HARD BAITS & PLUGS

Floating Minnow

A slim, lipped plug that floats at rest and swims just under the surface with a tight wobble, a simple and deadly imitation of sardines and small mullet.

DepthJust under surface (1-4 ft)

ActionTight wobble

WhereBeaches, mangroves, river mouths, reservoirs

LevelBeginner

How to fish it

1
Cast up-current or past the structure and let it sit a moment.
2
Start a slow, steady retrieve; the lip pulls it just under and it wobbles.
3
Add a twitch or a short stop now and then so it flashes and floats up.
4
Work it right to your feet; snook and tarpon often hit at the edge of a dock light or mangrove shade.

BigJoe Tips

Light balsa or plastic minnows cast poorly into wind, so pick a heavier model for the beach.
Swap to heavier trebles carefully; too much weight can sink a floater and kill its action.
At night, a slow retrieve along the shadow line of a light is hard to beat for snook.