Official Bank Walkers Topic! 2024
kingmotorboat reply :
Mods please don't lock this. Can we please have all bank fishing rolled in to this. Reports tactics pics. Let's discuss and keep it alive fellas.
deep reply :
I said it before, and will say it again; if you're not catching the quantity or quality you want, it's because
1. you can't reach useful structure from the shoreline => in which case, find yourself another (smaller) reservoir.
2. or you don't know how to catch them => in which case, work on your fishing tactics- knowledge about bass, baitfish, structure, baits and presentations.
Here's a 9-07 NLMB from walking the banks. *Post-spawn* fish btw.
Crestliner2008 reply :
Wow! That's a real crackerjack and a half! How's anyone suppose to beat that! LOL!
Cameron211 reply :
Nice one deep!
Senko lover reply :
Went out today and fished for spawers. Caught 6 on a senko real early, all around 2 1/4 with the biggest being 2 3/4 of a lb. Didn't hook into any big females but me and my older fishing buddy at that pond fished for some 4-5 pounders on beds. No luck 
.
Anyway a beautiful day and I had a great time.
a1712 reply :
As Deep stated, casting distance is paramount. If you have a Creek Channel 75 yards off the bank and you can only cast 50, your out of luck with those fish. You need to find baits and a Rod/Reel combo that allows you to bomb baits, when needed, and line that allows a solid hookset at those distances. Brian.
kingmotorboat reply :
So let me ask you guys this. Does everyone bank fish a pond a lake or a river?
Joedodge reply :
On 4/19/2015 at 3:48 AM, kingmotorboat said:So let me ask you guys this. Does everyone bank fish a pond a lake or a river?
I suppose ya have to add canals.............lol
kingmotorboat reply :
On 4/19/2015 at 3:57 AM, Joedodge said:I suppose ya have to add canals.............lol
Yea canals and marsh also lol
Senko lover reply :
Ponds 
deep reply :
<- that's an 8-08 NLMB in my profile pic (from the bank), btw.
On 4/19/2015 at 3:48 AM, kingmotorboat said:So let me ask you guys this. Does everyone bank fish a pond a lake or a river?
Small structured reservoirs.
Senko lover reply :
So here's the biggest tip I've learned. If you bank fish, no matter where, this is the number one way to catch more fish:
Be stealthy! 
Learn to pitch and flip without making a ripple in the water. Learn to walk up and present a bait in shallow water without spooking the fish.
You will catch more fish, I promise.
Senko lover reply :
On 4/19/2015 at 4:19 AM, deep said:<- that's an 8-08 NLMB in my profile pic (from the bank), btw.
Small structured reservoirs.
Dang dude, can I fish with you?
kingmotorboat reply :
Over here for me it's mainly a marshy refuge without much cover or structure from the bank or a river with almost nothing you can reach from the bank. And maybe 1 small pond at deepest 3 foot. Not much luck at that pond though I've seen a few fish but that's about it. The river I've never caught anything from bank. The refuge a couple every now and then. Refuge is hard trying to work the canals from bank cause that's all you can get too
BW208 reply :
I fish mostly ponds.
BassinLou reply :
When I bank fish, I fish in urban canals.
kingmotorboat reply :
So did anyone fish so far this weekend
Catt reply :
I bank fish the same refuge as kingmotorboat but with a greater understanding!
retiredbosn reply :
On 4/19/2015 at 6:11 AM, Catt said:I bank fish the same refuge as kingmotorboat but with a greater understanding!
Now your just showing off!
retiredbosn reply :
Strangely enough my pb came while bank fishing, here are a couple others I caught while bank fishing, one on the ground went 8 & the other 5
kingmotorboat reply :
On 4/19/2015 at 6:11 AM, Catt said:I bank fish the same refuge as kingmotorboat but with a greater understanding!
The truth there. One day soon we gotta get up there so you can share some knowledge
kingmotorboat reply :
On 4/19/2015 at 6:27 AM, retiredbosn said:Now your just showing off!
Catt knows his stuff in lacassine
Catt reply :
On 4/19/2015 at 6:47 AM, kingmotorboat said:Catt knows his stuff in lacassine
retiredbosn reply :
On 4/19/2015 at 6:47 AM, kingmotorboat said:Catt knows his stuff in lacassine
Catt’s a good dude. He has taught allot of us a thing or two.
Toledo bend
http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/41658-so-yall-want-to-learn-toledo-bend/
kingmotorboat reply :
On 4/19/2015 at 7:31 AM, Catt said:On 4/19/2015 at 6:47 AM, kingmotorboat said:Catt knows his stuff in lacassine
Was that this year out the canals
kingmotorboat reply :
On 4/19/2015 at 7:32 AM, retiredbosn said:Catt’s a good dude. He has taught allot of us a thing or two.
Toledo bend
http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/41658-so-yall-want-to-learn-toledo-bend/
Yes he is and yes he has
Catt reply :
What y'all see in all 3 photos?
kingmotorboat reply :
On 4/19/2015 at 7:53 AM, Catt said:What y'all see in all 3 photos?
I see the bass I want to catch. Haha was it this year
retiredbosn reply :
Looks like the same shirt and hat, is that your secret lucky shirts & hat? Overcast skies, either early morning or late day, long shadows
EvanT123 reply :
When I bank fish they are either there or they are not. Keep it moving.
http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/126667-bank-fishing-forum/?fromsearch=1
If you haven't seen the above, it's worh a read.
Catt reply :
Really guys!
Not to good at observation are we?
Kingmotorboat you fish Lacassine so you should see it immediately.
Those picture show a hidden fishing spot that is in plan sight.
Joedodge reply :
I see a similar parking lot and sidewalk section.
Catt reply :
On 4/19/2015 at 8:39 PM, Joedodge said:I see a similar parking lot and sidewalk section.
Well someone is awake!
That's a boat lauch area, there are 2 boat launches & 4 boat docks.
The area is well maintained, easy walking, & inspite of boat traffic excellent fishing.
Most angler avoid it because the believe boat traffic, shore traffic, & noise spooks the bass. In high traffic/noise area bass become accustom to it all. Perch fisherman release shiners/minnows, tournament anglers release bass, all of which make these kinds of areas hidden gems.
Joedodge reply :
Haha glad I got it! I ever thought of them becoming accustomed to it like that. And the bait release and tournament release. That makes for a nice area and like you said well maintained easy walking.
kingmotorboat reply :
On 4/19/2015 at 9:47 PM, Catt said:Well someone is awake!
That's a boat lauch area, there are 2 boat launches & 4 boat docks.
The area is well maintained, easy walking, & inspite of boat traffic excellent fishing.
Most angler avoid it because the believe boat traffic, shore traffic, & noise spooks the bass. In high traffic/noise area bass become accustom to it all. Perch fisherman release shiners/minnows, tournament anglers release bass, all of which make these kinds of areas hidden gems.
I want to get out there today catt but having car issues. I usually just fish that levee across from d which Is where I believe your second picture is. Never tried the launches though. See I learn a ton from you.
Catt reply :
All 3 came from the east boat launch & south
kingmotorboat reply :
Nice a hidden gem indeed
Kevin Beachy reply :
Well, after catching around 3 8lbers(i think all the same fish), and maybe 5 5-7lbers, you realize that bank fishing is pretty cool!
For me, the ponds that i fish, the bass are so use to you, that you don't have to worry about colors and stuff.
-Kevin
kingmotorboat reply :
On 4/20/2015 at 12:58 AM, Kevin Beachy said:Well, after catching around 3 8lbers(i think all the same fish), and maybe 5 5-7lbers, you realize that bank fishing is pretty cool!
For me, the ponds that i fish, the bass are so use to you, that you don't have to worry about colors and stuff.
-Kevin
You havepeaked my attention. Where are these ponds?
Kevin Beachy reply :
Farm ponds in Va
-Kevin
paul. reply :
during the spawn (which is where much of the country is right now), i believe that in many ways bank bound anglers hold a distinct advantage over guys in a boat regardless of what type of water you're talking about. the two biggest bass i have ever caught off beds, 12-0 and 12-2, both came while fishing from the bank. in the case of the 12-2, i was about to put the boat in the water when i just happened to notice that big fish rolling around on a bed. i knew that it would be almost impossible to catch that fish from a boat the way she was positioned. so i just left the boat alone and fished her from the bank (for 6 hours in the pouring rain).
the only time that i feel like it's a disadvantage to be on the bank is during the summer and winter when offshore fishing is the way to go (and only then if you are talking larger bodies of water).
Senko lover reply :
On 4/19/2015 at 7:53 AM, Catt said:What y'all see in all 3 photos?
I see a man holding a big bass
joeblowwwww reply :
Bank fishing takes more skill ,stealth and an ability to work with less. ( easy to say when u can't afford a boat)
Catt reply :
Marinas are another overlooked bank fishing opportunity. I won a couple tournaments walking the boat slips of the old Fin & Feather Marina.
