Goin fishing in matagorda this weekend and will be using live shrimp. The target species are specs and redfish. I have read about free lining a shrimp with no weight, using a popping cork, or fishing on the botton with about 6 inches between weight and hook. Which is the best method and if popping cork how much length between cork and hook. Dont saltwater fish much so feedback is greatly appreciated. Thank you

Free lining is where you use nothing but the hook and the bait, maybe putting a split shot above the bait to get it down a little faster. Anything else is not Freelining. If you are using a popping cork, how much length will vary depending on the depth of the area you are fishing, I will typically have at least 12 to 18 inches of length unless the water is deeper than 3 to 4 feet, then maybe go 24 to 30 inches. Or if the bottom is grass, you want your bait suspended above so it so as not to allow it to hide in it. if fishing any deeper than say 5 ft, I would free line instead, Or I would use a carolina rig with about a 18 inch leader of 20# mono, the weight will depend on current, but I normally use a 3/8 oz or maybe a 1/2 if I am fishing heavier current.
Hope that helps