b'SOFTBAITINGSTEATHLY APPROACHOver on the east side, I look to find patches of foul, kelp, or rocks from 15m or less where resident snapper have stayed on and are feeding on what lives in this environment.Typically, it is a mix of shellfish, crabs, or kina and baitfish like sprats, piper, or young juvenile flounder.Softbaits of course mimic baitfish like these species living close to the shoreline and seeking protection from predators like snapper.When I approach a stretch of coastline that has potential to drift and cast softbaits, using stealth is key.You want to move the boat into position quietly, dont come in on the plane doing 20 knots.The last 50-60m into the spot you want to fish should be at a slow pace, under 10 knots and then kill the motor and glide in the last several metres.Fishing in the shallows rocks and kelp are your biggest enemy once you hook up, you need to consider what leader to use before youKeep fish in the net to measure before releasing so they dont fall start casting, and I typicallyinto the water or back on the deck fish with 25lb fluorocarbon. and cause injury before release.This big moocher was hooked in only 5m of water and put up a great fight, taken on a Z-Man 5 Atomic Sunrise.44FISHING IN GODZONE JUL/AUG 2023'