On shore fishing

Question
Dear Jim,
I am traveling down to St. Simons (island in southern Georgia) right around MLK Jr. day.  People always tell me how they go out and catch tons of fish off the beach, and yet I can never get a bit.  What are some techniques and bait suggestions so that I can have a successful fishing trip?

Answer
Sometimes its not the bait but the location.
You have to be where the fish are to start with. No bait will catch fish where there are none to be caught. I would start by watching the locals. Look for the places that the locals fish. Piers, Bridges, any place there is an edge with deep water, or cover. Concrete walls, provide an edge where fish can push bait fish. Piers provide algae and food for bait fish, as do bridge pilings. Find these places and spend the first 30 minutes of your fishing WATCHING the locals.
More than likely in that area, shrimp, and small bait fish will catch some good fish. Unlike Freshwater, for some reason the saltwater fish like to hit the tails instead of the heads. I have had fish run 30 yards and not hook them when fishing with a bait that is hooked in the lips like I do for Crappie or even Stripers in fresh water. Hook it in the tail and bingo.  Live Shrimp, Live baitfish, even small crabs will  work. You may even be able to get your own on the beach, but check the local laws.
I like to fish saltwater with a bobber and a little weight. You can also bottom fish for flounder, and even crabs will hit and hold sometimes. I do recommend spending a little to buy a crab cage. The crabs can be really good down that way.
Let me know if you need more info.. I also have a website for Fishing Guides if you need one while down there.
www.FGHP.com click on US Fishing Guides and then Georgia ... I have several great saltwater captains listed on the site.
Jim Dicken
www.FGHP.com
www.HuntTheUS.com