With all the lights they are great night fishing!
A-Jay reply :
On 4/19/2015 at 7:53 AM, Catt said:What y'all see in all 3 photos?
Same hat.
A-Jay
BooyahMan reply :
Not as big as the hogs already posted but I also got my PB while bank fishing:
Catt reply :
Y'all be color blind!
One hat is white, the other is tan & green
Hurricane reply :
On 4/18/2015 at 10:19 PM, deep said:I said it before, and will say it again; if you're not catching the quantity or quality you want, it's because
1. you can't reach useful structure from the shoreline => in which case, find yourself another (smaller) reservoir.
2. or you don't know how to catch them => in which case, work on your fishing tactics- knowledge about bass, baitfish, structure, baits and presentations.
Here's a 9-07 NLMB from walking the banks. *Post-spawn* fish btw.
Man that's a nice fish..
gulfcaptain reply :
Fishing from the banks requires you to be aware of what is around you, in and out of the water. I attack the water as if I was in a boat, fish the small differences in the big picture. Yes that blind squirrel will find a nut eventually, but one that can see them finds a lot more.
Catt, boat ramps and docks are great, but where I live they write tickets for fishing near them or on them. Almost found that out the hard way. Lucky for me a guy pulling his boat out let me know that if the lake management saw me fishing from the dock in the area that is out of bounds to fishing from the bank or boat that they will issue tickets.
Bruce424 reply :
I think a big problem for me is that there are areas that I wanna fish so bad but cant. Whether the shore it's too thick of brush or trees you can't walk it or get to the water. Too steep of a bank. A big disavantage. I mean I've dealt with this for years. But just recently it's starting to bother me. All the lakes I fish are either tree or brush lined or cliff banks.haha. what do I do. Chainsaws and climbing rope??
lectricbassman reply :
I went out this afternoon and tried a shakey head for the first time. Ive always assumed it wasnt an effective shore technique but let me tell you it works! Im a believer as of today.
SirSnookalot reply :
I've caught my fair share of 25" bass from the bank, no question in my mind I'm at a disadvantage. There is just so much bank I can walk, in a boat I could keep going for miles and I can cover both sides of a canal. IMO it's easier to land a fish from a boat vs the bank, I'm pulling them away from cover and not up a high bank.
What is easier from the bank is sight casting for peacocks, in a boat you can't see them it's more blind casting.
Catt reply :
gulfcaptain, I'll not get into the politics of why y'all can not fish dock/marinas but its self inflected.
As a bank angler I must accept the fact some areas will simply not be accessible because of terrain, surrounding vegetation, & weather. I have to take what is accessible & then formulate a game plan that is effective; I may have to run-n-gun or stay & play.
Probably the #1 excuse I hear is "I can't fish structure because I'm stuck bank fishing".
The first breakline is the waters edge!
Catt reply :
Really!
When did this become a fishing report?
No wonder bank fisherman can not keep a thread going!
lectricbassman reply :
Alright thats my fault. Guess i should discuss the technique of shakey head fishing from the banks rather than posting pics of the results
J Francho reply :
I shore fish lakes and ponds. I bank fish rivers and streams.
The big key for me is to have a run of spots to fish. Fish aren't biting, try another spot. That might mean a short hike, hopping in the truck to another location. I sometimes come back to spots later as well.
Catt reply :
So we gonna move this back to the general section or continue to irritate the bank fishermen?
kingmotorboat reply :
Hopefully y'all can move it back. This topic could be huge
J Francho reply :
Not sure why it's in reports, but here you go.
Catt reply :
On 4/20/2015 at 11:59 PM, J Francho said:Not sure why it's in reports, but here you go.
Thank ya sir
Senko lover reply :
Here's a little something to keep this sucker going: most productive lure for ponds? I really like a 4-inch finesse worm with a split shot. That produced well over a hundred bass for me last year. As much as I want to say a senko, it didn't catch as many as the finesse worm.
C0lt reply :
On 4/21/2015 at 6:42 AM, Senko lover said:Here's a little something to keep this sucker going: most productive lure for ponds? I really like a 4-inch finesse worm with a split shot. That produced well over a hundred bass for me last year. As much as I want to say a senko, it didn't catch as many as the finesse worm.
I think this question has a lot to do with the types of pressure a pond has experienced. I am fortunate enough to live next to a man who has a large pond in the back of his property, a pond my grandfather and the original home owner dug out (construction is the family business) and stocked themselves. Since that pond was filled and stocked in the 60's, there have been maybe two dozen different people to fish it, so the fish swimming that pond have most likely only experienced any sort of artificial lure pressure from me and maybe a handful of neighbor hood trespassers, so there are tons of methods that work. For me, its a finesse worm as well as a 7-8 inch worm that produces the numbers, and a frog in the summer that produces the size.
ThurmanMerman reply :
I've had some success on Missile baits fuse. I've had small success on craws in my pond. My Siebert jigs have produced most of my fish. I swim, drag, and flip 'em. I continue to try different methods and baits' but Siebert jigs always get the job done for me.
Paul Roberts reply :
On 4/20/2015 at 6:26 AM, Catt said:Marinas are another overlooked bank fishing opportunity. I won a couple tournaments walking the boat slips of the old Fin & Feather Marina.
With all the lights they are great night fishing!
Yep. Once, quite a few years ago, one of my beats was a particular marina and one Saturday morning a "big bass" tournament weigh-in booth was set up right there. Although I wasn't registered for the T I weighed in the 2nd place fish, catching my entry from a dock pile within sight of the booth, while contestant boats roared out into the lake.
On 4/20/2015 at 8:19 AM, Bruce424 said:I think a big problem for me is that there are areas that I wanna fish so bad but cant. Whether the shore it's too thick of brush or trees you can't walk it or get to the water. Too steep of a bank. A big disavantage. I mean I've dealt with this for years. But just recently it's starting to bother me. All the lakes I fish are either tree or brush lined or cliff banks.haha. what do I do. Chainsaws and climbing rope??
Such is bank fishing. Some -many- spots you just can't hit. I do carry nippers with me, but you should check regulations before going hog wild. Forget the chain saw and ropes and get a float tube -which is getting off topic. Brush and steep shorelines are one of the reasons I always have a spinning rig with me, and is my GoTo rig when exploring new ponds.
On 4/21/2015 at 6:42 AM, Senko lover said:Here's a little something to keep this sucker going: most productive lure for ponds? I really like a 4-inch finesse worm with a split shot. That produced well over a hundred bass for me last year. As much as I want to say a senko, it didn't catch as many as the finesse worm.
Boat or bank, lures work the same. I may have to use lighter weight lures at times due to the near-shore shallows, but otherwise lures are best matched to sky and water conditions, depth, speed, cover, and prey type, more than they are to water body size. My bank GoTo's are pretty much the same as my boat GoTo's.
lectricbassman reply :
I fish a lot heavily pressured waters, my hole is next to a business park and i am almost never alone on the water. Im most successful with finesse style baits in natural colors. Another thing i do is pick up trash as i go, this helps my reputation with the pond owners but it also serves another purpose. Alot of lures get left on the ground especially used plastics. I take note of the type and color of bait-and try to throw something completely different. Its a minor thing but i believe it has helped my fishing. Another tactic is to find older lures. Most white bucket brigaders go in to the big box stores and buy the latest and greatest. Nothing wrong with this but it means the fish see a lot of new stuff. Old lures caught fish then and they will now!
DocNsanE reply :
I have to depend on my buddy if I want to get out in a boat, so most of the time I am bank fishing. I love it though. It really teaches you to slow down and break an area apart. I can spend 20-30 minutes casting to the same sunken log with different presentations and catch multiple fish off it.
Best location I fish is great in the spring / early summer. It's about midway up a creek channel at the foot of a bridge with a lock of small rock pilings that always hold nice fish in the spring. The area also has submerged vegetation, sunken logs, reeds, averages around 8 feet but there's a hole that's about 15 feet deep within casting range. I've caught smallies from this spot with everything from crankbaits, poppers, wacky rigs, t-rigs, buzzbaits, frogs, etc... but the most fun I had was in the heat of summer throwing a black jitterbug at about 10pm at night. The excitement of getting hit on a top water in the pitch black night is unreal.
Catt reply :
Huh!
5 pages of bank fishing & the guy that wanted a separte bank fishing sub forum aint made at comment!
