adminBank Fishing for Bass
Whether you are just getting started with bass fishing, or you are already an experienced angler, everybody finds themselves doing some shore fishing at some point. Fishing from the bank can be a good way to scratch the fishing itch, especially if you only want to go for a few hours since it does not take a lot of preparation. With the right baits in the right location you can consistently catch bass from shore. In this article we will tell you how!
The first thing you are going to want to do is scope out a good spot you will be able to fish. You can look in person or on Google Maps. Some places you can look at are parks, boat launches, and streets or trails that run along the water’s edge. Once you find some spots that look promising you are going to need to put some boots on the ground and check it out.
When checking out a spot on the bank, I like to bring a variety of tackle. Make sure to bring different lures to fish different areas of the water column, since you do not know where the bass will be. Keep your tackle selection light. Ideally it can fit into a backpack, this way you can be mobile and maximize your chances of catching fish.
When you get there, you don’t want to just start fishing blindly. Take 5 minutes and check the place out. Make a mental note of any structure that you see that a fish might want to call home. Things you should keep your eyes peeled for include downed trees, large rocks, and deep holes. All of these could be great hiding spots for a bass. Try to keep a low profile when you are shore fishing so that you do not spook the fish before you get a chance to catch them. Take care to walk slowly and gently, since the vibrations your feet produce on the ground can be felt in the water and can scare the fish away.
Once you’ve identified some nice pieces of cover it is time to get to work. Start with something that covers the middle of the water column. This should be a lure you don’t need to work too slowly either. Think spinnerbaits, lipless crankbaits, or even a jig with a twister tail. This is going to be your search bait, and you are looking to find the most aggressive fish. Fish all of your cover with this first before tying on something with a little more finesse, like a senko. Fishing the baits in this order can maximize your catches because you will catch the aggressive fish first, and then come back and coax any fish that aren’t particularly hungry into biting your more delicate presentation.
Well, we just covered quite a bit about bank fishing in a short period of time. Hopefully it was not too challenging to digest, and you got some good pieces of information out of it. The number one way to find good shore fishing spots and get better at fishing from the bank is going out and doing it! So, get out there, have fun, and remember that a bad day of fishing certainly beats a good day in the cubicle. Good luck, and tight lines!
