New to dropshotting/artificials in the surf

[connizi]

Hi guys,

Its my first time on this page and I just recently bought a ultralight setup (5'6 and 1000 reel, 12lb 8x braid).

I've been trying my luck in Umhlanga to hook up on some blacktail but have had no success... except on sardine.

I was hoping someone could give me some advice on what I could do differently or any other spots I should try...

Or if I could possibly tag along with someone with a bit of experience.

I would appreciate literally any advice just to catch my first saltwater fish on artificial.

Thank you legends!!!
Connor

PS ive been using 3inch jerk minnow river prawn and 1/16th oz. Had some bites but nothing to write home about.

 

[ToastMiGoast]

Are you fishing around rocks, or just sand? Here in PE, I've had very good success with the 3in river prawn, but only around rocks. Sandy bottom is good as long as there are rocks and structure to fish around. I've also found I get better bites the slower I work the minnow.

My 2c to help.

 

[connizi]

Yes, mainly rocks. I've attached a picture that is my main spot. Still trying to learn where to cast this spot makes it easy because it is a clear whole unlike just lots of structure. I definitely dont think ive been fishing it slow, I've been feeling twitch twitch reel twitch twitch repeat. Is there a number I could count to that would be ideal before twitching again?

One other thing I forgot to mention is the places im fishing tend to be very pressured. Fisherman every day type scenario so im not sure if that would affect my chances. I know when freshwater fishing it can ruin a spot if overfished.

I will definitely try your advice out. Thank you for the input.

Tight lines!

 

[ToastMiGoast]

Must make it move in the water like a small shrimp. Also found spots where the sand is churned up also works well. If the water is gin clean, look for spots where the sand is kicked up.

The screenshots are of areas where I normally go to target some blacktail on the Mcarthys.