That's a strong commitment
Senko lover reply :
Yup, I agree. It takes dedication to keep a thread going. This one won't die if I have anything to do with it.
uga1785 reply :
I primarily bank fish. Every now and then I will fish from my kayak but you can usually find me fishing from the shore of my brothers neighborhood pond. I use several different baits but I've had the most success on a 6" green pumpkin U-tail zoom worm.
kingmotorboat reply :
I plan on bank fishing this afternoon at a friend's pond unfortunately we don't catch much there hoping I will today. Lacassine seems like it would be rough this afternoon
Bruce424 reply :
For evening fishing, buzzbaits in shallow waters work well. Just parallel the bank. I also like winging out a walk the dog style bait to the middle of the lake then working it back for awsome hits.
kingmotorboat reply :
Fished for 3 hours caught 1 on a sieberts dredge brush jig. It was a skinny skinny fella
IDUTBass reply :
Do any of you guys throw crankbaits from the shore? I haven't seen anyone mention them much. That produced pretty well for me last year. Mainly shad raps, lipless cranks as well as a few live target baits.
Catt reply :
I'll throw Rat-L-Traps, shallow cranks, & Rogues
Cgrinder reply :
I'll throw Shallow Shad Raps and a variety of lipless cranks, ranging anywhere from an original Rat-L-Trap to a Megabass Vibration X. Free tip of the day: a 1/4 oz Rat-L-Trap is a killer in shallow grass.
IDUTBass reply :
Glad I'm not the only one. I just picked up some dt6s to try. Any other shallow crank models you guys would suggest? I picked up some arashis, river 2 sea biggies and some kvd 1.5s but haven had much luck with square bills. I'm gonna try em on the rip rap around the dams here this year and hopefully my luck will change.
Cgrinder reply :
On 4/22/2015 at 1:04 PM, IDUTBass said:Glad I'm not the only one. I just picked up some dt6s to try. Any other shallow crank models you guys would suggest? I picked up some arashis, river 2 sea biggies and some kvd 1.5s but haven had much luck with square bills. I'm gonna try em on the rip rap around the dams here this year and hopefully my luck will change.
The Arashi Wake is on my short list.
Paul Roberts reply :
On 4/22/2015 at 10:17 AM, IDUTBass said:Do any of you guys throw crankbaits from the shore? I haven't seen anyone mention them much. That produced pretty well for me last year. Mainly shad raps, lipless cranks as well as a few live target baits.
Definitely. I've thrown every type at one time or another. As in boat fishing, positioning yourself can be key. The shore is more limiting but when you see the possibility, go for it. Cranks are just fun to fish.
QUAKEnSHAKE reply :
On 4/22/2015 at 1:04 PM, IDUTBass said:Glad I'm not the only one. I just picked up some dt6s to try. Any other shallow crank models you guys would suggest? I picked up some arashis, river 2 sea biggies and some kvd 1.5s but haven had much luck with square bills. I'm gonna try em on the rip rap around the dams here this year and hopefully my luck will change.
Here is my 1st crankbait fish this year. Square 5 Arashi Hot Blue Shad. Fish hit very hard for its size I also was using braid so that increases the feel of strikes.
wytstang reply :
I bank fish all the time and use mostly crankbaits (DT6 and or FAT03's mostly [using Arashi's more and more though]) with chatterbaits being my back up when the grass is grown to much (like it is right now).
Mossyoak88 reply :
I rarely get out on a boat and I'm pretty young (so not much experience). I've gone out 3 times this year and I haven't caught a thing. Are there any tips that you guys want to give?
kingmotorboat reply :
On 4/23/2015 at 4:51 AM, Mossyoak88 said:I rarely get out on a boat and I'm pretty young (so not much experience). I've gone out 3 times this year and I haven't caught a thing. Are there any tips that you guys want to give?
I was the same way a year ago. I just had tons of patience and in my downtime watched flukemastrers videos. I finally put it all together this season and had a few great trips I'm finally confident. Just don't give up. You will get it
lectricbassman reply :
On 4/23/2015 at 4:51 AM, Mossyoak88 said:I rarely get out on a boat and I'm pretty young (so not much experience). I've gone out 3 times this year and I haven't caught a thing. Are there any tips that you guys want to give?
Be patient and spend as much time on the water (on the shore of course) as you can! Watch lots of videos and read lots of articles in the mean time. Dont let the skunk get you down or play games with your head. Finding, fishing for, and catching bass is a skill that has to be developed and it just takes time. I was in the same position last year. One season on the water and i can tell a huge difference in my ability to catch fish.
lectricbassman reply :
One more thing, if you arent catching fish try something different even if youve had success with that lure or technique before. I got into a bad funk last year because i was stuck on buzzbaits. I still love fishing them but i realize theres a pretty small window of time in which they work.
Bruce424 reply :
Try somthing simple like a shakey head worm or wacky rigged worm
Catt reply :
On 4/23/2015 at 4:51 AM, Mossyoak88 said:I rarely get out on a boat and I'm pretty young (so not much experience). I've gone out 3 times this year and I haven't caught a thing. Are there any tips that you guys want to give?
Goto wwwbassresource.com
And keep chunkin-n-reelin!
kingmotorboat reply :
On 4/23/2015 at 6:52 AM, lectricbassman said:Be patient and spend as much time on the water (on the shore of course) as you can! Watch lots of videos and read lots of articles in the mean time. Dont let the skunk get you down or play games with your head. Finding, fishing for, and catching bass is a skill that has to be developed and it just takes time. I was in the same position last year. One season on the water and i can tell a huge difference in my ability to catch fish.
I'm in the same boat. No pun intended
ClackerBuzz reply :
On 4/23/2015 at 4:51 AM, Mossyoak88 said:I rarely get out on a boat and I'm pretty young (so not much experience). I've gone out 3 times this year and I haven't caught a thing. Are there any tips that you guys want to give?
this is something i just learned this year and posted on another thread:
I made a decision this year to only fish pre-spawn from the bank 25% of the time. everyone knows the fish don't move shallow b/c of water temps but there is another major factor: lack of cover. the banks are barren lands with no weeds for them to hide in. i have been catching all my kayak/boat bass out of dead deep weed patches where they still have cover. i just can't cast to them from shore. all my shore fish have come from water that has deep water access. it actually makes it easier b/c i get to skip 90% of the shoreline and only fish near the creek channel or spillway. looking forward to them coming closer to shore.
so my advice to you is to always fish near the deepest water in ur fishery. if you have to fish shallow early in the year try to fish around wood, docks, lay downs etc. later in the season just make sure you're around weeds. if you want to know how big the bass in ur fishery are fish at: dusk, dawn and night.
livemusic reply :
On 4/20/2015 at 2:11 AM, paul. said:during the spawn (which is where much of the country is right now), i believe that in many ways bank bound anglers hold a distinct advantage over guys in a boat regardless of what type of water you're talking about. the two biggest bass i have ever caught off beds, 12-0 and 12-2, both came while fishing from the bank. in the case of the 12-2, i was about to put the boat in the water when i just happened to notice that big fish rolling around on a bed. i knew that it would be almost impossible to catch that fish from a boat the way she was positioned. so i just left the boat alone and fished her from the bank (for 6 hours in the pouring rain).
the only time that i feel like it's a disadvantage to be on the bank is during the summer and winter when offshore fishing is the way to go (and only then if you are talking larger bodies of water).
You fished one fish for six hours? Can you elaborate?
kingmotorboat reply :
On 4/23/2015 at 8:17 PM, livemusic said:You fished one fish for six hours? Can you elaborate?
Indeed. Me personally I would rather put a few 2 and 3 lbers on the boat. Not bashing I think spending 2 hours on 1 fish is crazy unless money was involved
J Francho reply :
Said no one that caught a 12-2 largemouth. 
NoahWatts reply :
Just a week ago I spent 7.5 hours on a 9.75. And it was worth every second
kingmotorboat reply :
On 4/23/2015 at 10:08 PM, J Francho said:Said no one that caught a 12-2 largemouth.
Was my *** showing that much lol
paul. reply :
On 4/23/2015 at 8:17 PM, livemusic said:You fished one fish for six hours? Can you elaborate?
sure. at the time i was a complete novice at sight fishing and very, very bad at it. also, that fish was "in the act" of spawning for a LONG time that day. sometimes they can be very difficult to catch while they are actually in the act. third, i think by nature that was a very stubborn fish. fourth, the nest was covered in lily pads, so i just had to work through a tedious process of elimination (again with a very limited knowledge base) and "learn as i went" rather than being able to make the appropriate adjustments based on visual cues. and last, you tend to lose track of time when you're intensely focused on something. hours literally seemed like minutes at the time.
but i knew that i could not come back the next day. it was then or never. and this was the biggest fish i had ever laid eyes on at the time. i just mentally prepared myself that i was in it for the long haul - win, lose, or draw. ironically, that was the catch that really made me fall in love with sight fishing. to this day, it's still my very favorite way to catch fish. had i not caught that fish, i would have probably hated it for the rest of my life.
