A beginners guide to fishing grass flats!

Though it's hard to beat the natural looks and movements of a live shimp or green back, I still prefer to use artifical bait. If you miss a strike with live bait, the bait is either gone or too hurt to do you any good. With artifical you are right back out there ready for the next bite. But, it's really a matter of preference. Some people can make a good point as why live bait is better. I have used live bait many times, usually when I'm on my way out and spot a large school of bait on the surface, a couple of throws with my net and I have plenty of back up.
This picture shows my choice of jigs and lures I like to use most. In the left row is a selection of tsunami trout maulers, in the center row is a selection of D.O.A.s, in the upper right corner is a selection of cheap jigs and 1/4oz jig heads. The reason I say cheap is that for the price of a bag of three tsunamis or D.O.A.s, you can find a bag of 20 for about the same price. So, if the fish are hitting alot, put on the cheapo, it'll save you money in the long run. In the lower right corner is a selection of devil's horse top water lures (also called buzz baits due to the propellers in the front and rear of the lure).

Once you find the grass flats, head up wind to the edge of the flats so the wind will gently push your boat over the flats without having to use your trolling motor. Cast towards the direction you are drifting, this way you fish over grass your boat hasn't passed over and possibly spooked the fish. Look for sandy patches, the fish like to hang in the grass near sand patches. If your fishing with a jig, let the jig sink to the bottom without any slack in the line. Lift the rod a few times (two quick jerks) to lift the jig off the bottom and let it sink again, keep no slack in the line. Keep repeating this until you either get a hit or your jig is back at the boat. Keep an eye out for any activity just under the surface of the water, you never know what might be looking for a meal.
A great way to use a jig or a live bait is to use it under a "Popping Cork" (bobber). I like to fish in 4 to 6 feet of water, so I try to keep my bait about a foot off the bottom. This cork is great to use for several good reasons. 1) Keeps the bait out of the grass and advoids tangling up. 2) Helps a beginner to know when they have a bite. 3) Makes a noise when you pop it (tug on the line) and attracts the fish to the bait. This picture shows you the popping cork or bobber, with a leader line and a hook for live bait.
I like to bring with me at least 3 rods set up with different rigs so i can go back and forth depending on what activity I see. One with a jig, another with a top water lure and a third with a spoon or maybe a jig and popping cork. If there is a little ripple on the surface of the water from the wind, you won't have to worry about spooking them too much. So, I may fish away from the drift with a jig and cork a let it trail behind the boat while throwing a top water lure or casting a spoon.

Official Boating Safety Courses - http://www.boat-ed.com/
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission - http://myfwc.com/
Tampa Bay area Boat Ramps - http://www.tampabaycharter.com/bay-area-boat-ramps.asp

I hope this lens can help someone, let me know if it does...
Good Luck and Good Fishing!!