Some of the hottest action you'll find on the Texas Coast is fishing under feeding birds. When they group up and start hitting the water, it's usually for one reason, and that is they are scooping up left overs that feeding game fish have left behind. There are several factors to consider in order to be successful at locating fish in these feeding frenzy's, especially quality fish.
I was recently crossing Aransas Bay headed for the boat ramp when off in the distance I see possibly the largest group of feeding birds I have ever witnessed. Fortunately we were on the upwind side of the action so it was pretty easy to set up on them, but that's not always the case. There are several keys to being successful when you encounter this spectacular natural occurrence.
Obviously the first step is locating the action. More often than not, that will happen by chance. It's important to always be alert to your surroundings while at the helm, not only for safeties sake, but it will also benefit you when it comes to catching fish. You should always be scanning the horizon for activity, not only the waters surface but in the air as well. When you see it, you'll know. They will be grouped together from just a few, all the way up to hundreds, diving toward the waters surface picking up their free meal courtesy of feeding fish.
Once you locate them, the next step is setting up on them. We all know that nothing will create a case of lockjaw faster than a spooked fish, so your approach is extremely important. I try to position myself upwind of the action if at all possible. I shut my engine down before getting close and I will finish my approach with the trolling motor. Another thing to note, are other noises like moving around in the boat etc. Do everything possible to make as little noise as you can, preferably none.
As you get within casting distance remember this. The larger fish are leading the school, and if you can predict where they are headed, you will increase your numbers not only in fish count, but size as well. Casting under the birds will catch fish, but usually the smaller ones. You see birds are usually feeding on leftovers, which means the fish are just ahead of them. To know their exact location means you'll need to pay close attention to the waters surface, look for activity such as bait breaking the surface, unusual ripples or wake, try to predict where the birds are headed based on their movement.
And what bait works best? I personally prefer to use top waters of various colors, but when they are in this aggressive feeding frenzy most baits should work. My second choice would be a paddle tail such as a Norton Bull Minnow, but I've also caught quality fish on a spoon. But if you successfully set up on them, they will more than likely eat about any bait you toss in the water.
