questions about catching spooky fish?
Let me know down in the comments.
And if you know someone who wants to catch more shallow-water redfish, trout, or snook, please TAG or SHARE this with them!
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Great video, great info & tips. Yup that has happened to me plenty of times.
Thank you for the awesome feedback Jose!
You’re the master at this! I’ve maybe been able to convert one or two of those spooked off fish to catches. But I’ll keep trying every time. Nice tips in there.
Never hurts to cast! But just like any cast, timing is key!
Thanks Tony….great info!
My pleasure Andy, thank you!
Hi Tony: Excellent video of how to catch them. It looks like you were in pretty shallow water. About how deep? Looks like you have a Jackson Kayak with Pedals. I am looking to add pedals to my Kayak, can you tell me about the pedals that you have please. Also, are they reversing?
Thanks and keep those types of videos coming!
Thanks David!
I’m usually fishing in less than 3ft of water. I was in the Jackson Coosa FD in some of the clips (they are older videos). I was not a fan of that kayak as I had to get the drive replaced about 5 times within a year. I currently use a 2020 Hobie Outback and would never look back. Awesome kayak for what I do. I only use the pedals to get to where i’m trying to fish, and then put them away and use the paddle while I’m fishing. The 2019 and newer models of the Hobie Outback have reverse.
Thanks again Tony. I was considering the Hobie Mirage 180 pedals and I will probably go with them after your comment above.
My pleasure David!
Curious if dolphins come feed in your spot or bonehead in a personal watercraft decides to buzz your spot. If you were catching fish would you pack up and move or wait and how long would give it to settle.
It’s usually too shallow for dolphins and jet skiers where I fish, which is typically why the fish are up there as well (close to the shoreline) I have had dolphins stalk me while I was catching fish up shallow, but they couldn’t get close enough and the fish were still biting. If fish are used to boat traffic and noise it usually won’t shut the bite down, but if anything I will leave the spot and come back before the end of my trip to fish it again, especially if I know fish are there.
Hey Tony, I know this post is a bit disjointed from the topic but, Do you love your kayak or would you ideally like another brand? I am very much in the market and have done a fair amount of research. Hobbies are sweet but heavy and the PA is a bit too much in many ways. Any suggestions? I am not looking for beginner kayak, my Native is fairly decked out but just too slow in salt water (best vessel ever in fresh water). Thank you Much!!
The Hobie Outback is great for me. The hull design of the 2019 and up is much better suited for speed and it also paddles very well. Most pedal kayaks are going to be in the 80-90lb range (empty hull). I agree that the PA is a bit too much, but the Outback seems to have everything I need and hasn’t been too much to handle.
Great job Tony!!
Thanks John!
When did you get a Jackson kayak? New or just testing? I saw the bow color and thought…hey, that’s not beige…JK logo…!!
I see the Hobie now in the second part. So you’re seeing another kayak…that’s fine. Maybe the Hobie will see another angler too. Just sayin’.
That was my kayak I had before the Hobie. Just pulled some older footage for this video.
Slightly unrelated question…you named your kayak, right? I thought you piloted the Razor Crest. #ThisIsTheFish
Haha it doesn’t have a name yet, but it should. Fish is the way!