6 hours is nothing. at that point in my life i had waited 36 years for that fish. what's another 6 hours?
kingmotorboat reply :
On 4/24/2015 at 9:49 AM, paul. said:sure. at the time i was a complete novice at sight fishing and very, very bad at it. also, that fish was "in the act" of spawning for a LONG time that day. sometimes they can be very difficult to catch while they are actually in the act. third, i think by nature that was a very stubborn fish. fourth, the nest was covered in lily pads, so i just had to work through a tedious process of elimination (again with a very limited knowledge base) and "learn as i went" rather than being able to make the appropriate adjustments based on visual cues. and last, you tend to lose track of time when you're intensely focused on something. hours literally seemed like minutes at the time.
but i knew that i could not come back the next day. it was then or never. and this was the biggest fish i had ever laid eyes on at the time. i just mentally prepared myself that i was in it for the long haul - win, lose, or draw. ironically, that was the catch that really made me fall in love with sight fishing. to this day, it's still my very favorite way to catch fish. had i not caught that fish, i would have probably hated it for the rest of my life.
6 hours is nothing. at that point in my life i had waited 36 years for that fish. what's another 6 hours?
I completely retract everything I said. It completely makes sense waiting for that once on a lifetime anglers dream. What did you catch her on
SirSnookalot reply :
There are certain times of the year when I can catch some pretty hefty fish almost everyday, right they are not bass. I personally would not spend hours to catch 1 specific fish. I do fish for bass nearly every day too, I do it because I enjoy it and it gives me pleasure. For me it's the strike and the fight, the species is irrelevant. There is no scale or goal except to have fun. Don't think for second I'm cavalier, when I'm out there I'm intense and focused.
Joedodge reply :
Been sick all week so haven't been out to fish at all. But I agree with snook. I fish for enjoyment but I'm pretty dang focused on what's going on when I'm on the bank. If anything I'm more relaxed and leisurely when I'm in my canoe because there's more to look at lol.
paul. reply :
On 4/24/2015 at 11:40 AM, kingmotorboat said:I completely retract everything I said. It completely makes sense waiting for that once on a lifetime anglers dream. What did you catch her on
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=zetabait+deadly+swamp+rat&view=detailv2&&&id=C9DB307880843F3CD4BB99881F92739FBC4F3AA5&selectedIndex=1&ccid=zi9cILYW&simid=608037794785984707&thid=JN.dvJu8xC1LVb8gWAepmOlDQ&ajaxhist=0
being dead serious. one of the most deadly bed fishing baits ever if used correctly.
bigbill reply :
I fish from shore, I'm alone. Plus I can gun and run.
Fishing from shore is like fishing from a boat only backwards.
Be very, very, very quiet, stealthy. Don't step on roots or rocks sticking out of the ground. They send vibrations into the water. It's natures alarm system.
Fishing pressured places are ok, most of them aren't catching anything anyway. I don't have a clue as to what there doing nor do they. I see salt water rigs being casted out with 2oz sinkers. Scary. Example, With there surf casting rods what are they thinking. This is why I switched from evening fishing to early mornings 4/5am.
The bass are close to shore feeding before first light.(in the dark) be very quiet so you don't spook them. Don't coff, blow your nose, no tackle box noises. I use spinning reels so I can close the bail softly. NO NOISE AT ALL BE 100%++++ stealthy.
Knowing the bottom structure is the key. The depths, the holes, Drop offs, flats, rocky points, weed lines, transistion changes, currents, channels is also usable knowledge on how to fish it. A cast out portable fish finder will tell you some of this. I fish the smaller bodies of water where no topo maps are available. The depth tells us which crank bait to use.
My PB OF 10lbs was caught two feet from shore while casting parallel to the shoreline at a drop off. The fish was about 8ft away from me and I never spooked her. Stealth. These bass didn't get that big being dumb.
Example,
When there's action in the pads how do you fish it? I cast parallel to the edge of the pads past the area were I want my lure to be at. I walk the dog to the near the area not on top of it. I draw out the bass just incase there's more than one. I've seen bass leave the cover of the pads, swim out 8' to 10' to strike my lure. Focus on where you need to cast and make your presentation Oscar winning perfect. My point is knowing how to fish it. I work the weed lines along side an open channel. The channel runs 9'/10' deep, I use my 10' diving cranks, my Carolina rig, spinnerbait in a slow mode. On top of the submerged weeds I use a bomber fat A that floats and I stop it over the open weed pockets. Twitching the rod tip a little the crank rattles ringing the dinner bell.
The rocky points I cast down them with a jig/pig or skip fan cast across them with a spinnerbait or inline spinner.
Ok my point is be stealthy,
RSM789 reply :
On 4/23/2015 at 10:08 PM, J Francho said:Said no one that caught a 12-2 largemouth.
There are anglers who used to fish Lake Mission Viejo (before the yellow algae fish kill) who would pass up 12 lb fish on beds. They were hunting a world record and would not spend any time on anything that looked smaller than 15 lbs. So they qualify as someone who caught at least a 12-2, but would not spend six hours fishing for one that size. They would spend six hours fish for one that went 22-2, but not one that most of us would call the fish of a lifetime. In other words, it is all relative to what you consider to be the largest fish you could ever catch.
I wonder if Tom (WRB) would spend six hours trying to catch a 12-2 bedding fish? Based on his accomplishments, I would think not.
Joedodge reply :
A lot of the ponds and lakes in my area are quite pressured finding those un fished gems is pretty rough. Lots of hydrilla also makes it tough. I have t had to so stealthily quite tho. I'm sure it helps. But I'm also out for size and numbers I like catching fish. We have fields of pads I mean thick weighted ribbon tails or a top water frog seems to do the best.
Senko lover reply :
Here's something that I've learned in the last two weeks.
Been seeing a lot of carp lately, and discovered something important.
When you see the big carp rooting around in the bottom, kicking up a lot of mud, they also attract bass.
I've caught several bass throwing a worm into the mud. I guess the carp are throwing around a lot of small worms & such and the bass are taking advantage of such an opportunity.
Try it! It works.
BW208 reply :
I also see bass around carp a lot. That makes sense.
Joedodge reply :
On 4/26/2015 at 6:13 AM, Senko lover said:Here's something that I've learned in the last two weeks.
Been seeing a lot of carp lately, and discovered something important.
When you see the big carp rooting around in the bottom, kicking up a lot of mud, they also attract bass.
I've caught several bass throwing a worm into the mud. I guess the carp are throwing around a lot of small worms & such and the bass are taking advantage of such an opportunity.
Try it! It works.
Hmmmm the carp have been spawning like crazy here. I never thought about this attracting bass in anyway!
QUAKEnSHAKE reply :
Carp may disturb some crawdads and the bass get'em
QUAKEnSHAKE reply :
Here are some bank catches from earlier today used Spro Bucktail jig to get them. Hair jigs are another to me I feel not so common lure that a lot of people pass up. Just do not get much recognition. They cast great compact basically a sinker with a little bit of hair that catch fish. Good in early season cold water conditions
1st pic 3.28#, 2nd/3rd pic 3.83#
Paul Roberts reply :
Hair jigs ARE great baits, and not just in cold water. I've also liked marabou, which few people use it seems. Only drawback to 'bou is it has a tendency to pick up algae and detritus in weedy places. Although not needed I often use a trailer -pork chuck, strips, or plastics. I also have clip-on overhead spinners in my hair jig box which can slow speed and add flash, motion, and vibration. All jigs are great -plastic, hair, or feather. They'll teach you to fish any bait better.
SirSnookalot reply :
Jigs are one of my mainstay baits, from bluegill to sailfish they are one of the best producers. I make marabou jigs for peacocks, LMB bass don't seem to reject them. One of my favorites is a flats bonefish jig for bass fishing.
There isn't a species I target in both fresh and salt that won't strike a bucktail, or any other material for that matter.
J Francho reply :
On 4/26/2015 at 1:21 AM, RSM789 said:There are anglers who used to fish Lake Mission Viejo (before the yellow algae fish kill) who would pass up 12 lb fish on beds. They were hunting a world record and would not spend any time on anything that looked smaller than 15 lbs. So they qualify as someone who caught at least a 12-2, but would not spend six hours fishing for one that size. They would spend six hours fish for one that went 22-2, but not one that most of us would call the fish of a lifetime. In other words, it is all relative to what you consider to be the largest fish you could ever catch.
I wonder if Tom (WRB) would spend six hours trying to catch a 12-2 bedding fish? Based on his accomplishments, I would think not.
We're they fishing from the shore?
Dogmatic reply :
On 4/26/2015 at 6:13 AM, Senko lover said:Here's something that I've learned in the last two weeks.
Been seeing a lot of carp lately, and discovered something important.
When you see the big carp rooting around in the bottom, kicking up a lot of mud, they also attract bass.
I've caught several bass throwing a worm into the mud. I guess the carp are throwing around a lot of small worms & such and the bass are taking advantage of such an opportunity.
Try it! It works.
I've noticed this also. I once observed a "wolf pack" of 3 lb LMB following two channel cats that were rooting around in the grass. They literally followed the cats all over, hanging right on their backs, just waiting for something to scurry away. They were very difficult to catch because they were so focused and moving pretty fast.
