RH: I have not used scud patterns, but have done well with muddlers and the old standby the Spruce Fly. Like others say the cutts are usually not too fussy. Look for a beach with lots of structure, big rocks or in the water snags. I find that if cutts are around you will usually see them jumping or swirling on the surface. I do best when casting parallel to the beach and if you aren't a fly fishign purist you can do well with a sammml Dick nir cast on a dry line. I disagree that they are poor fishters. I think the many cutts are poor fighters, but those I catch in the salt do pretty well.