Should I Try?

I think the votes are in, shrimp has it (gulp or natural)! You can also try some mirrolures if you like throwing hard baits.

Let me offer up some explanation to the bottom types and temps based on my experiences and those handed down to me from other old timers here on the NC coast. Sand doesn't hold heat as well as mud does but it heats up a lot faster. So in cold months on a sunny day often the best place to fish (esp. for puppy drum) is in shallow water (2-4 feet) with a sandy bottom - usually what we call the "flats".

Mud on the other hand doesn't loose its heat as fast once warmed (darker and denser), so mud bottom places are often the best place to fish when it first turns cold or after some sunny days and a cold snap comes in. The fish will move to the deeper holes and mud bottoms because those areas will stay warm longer.

The other general trend noted around this time of year is the drum (mainly puppy drum - under slot sized) have moved to the back (toward the headwaters) of the creeks on the mainland side. The specks on the other hand are in or near deep water (6-10').

Of course these are "rules of thumb" 'cause the fish may not always have read that page of the book...LOL Hope that helps tough.

Catch 'em up!