J Francho reply :
I've seen some similar activity. A REALLY fast moving bait sometimes works. Other times it just scares them, or they ignore it.
RSM789 reply :
On 4/27/2015 at 8:41 PM, J Francho said:We're they fishing from the shore?
Where in your comment that implied anyone who has caught a 12-2 before would be willing to spend 6 hours on a bedding fish did you specify that only applies to shore anglers? I do realize that bank fishing is what this thread is about, but your comment made no division between the two.
Are you trying to say that shore anglers are willing to spend more time trying to catch a large bedding fish than boat anglers? If so, then how do you classify the author of that post, because he was launching his boat when he spotted that 12-2. He would have used his boat to catch him, but he had better access from the shore.
J Francho reply :
relevance? See the title of the thread.
RSM789 reply :
Are you referring to your post or mine?
BTW, no need for snarkiness in responses.
J Francho reply :
Do you have any useful tips for shore fishing?
RSM789 reply :
Yes I do.
If you are shore fishing & get your lure hung up on a log that has little feet & big teeth, just cut your line and walk away.
J Francho reply :
That is a good tip. Your purpose is clear.
RSM789 reply :
Thank you for the compliment, that is a very nice thing to say.
Catt reply :
The best big bass guy on this site is Fish Chris, he has been known to get out of the boat to catch 18# plus bass!
Starchalopakis reply :
Got my first bass on a jig! Got it hitting the banks of a golf course pond at night.
Paul Roberts reply :
On 4/26/2015 at 6:13 AM, Senko lover said:Here's something that I've learned in the last two weeks.
Been seeing a lot of carp lately, and discovered something important.
When you see the big carp rooting around in the bottom, kicking up a lot of mud, they also attract bass.
I've caught several bass throwing a worm into the mud. I guess the carp are throwing around a lot of small worms & such and the bass are taking advantage of such an opportunity.
Try it! It works.
On 4/27/2015 at 9:19 PM, Dogmatic said:I've noticed this also. I once observed a "wolf pack" of 3 lb LMB following two channel cats that were rooting around in the grass. They literally followed the cats all over, hanging right on their backs, just waiting for something to scurry away. They were very difficult to catch because they were so focused and moving pretty fast.
I've seen this too -bass obviously hunting behind carp and catfish -like egrets following cattle and gulls following tractors. I've caught the bass too a few times, by throwing a worm or jig in their path.
Paul Roberts reply :
A bank fishing tip:
One thing I do when I arrive to fish, esp on a new water body to me, is to walk the bank before I wet a line. So worthwhile. This has saved me from tons of unnecessary casting, from spooking fish I could have been aware of, helped me get a bead on conditions, identify best locations, and home in on most appropriate lures. Fish are not randomly distributed.
Here's a pithy example:
I used to drive around a lot knocking on doors asking permission to fish anything I saw that looked interesting. One day on the way home from a bit of pond-hopping with a buddy we stopped at a farmhouse that had a tiny little pond out back. It had nice water color and the owner was out putting a tractor away. Easy stop.
“Sure!" he said. "Just put ‘em back. There are 5 bass in there; my son put ‘em in last year.” We went down to the water and my buddy immediately set out to casting. I walked. From the pond’s high side I spotted 4 dark shapes in one corner of the pond –something like a little cove with some emergent vegetation and overhanging shrubbery. There were 4 of the 5 bass in the pond right there -each about 13". My buddy was not aware of them and was still a third of the pond bank and 20-some casts away.
To my left was a darker colored corner so I walked down there and found a deep pothole, obviously dug when the pond was built. I tied on a small twister jig (Phenom worm tail on a jig head) made one cast and caught bass #5 from the depths of that pocket –a good 18” 3-1/2 lb fish.
Walking costs nothing but time, and it’s time well spent.
hatrix reply :
If there are places you can't reach because of brush or have to make awkward casts because of branches I would recommend a machete. That is as long as it will be ok and depending on how dedicated you are to get there. I started using one last year to reach places way back in the woods no one has ever fished. Or to make casting easier in places and give you that angle or distance you could never get.
As for the square bill guy you don't have to bang them off rocks and stumps ect to catch fish. Being on the bank you have the best position to parallel the bank and just grind them along the bottom. They are also very effective over weeds. You just need the correct crank for the depth and one with the correct bouyancy. It takes some practice to get good but it can pay off huge. I caught a bunch of fish today running them over grass a foot or so below the surface. A minus 1 can really put a hurt on ponds that are choked almost to the top with weeds.
SirSnookalot reply :
The more casts I make the better my chances are. Catching a fish is easy but the great fish (not so easy) is having your lure thrown in the perfect place at the the perfect point in time, a few seconds either way can mean a strike or not. As I'm retrieving my eyes are roving looking for the spot to place my next cast. I waste as little time as possible, measuring a fish that appears to shorter than my rod butt, what's the point. I try to keep a constant flow, dry lures catch nothing.
HoosierHawgs reply :
I also fish small structured reservoirs. That and I wade a lot of creeks on summer nights. Even though the fish aren't as big there is usually no one there and its a great way to connect with friends and nature.... Which in the end is what its all about.On 4/19/2015 at 4:19 AM, deep said:<- that's an 8-08 NLMB in my profile pic (from the bank), btw.
Small structured reservoirs.
GoneFishi'n reply :
Senko lover reply :
^Nice fish, but I have a feeling it's not quite as big as it looks 
.
Caught a small (4 lb.) catfish today in my pond. Funny thing is, I've been fishing this place for two years, bottom, top, you name it, never seen or caught a catfish. Pegged it today on a swimbait. Made me laugh and realize I might not know as much about species in the ponds I fish as I think.
Senko lover reply :
So here's something that has driven home to me over the last two weeks.
I often walk entirely around my ponds, fancasting. I will often see a bass or get a bite that doesn't connect. So I'll fish for that bass and then move on. Well, I've learned that as I move farther down the bank, the fish will return to it's position. Once I'm through casting the next section, I'll fling my bait back over to where I got that bite, and often, I'll get another. It often produces even if you saw no signs of a fish.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 4/29/2015 at 4:52 AM, Senko lover said:^Nice fish, but I have a feeling it's not quite as big as it looks
Caught a small (4 lb.) catfish today in my pond. Funny thing is, I've been fishing this place for two years, bottom, top, you name it, never seen or caught a catfish. Pegged it today on a swimbait. Made me laugh and realize I might not know as much about species in the ponds I fish as I think.
GoneFish'n is pretty dedicated to fishing big swimbaits and catches a lot of big swimbait sized fish. I'm guessing it's exactly as big as it looks
Senko lover reply :
On 4/29/2015 at 7:49 PM, Bluebasser86 said:GoneFish'n is pretty dedicated to fishing big swimbaits and catches a lot of big swimbait sized fish. I'm guessing it's exactly as big as it looks
I wasn't trying to come across as negative, that's a huge fish, but the camera angle and how it's held out just is a little deceptive. Beautiful fish all the same.
J Francho reply :
The base of the caudal fin is four fingers wide. Next time you catch a fish, measure that.
greentrout reply :
I live in the Bayou City, 4 million people. Office parks, apartment complexes, golf courses, residential neighborhoods, water retention ponds, utility districts releasing clean processed water into 20 acres of land, bayous all through the city with heavy traffic all around. Some of these places harbor LMB up to 8lbs. Great fishing all by foot. Good fishing.
Old school basser...
Matthew2000 reply :
I had to stand on a tree that was about 3 inches in diameter to cast over some reeds. I was wearing 18 inch boots, my balance has now improved extremely. I caught 2 fish in the same spot swimming a paca craw.
Murrica reply :
Caught this hog on a topwater frog last night. Picked the pond apart before she choked the frog down.
Phelptwan reply :
It was a good morning for walking the bank.
Full Size images;
http://imgur.com/a/qAK4Q
kingmotorboat reply :
On 5/1/2015 at 10:05 AM, greentrout said:I live in the Bayou City, 4 million people. Office parks, apartment complexes, golf courses, residential neighborhoods, water retention ponds, utility districts releasing clean processed water into 20 acres of land, bayous all through the city with heavy traffic all around. Some of these places harbor LMB up to 8lbs. Great fishing all by foot. Good fishing.
Old school basser...
Where is this green trout
JMcCoy1125 reply :
Was wondering, the other day I was bank fishing a river (clear to stained water, slow to fast flow) with a buddy and it was 81 degrees clear skies all day long I didn't get 1 bite and my buddy caught 6 bass in total any ideas?
SirSnookalot reply :
^^ He was luckier ^^
kingmotorboat reply :
Maybe color maybe profile maybe action maybe luck who knows
Heron reply :
On 4/18/2015 at 10:19 PM, deep said:I said it before, and will say it again; if you're not catching the quantity or quality you want, it's because
1. you can't reach useful structure from the shoreline => in which case, find yourself another (smaller) reservoir.
