Head to the backs of the creeks like was mentioned earlier. Learn the subtle difference in a 2 inch shad and 4 inch shad flipping in the water and throw after them. They can be found right in the same areas the 2 inch are. Mud flats typically pretty shallow. Good polarized glasses also may help with the net fatigue. Won't be throwing at the small ones so much when you can better see the size. We catch them all winter that way when we striper fish. Usually have enough bait in 30-45 minutes. Almost always gizzards between 4-7 inches. My buddy likes big live baits!!