You’re always more likely to catch fish if they don’t know you’re around. This is especially true when fishing estuaries and shallow flats with small surface lures while targeting finicky species such as bream, whiting and flathead.

Remaining invisible to fish is relatively easy when fishing from the land, if you keep your head down and cast from as far away as possible from where fish are holding. However, when casting from a boat, you must keep in mind that watercraft make an imposing figure as they motor along a river or shallow flat. Even the shadow of a small trailer boat can make fish paranoid and distract them from feeding. Here are some handy tips to help you remain inconspicuous so you can catch more fish each session:

1. Silence is golden

Outboard motors, whether they are two-stroke, direct-injection two-stroke or four-stroke, all generate a noise that travels far underwater. This noise can ‘spook’ fish and change their behaviour from ‘happily feeding’ to ‘paranoid and alert’, making them harder to catch. Put simply: you will hook more fish if you turn your outboard off early and approach any likely fish-holding areas from a reasonable distance under the power of electric motor.

Attaching an electric motor to your boat pays for itself by making it easier for you to catch more fish. Good quality electric motors with the latest features are now available at affordable prices. The best value options are found in the Watersnake range, which features everything from small inexpensive transom-mount motors suitable for canoes and kayaks, to the latest high-powered foot- and remote-controlled bow-mount motors for serious sportfishing boats.

2. Casting distance

While under electric power, don’t go any closer to the fish than you have to. Know your average best casting distance and stay at that range to keep the shadow of your boat as far away as practically possible. Long casts will keep you out of sight and will avoid changes in fish behaviour.

Achieving your potential as a distance caster is made easier if you utilise the latest tackle. Graphite rods designed specifically for casting performance are a must. Thin diameter braided fishing lines will also make casting longer easier and they are best used on modern braid-friendly sportfishing reels.

3. The last link

All of the above advice is wasted effort if you don’t use a quality low-visibility leader to present your lures as naturally as possible. Your best option is a leader material made from 100 percent PVDF fluorocarbon, not a fluorocarbon-coated monofilament pretending to be the real thing. You’ll notice the increase in your catch.

Try this proven fish-catching set-up when casting surface lures for bream, whiting and flathead:

Rod: Quantum Response spin rod
Reel: Quantum Energy PTs 20 spin reel
Main line: 6lb RovexViros braid (diameter 0.10mm)
Leader: 6lb Rovex Fluorocarbon Leader (diameter 0.21mm)
Lure: Tsunami Junior Popper