2. or you don't know how to catch them => in which case, work on your fishing tactics- knowledge about bass, baitfish, structure, baits and presentations.
Here's a 9-07 NLMB from walking the banks. *Post-spawn* fish btw.
Refresh my memory...what all are you defining as "useful structure?"
Senko lover reply :
On 5/6/2015 at 5:12 AM, Heron said:Refresh my memory...what all are you defining as "useful structure?"
Any structure that's non-useful
Mccallister25 reply :
Any tips on spinnerbaits from the bank?
Bruce424 reply :
On 5/6/2015 at 6:29 AM, Mccallister496 said:Any tips on spinnerbaits from the bank?
Parallel the bank for best results. Try to go past cover multiple cast to your target and use a stop and go retrieve. Changing up speeds too. All tips you probly already know.
Mccallister25 reply :
On 5/6/2015 at 9:23 AM, Bruce424 said:Parallel the bank for best results. Try to go past cover multiple cast to your target and use a stop and go retrieve. Changing up speeds too. All tips you probly already know.
Yea, stuff I already knew. Thanks though! Wanting to get a confidence built up with em. A lack of visable cover around my ponds makes it hard on me.
deep reply :
On 5/6/2015 at 5:12 AM, Heron said:Refresh my memory...what all are you defining as "useful structure?"
Oversimplification- I start with the third of the reservoir that's more likely to hold bigger bass in a given season. For cold water period, it's the lower third. Doesn't mean I'm not going to check other parts occasionally. I find the deepest water in the area (usually a creek channel), and then work shallower along/ around/ on structures. Points/ ridges/ humps/ edges of flats/ manmade structures (roadbeds etc). Sometimes, I'll not cast all the way into the creek channel, and make shorter casts/ stay shallower (depends on the depth I'm getting bites at).
For the details, find and study the structure threads. Or read Bill Murphy's/ Buck Perry's books.
Heron reply :
On 5/6/2015 at 10:55 AM, deep said:Oversimplification- I start with the third of the reservoir that's more likely to hold bigger bass in a given season. For cold water period, it's the lower third. Doesn't mean I'm not going to check other parts occasionally. I find the deepest water in the area (usually a creek channel), and then work shallower along/ around/ on structures. Points/ ridges/ humps/ edges of flats/ manmade structures (roadbeds etc). Sometimes, I'll not cast all the way into the creek channel, and make shorter casts/ stay shallower (depends on the depth I'm getting bites at).
For the details, find and study the structure threads. Or read Bill Murphy's/ Buck Perry's books.
Are you using topographical maps for the reservoirs that you fish at?
Catt reply :
All bass will be related to structure...not all structure holds bass!
Usefull structure holds bass
deep reply :
On 5/7/2015 at 12:04 AM, Heron said:Are you using topographical maps for the reservoirs that you fish at?
Topo maps, old aerial photos, low water photos, surrounding (ground) terrain, knowledge from dragging the bottom, watching color breaks (during a runoff), and more. Anything I can use.
Bruce424 reply :
Yea Google Earth is your friend if you can't find any other maps
Paul Roberts reply :
On 5/6/2015 at 6:29 AM, Mccallister496 said:Any tips on spinnerbaits from the bank?
SB's have been a GoTo for me under certain conditions -and clear open water with no cover ("swimming pools") doesn't tend to be one of them. That said, I can't imagine not having confidence in SB's in general. For waters with little cover here's what I'd suggest:
-Use what "ambush points" you have available: if only the bottom and surface film.
-Visibility conditions factor in esp if there is little cover, so I'd be looking for some overcast, surface chop, and off-colored water to chip away at probabilities.
-Triggers can make it happen: Speed (keep it moving), and speed and direction changes help a lot.
-Translucent/realistic skirts and "colors" might help in clear water. I can be pretty picky about, and am continually shopping for, skirts.
-Downsize a bit.
-Upsize in weight to add speed and crashing ability. This can also be done with many SB's by adding a 'pinch-grip' sinker to the shank behind the skirt.
The overall idea I'm getting at above is that SBs give a good baitfish impression but it helps if visibility is obscured some via conditions, ambush points, speed, skirt color, and overall size. Seems that there's more to obscure with a SB than with many other baits, or that it factors in more.
Ach! I wrote all this and then realized I'd confused this thread with another talking about waters with little cover. So... add cover and structural elements and... SB's are just plain bass catchers from shore or boat.
On 5/13/2015 at 7:03 AM, Bruce424 said:Yea Google Earth is your friend if you can't find any other maps
Google Earth is an amazing pre-scouting tool.
deep reply :
Directional changes. Bill Siemantel seems to talk a lot about this. Think of a crankbait deflecting off a laydown or a boulder. Now here's the deal, your bait doesn't have to physically hit something to make that directional change. You can impart that action yourself, when the bait nears a piece of cover (or structure). You have to intimately know the water if the structure/ cover isn't visible. Change the speed or the depth. Remember that depth and speed are the two primary controls you have.
(Paul talked about triggers above.)
I like to end my retrieves with a figure 8 (or two) unless the water in front of me is really shallow, and I'm 100% sure there isn't a follower (bass are curious creatures).
Paul Roberts reply :
Yes, deflection is one way to get direction changes and triggering. But just sticking the rod off to one side or the other -sometimes both- can trigger strikes. It can’t really be done with too long a line out, working best nearer the end of the retrieve.
I'll do several things to try and trigger strikes. When I come to a piece of cover I'm apt to crash it, or accelerate past it. Or I may kill it, esp if the cover piece is dark and has an edge for bass to pop out from. When I cross open spots I may reach out to one side with the rod to abruptly change direction. I may even zig-zag here and there. The idea is to look like a panicked prey fish.
Just an acceleration can do it, and it doesn't take much –a few accelerating cranks of the reel handle -deadly with a SB, lipless, or swim jig. Sometimes I think people get strikes when their attention starts to fade (and at the very end of retrieves) bc they inadvertently vary the retrieve. “Varying the retrieve” does not mean just randomly breaking things up. Being thoughtful about when and where you apply those variations is where the casting becomes fishing.
Direction changes are the reason why some lures are so effective such as walking topwaters, CB’s that ‘hunt’, and bladebaits. Lures that fall, such as jigs, are essentially doing a direction change as they fall, although there’s more to the reason falling baits are so effective on bass than direction change.
And speaking of the "end of retrieves", a big triggering advantage bank anglers have is inherent in the fact that they are retrieving the lure from the depths into the shallows. A following bass has to react quickly before the “prey” escapes into the shallows –a strong trigger. Bill Siementel talks about this one too, although this isn’t news to wide awake shore anglers everywhere. Bank fish enough and you’ll see this natural trigger in action, and then can watch for opportunities to take advantage of it.
You know deep, I've not tried figure-eighting for bass. I should probably try it some.
J Francho reply :
QuoteYes, deflection is one way to get direction changes and triggering. But just sticking the rod off to one side or the other -sometimes both- can trigger strikes. It can’t really be done with too long a line out, working best nearer the end of the retrieve.
Here's where the swimbaiter's toolkit is better - many of the baits we're using CAN do this, on a long cast.
Paul Roberts reply :
On 5/13/2015 at 9:22 PM, J Francho said:Here's where the swimbaiter's toolkit is better - many of the baits we're using CAN do this, on a long cast.
Long rod and 'hunting' bait?
J Francho reply :
Take a look at what guys are doing with glide baits. It's not "hunting" if you're in control of what the bait is doing.
greentrout reply :
On 5/2/2015 at 11:50 PM, kingmotorboat said:Where is this green trout
http://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/boat/paddlingtrails/coastal/buffalo_bayou/index.phtml
Bruce424 reply :
What do you guys use to carry all your tackle in and how do you organize it??
MIbassyaker reply :
On 5/30/2015 at 6:19 AM, Bruce424 said:What do you guys use to carry all your tackle in and how do you organize it??
When bank fishing I go for mobility -- a backpack with a few bags of plastics + a couple plano boxes, about 3500 size, usually one with a few cranks and topwaters, and one with some jigs and terminal tackle. Spinnerbaits and buzzbaits in a secondary pocket on the pack. Scale and measure in the pack, pliers in a pocket.
*Hank reply :
On 5/30/2015 at 7:20 AM, MIbassyaker said:When bank fishing I go for mobility -- a backpack with a few bags of plastics + a couple plano boxes, about 3500 size, usually one with a few cranks and topwaters, and one with some jigs and terminal tackle. Spinnerbaits and buzzbaits in a secondary pocket on the pack. Scale and measure in the pack, pliers in a pocket.
That's exactly how I do it! Works great.
HoosierHawgs reply :
To keep this bad boy alive, here are some we caught at a local reservoir similar to hat Deep mentioned. Nice and rainy, overcast. All on a spinnerbait.
deep reply :
I guess it's post-spawn/ summer in the northern half of the country now.
Even in post-spawn, I do find some shallow fish. Look for bluegill beds. Also an incoming creek dumping water if the inflow is cooler (all sorts of soft breaks including color, temperature and oxygen).
One post-spawn/ summer location that always seems to work (for me) are steeper banks, especially if there's a shade line in afternoon.
If there are some laydowns you can reach, try a rat swimbait around those (PB and morning wood are the two I like) when the sun is out- positions the fish better. Don't wake it, twitch and walk-the-dog the bait. They will come up for a big bait even in the middle of the day. (I learnt this from Speed first.)
Southern Trout Eaters has some good footage on Nezummas (and Slammers too).
HoosierHawgs reply :
On 6/1/2015 at 10:32 PM, deep said:I guess it's post-spawn/ summer in the northern half of the country now.
Even in post-spawn, I do find some shallow fish. Look for bluegill beds. Also an incoming creek dumping water if the inflow is cooler (all sorts of soft breaks including color, temperature and oxygen).
One post-spawn/ summer location that always seems to work (for me) are steeper banks, especially if there's a shade line in afternoon.
If there are some laydowns you can reach, try a rat swimbait around those (PB and morning wood are the two I like) when the sun is out- positions the fish better. Don't wake it, twitch and walk-the-dog the bait. They will come up for a big bait even in the middle of the day. (I learnt this from Speed first.)
Southern Trout Eaters has some good footage on Nezummas (and Slammers too).
Good tips, and yeah it's just about post spawn here, most of the fish are spawned out. I fish a lot of shallow water year round though. I really like fishing a small reservoir because the water feeding it brings in current and food, and its about the best habitat a bass could have. Guys in Indiana complain there's no big fish here, but you just have to find the right place. And no, I'm not giving away my spots lol.
deep reply :
Any new success stories?
I was doing a ton of pitch-skipping under overhangs yesterday and was reminded of something very basic.
Practice your backhand casts, skipping and pitching in your spare time.
I do all three with baitcasting gear (my skips aren't very pretty though but I don't have any spinning gear). If you can't get your bait in front of the fish, you're not going to get bit.
lectricbassman reply :
On 6/19/2015 at 2:58 AM, deep said:Any new success stories?
I was doing a ton of pitch-skipping under overhangs yesterday and was reminded of something very basic.
Practice your backhand casts, skipping and pitching in your spare time.
I do all three with baitcasting gear (my skips aren't very pretty though but I don't have any spinning gear). If you can't get your bait in front of the fish, you're not going to get bit.
Ive been practicing my backhand cast too. Working from the bank, i realized how many good spots ive been passing up by not having that technique down. Ive been killing it with frogs from the bank though!
Senko lover reply :
I agree. Working long days in the hot NC sun, I haven't felt like going fishing when I get home for about 5-6 days.....the urge to go is so strong until I step outside the door into the oven that is North Carolina right now.
In my off time, I have been working on my skills. I've gotten basic skipping down pretty well, now I'm working on distance skipping with my brakes set down, which is really fun. I always work on flipping and pitching and soft presentation. Now I'm also learning how to cast my righty reel with my left hand, for spots on the bank where I can't get my right handed casts into play and I need to cast to something to my far right. Also, it should come in handy when I'm on the back of a small johnboat, where if I cast righty and side-armed, I'll hit the pilot 
HoosierHawgs reply :
I've been catching em good on 2.5 Squarebills lately. They've been killing it! They just slam that thing and almost tear the rod out of your hand! Spinnerbaits are good too. All shad colored stuff. Can't wait to get out and try my rage blade this weekend.
vmabuck reply :
I do a lot of bank fishing. I like it. It is because of my fly fishing roots.
I like being on foot. Right now I am doing very well with hollow body frogs and punching using a Black Neon YUM Mighty Bug which is working well. Just picked up some heavy cover swim jigs and I will give those a go over the weekend.
My best lake bank bass (LBB) so far...
kingmotorboat reply :
Nice since I've started this topic I've graduated to a boat. But still do a little bank roaming sometimes
BIGDFISHERMAN reply :
Did good today with some luck e strike ribbed senko type worms that were 4 inches and watermelon and green pumpkin. Rigged texas style weightless. Fishing milfoil edges in about 4 feet of water. From the bank of course.
*Hank reply :
That's a pig! Congrats!On 6/19/2015 at 10:27 AM, vmabuck said:I do a lot of bank fishing. I like it. It is because of my fly fishing roots.
I like being on foot. Right now I am doing very well with hollow body frogs and punching using a Black Neon YUM Mighty Bug which is working well. Just picked up some heavy cover swim jigs and I will give those a go over the weekend.
My best lake bank bass (LBB) so far...
HoosierHawgs reply :
All caught on the 2.5 rattling squarebill from the bank
Senko lover reply :
On 6/19/2015 at 10:27 AM, vmabuck said:I do a lot of bank fishing. I like it. It is because of my fly fishing roots.
I like being on foot. Right now I am doing very well with hollow body frogs and punching using a Black Neon YUM Mighty Bug which is working well. Just picked up some heavy cover swim jigs and I will give those a go over the weekend.
My best lake bank bass (LBB) so far...
Is that the Pfleuger Purist? How do you like the EMotion?
Sam reply :
Senko Lover, shouldn't you be doing homework or sleeping in or fishing or something other than being on the computer?
If you are up at 6:30 AM why aren't you on the water?
Get that rod and your gear and head out to the bank.
You are missing some great bank fishing with topwaters.
lectricbassman reply :
On 6/19/2015 at 7:24 PM, Sam said:Senko Lover, shouldn't you be doing homework or sleeping in or fishing or something other than being on the computer?
If you are up at 6:30 AM why aren't you on the water?
Get that rod and your gear and head out to the bank.
You are missing some great bank fishing with topwaters.
vmabuck reply :
On 6/19/2015 at 6:33 PM, Senko lover said:Is that the Pfleuger Purist? How do you like the EMotion?
That is an H2O Express from Academy. I am very happy with it for the price. I picked it up for $50. All aluminum body and casts great. A lot of good reviews about it out there as well.
I posted a review of that E-Motion in another thread So I will just quote that here:
"Well, I am speaking from minimal experience when it comes to these baitcast rods but I have a world of experience in fly fishing rods. I like the clean look of the E-Motion, and it has those hybrid guides, not micro but not full size either which I think performs smoother compared to my other rod and it looks really good. The white guide wraps against the matte black carbon fiber looks really good as well.
This rod is handling some really tough pulls! I get them in fast. The reviews online for this rod seem very good as well. I think I lucked out with this combo. I just took what knowledge I had of fly fishing equipment and applied to some more budget minded bass gear and my instincts were pretty right on. The rod feels like a good bit of quality. I also like that there is no padding past the reel. I can set my finger on the blank and really feel what is happening.
I feel like it is an entry level pro-performance rig. Kind of like in mtn bikes. I got the good frame and rims but not a top of the line component group..."
For $60 I think it is a good deal...
HoosierHawgs reply :
Caught a decent sized one this morning on the 2.5. Lost another one, at least a 4 lb fish. I need to work on keeping my rod tip down as I feel the fish try and come up, because once they breach and get some slack, they throw that hook in no time flat.
HoosierHawgs reply :
Also, really enjoyed the BPS Extreme HM54 6'6" MH I night for Squarebills. Nice moderate action but plenty of backbone. Nice and sensitive, as well as light and balanced to boot.
lectricbassman reply :
Caught these this morning from the bank on a white scum frog. Who says you need a boat!?
vmabuck reply :
On 6/20/2015 at 11:45 PM, lectricbassman said:Caught these this morning from the bank on a white scum frog. Who says you need a boat!?
Fatties!
BIGDFISHERMAN reply :
On 6/20/2015 at 11:45 PM, lectricbassman said:Caught these this morning from the bank on a white scum frog. Who says you need a boat!?
Lordy I need to get me some of that frog bite. Knew I should have bought those scum frogs at the store.
vmabuck reply :
On 6/21/2015 at 12:06 AM, BIGDFISHERMAN said:Lordy I need to get me some of that frog bite. Knew I should have bought those scum frogs at the store.
I think most any frog will work to an extent but I tell you, this KVD sexy frog seems to really entice the big ones.
I went out with my dad last night, I missed to bruisers and he got no strikes. He was using the Padcrasher. I fished the Scum Frog on the banks all one morning a week or so ago with out a strike. Next day, landed two decent fish with KVD Sexy Frog fishing the same ground. I don't know what it is, but for me, they seem to like that better. I use the mottled brown pattern with the pearl/yellow belly.
The other tip I got from Youtube was to cut almost half of the leg material off. Seems to have help my hit/miss ratio.
This is probably all anecdotal evidence but it inspires my confidence so I am sticking with it. LOL!
lectricbassman reply :
On 6/21/2015 at 12:19 AM, vmabuck said:I think most any frog will work to an extent but I tell you, this KVD sexy frog seems to really entice the big ones.
I went out with my dad last night, I missed to bruisers and he got no strikes. He was using the Padcrasher. I fished the Scum Frog on the banks all one morning a week or so ago with out a strike. Next day, landed two decent fish with KVD Sexy Frog fishing the same ground. I don't know what it is, but for me, they seem to like that better. I use the mottled brown pattern with the pearl/yellow belly.
The other tip I got from Youtube was to cut almost half of the leg material off. Seems to have help my hit/miss ratio.
This is probably all anecdotal evidence but it inspires my confidence so I am sticking with it. LOL!
I think youre on the right track. The type of frog doent matter so much as the size and color. I also use booyah pad crashers and the h20 tiny toads. The pad crashers are pretty big compared to the scum and h20 frogs. Right now, in my waters, smaller is key. As far as colors, light or dark bellies, thats all i care about. Use one or the other depending on the lighting conditions.
Im pretty sure bass dont see what brands of frogs we use. Where im throwing them i doubt they even see a frog, just something moving on the surface, an easy meal. Not saying there isnt a place for the other types and brands of frogs, i just like to keep it simple and not overthink it
wytstang reply :
I've been struggling off the banks since just after winter basically. I'll have an o.k day here and there but this year seems to be off in the ponds I fish. On top of that baby gators have shown up and they love to chase lures and pretty much ruin my cast/retrieve. Yesterday skunked and today I fished for about 6 hours with just 2 fish ( one 1/2lb and one 3.90lb bass) for my effort. I thought with the early summer we are having the banks would be loaded with lunkers feeding but nope I can't find them.
lectricbassman reply :
On 6/21/2015 at 2:56 AM, wytstang said:I've been struggling off the banks since just after winter basically. I'll have an o.k day here and there but this year seems to be off in the ponds I fish. On top of that baby gators have shown up and they love to chase lures and pretty much ruin my cast/retrieve. Yesterday skunked and today I fished for about 6 hours with just 2 fish ( one 1/2lb and one 3.90lb bass) for my effort. I thought with the early summer we are having the banks would be loaded with lunkers feeding but nope I can't find them.
Haha baby gators! I thought turtles were bad, guess i should consider myself lucky!
wytstang reply :
On 6/21/2015 at 3:29 AM, lectricbassman said:Haha baby gators! I thought turtles were bad, guess i should consider myself lucky!
The turtles take off as soon as they see me but the baby gators swim towards me to see what I got. I have a lil fun with them every now and again, it's the only way I keep my patients with them. Besides I'm just a guest in their home. Here's a short vid I made for my mom to show how close they like to get before they hit the brakes.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v280/wytstang/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-06/th_20150605_085405_zpspggbvdew.mp4
HoosierHawgs reply :
We have turtles here too. One broke my buddy off a few weeks ago.On 6/21/2015 at 3:29 AM, lectricbassman said:Haha baby gators! I thought turtles were bad, guess i should consider myself lucky!
BIGDFISHERMAN reply :
On 6/21/2015 at 12:06 AM, BIGDFISHERMAN said:Lordy I need to get me some of that frog bite. Knew I should have bought those scum frogs at the store.
On 6/21/2015 at 12:19 AM, vmabuck said:I think most any frog will work to an extent but I tell you, this KVD sexy frog seems to really entice the big ones.
I went out with my dad last night, I missed to bruisers and he got no strikes. He was using the Padcrasher. I fished the Scum Frog on the banks all one morning a week or so ago with out a strike. Next day, landed two decent fish with KVD Sexy Frog fishing the same ground. I don't know what it is, but for me, they seem to like that better. I use the mottled brown pattern with the pearl/yellow belly.
The other tip I got from Youtube was to cut almost half of the leg material off. Seems to have help my hit/miss ratio.
This is probably all anecdotal evidence but it inspires my confidence so I am sticking with it. LOL!
Well, ran to Dicks Sporting Goods on the way to get my wife since I saw they had some sales on frogs and picked up a *** Combat Frog in the Cane pattern, a Booyah Poppin Pad Crasher in Bull Frog for more open water and weeds, and Jawbone tackle company smaller sized frog in lighter colors that my daughter picked out.
HoosierHawgs reply :
All good frog choices. Now you just have to get Kermit to sashay across a ten pounder.On 6/21/2015 at 8:25 AM, BIGDFISHERMAN said:Well, ran to Dicks Sporting Goods on the way to get my wife since I saw they had some sales on frogs and picked up a *** Combat Frog in the Cane pattern, a Booyah Poppin Pad Crasher in Bull Frog for more open water and weeds, and Jawbone tackle company smaller sized frog in lighter colors that my daughter picked out.
lectricbassman reply :
On 6/21/2015 at 8:25 AM, BIGDFISHERMAN said:Well, ran to Dicks Sporting Goods on the way to get my wife since I saw they had some sales on frogs and picked up a *** Combat Frog in the Cane pattern, a Booyah Poppin Pad Crasher in Bull Frog for more open water and weeds, and Jawbone tackle company smaller sized frog in lighter colors that my daughter picked out.
Ive wanted to try the jawbone line of products, let us know how they do
BIGDFISHERMAN reply :
Thanks, mainly wanted to try to cover multiple scenarios. If I bust anything 8lbs or bigger I will be extremely happy.On 6/21/2015 at 10:30 AM, jakob1010 said:All good frog choices. Now you just have to get Kermit to sashay across a ten pounder.
Will do, look pretty good, about the same size as scum frogs with short "legs", went ahead and sealed the hook up.On 6/21/2015 at 10:54 AM, lectricbassman said:Ive wanted to try the jawbone line of products, let us know how they do
HoosierHawgs reply :
Looks like the pics are upside down, but here are some fish I caught on the 2.5 this morning. Caught 5 total. Only got 2 pictures.
lectricbassman reply :
Nice fish, 5 in a morning aint bad!
Adleyfishes reply :
I bank fish mostly I struggle late in the day so I may go out in a paddle boat at noon...
BocaGrande reply :
Just caught this one today from the banks. I don't get out on my kayak much but I work with what I got.. can also be seen here:
http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/159188-new-personal-best-i-think/#entry1796803
HoosierHawgs reply :
Finally got out and walked the banks again this morning. Scraped out 5 fish in 2 and a half hours. Two biggest were around 3 lbs or so. Pics are upside down, I'll upload tomorrow.
monkeyman3dee reply :
Any one have experience with the Deeper fish finder? It's a castable sonar unit.
hoosierbass07 reply :
I'm seeing more and more videos of the deeper fish finder on youtube and I'm starting to think I should do some serious looking at that thing since I do a lot of bank fishing. It might be really fun (and productive) to use that deeper fish finder.
mackroper reply :
Caught four fish from 2.5 - 4 lbs yesterday, in 101 degree direct sunlight on a weightless Texas rigged senko.
kcdinkerz reply :
Been hammering the dinks on a 12 inch man's jelly worm Texas rigged. No big ones yet but suprised to see tiny bass eat the big worm
mackroper reply :
I tried that exact set up yesterday with zero luck lolOn 7/25/2015 at 3:32 AM, kcdinkerz said:Been hammering the dinks on a 12 inch man's jelly worm Texas rigged. No big ones yet but suprised to see tiny bass eat the big worm
nascar2428 reply :
On 7/25/2015 at 2:18 AM, mackroper said:Caught four fish from 2.5 - 4 lbs yesterday, in 101 degree direct sunlight on a weightless Texas rigged senko.
My number one technique from the bank.
bigbill reply :
Anyone fishing at 4am till around 9am?
The larger bass are close to shore at this time.
The eels are inches from the shoreline too.
Don't fan cast your casts close to each other. Skip fan cast, jump your casts around not next to each other.
Cloudy overcast days. Chartruese inline spinners, spinnerbaits, cranks.
bigbill reply :
On 4/19/2015 at 1:48 AM, a1712 said:As Deep stated, casting distance is paramount. If you have a Creek Channel 75 yards off the bank and you can only cast 50, your out of luck with those fish. You need to find baits and a Rod/Reel combo that allows you to bomb baits, when needed, and line that allows a solid hookset at those distances. Brian.
Distance is the key. I take a 5/8oz topwater bait, spray it with scent and throw it as fas as I can. The only thing is if we go in the submerged weeds at that distance we lose the bigger ones when they dive. Been there.
bigbill reply :
On 4/20/2015 at 4:18 AM, joeblowwwww said:Bank fishing takes more skill ,stealth and an ability to work with less. ( easy to say when u can't afford a boat)
I can afford a boat but I'm alone, can't handle it. Plus I have more mobility from shore I can gun n run from pond to pond without moving a boat.
bigbill reply :
Guys/gals,
Fish the swamps, smaller swamps too.
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