| A large percentage of anglers out there today | | | | down and I'm tearin' off through the woods with |
| can probably say that their first fishing experience | | | | nothing but the terrain to slow me down. If I |
| was from the shore or dock. I still have a photo | | | | need or want other lures that won't fit in the |
| of myself at four years old, sitting on the bank | | | | case, I just put them in the bag and I can usually |
| with a three foot Zebco in hand and wearing my | | | | fit a bottle of water in there as well. |
| cowboy hat and boots. | | | | The point is, keep your gear to a minimum and |
| Ah, those were the days. | | | | you'll be extra mobile. You don't need the entire |
| Fishing from the shore is pretty much the same | | | | tackle box to fish from the shore, unless you're |
| as fishing from a boat; you just have to think a | | | | pulling an all-nighter in one spot, then the situation |
| little backwards. That is, in most cases, you have | | | | may require everything and the kitchen sink. |
| to cast out into the lake and retrieve towards the | | | | Try to make your first cast from about ten feet |
| shore, versus the other way around. This guide | | | | away from the edge of the water. Look for the |
| will show different aspects of fishing from the | | | | right conditions, (overhanging trees, sunken |
| bank, along with techniques that I have found to | | | | timber, or rocky points and cast parallel to the |
| produce quality, shoreline fishing trips. | | | | shoreline. Many shoreline anglers walk right up to |
| The first thing to remember is that fish usually | | | | the water and cast straight out as far as they |
| hold tight along the bank and trudging down to | | | | can, often missing the fish right in front of them, |
| the water's edge, with gear and stuff jangling and | | | | or just a few feet down the shore. |
| making large amounts of racket is the first no-no. | | | | You might catch a fish by casting out to the |
| I'm not saying you have to belly crawl, but | | | | depths of your particular body of water however, |
| actually sneaking up on the bank is the best | | | | chances are it's gonna be a while, especially if you |
| approach. A light step and slow quiet movements | | | | use a crank type lure or bait. In order to catch |
| are optimal at best. | | | | fish that far from shore you have to go deep |
| Try to set up shop at least twenty feet from | | | | and keep your presentation there for some time. |
| the shore. Generally, in public parks and FWA's, | | | | As I mentioned earlier, most fish, even the big |
| there are picnic tables nearby and are usually the | | | | ones, hold tight to the shore. |
| optimal distance from the bank. | | | | Another thing I have mentioned in other articles is |
| As far as tackle is concerned, less is more. Some | | | | that bass like to lurk around transitional lines in the |
| shoreline anglers believe they have to bring all | | | | water (mud-lines, weed-lines, shadow-lines and |
| their gear and poles and if you're not gonna | | | | sharp drop offs). A good pair of polarized |
| venture off to other parts of the lake or river | | | | sunglasses will help to locate theses areas in the |
| per say, I guess that's alright. However, most | | | | water, not to mention, see fish and protect your |
| anglers know you have to change spots in order | | | | eyes from flying hooks, weights and lures when |
| increase your chances of catching more fish. | | | | trying to dislodge a snag. |
| I don't mean that you should leave the rest of | | | | I like to find a small cove, one I can cast |
| your gear at home, it's just that your car isn't | | | | completely across. Aim for the other bank, under |
| gonna be too far away. You can always bring too | | | | some overhanging tree limbs and retrieve straight |
| much, just leave the extra stuff in the trunk. | | | | across the cove using a creature type bait. Go |
| I usually take along two of each type of lure I | | | | slow and try to keep your bait near the other |
| may need for the conditions, one pole; two at the | | | | bank as long as possible. This type of casting and |
| most and sometimes a cooler. The cooler is either | | | | retrieving may take some practice and chances |
| for Panfish fishing or a place to put a fish in order | | | | are, you may get hung up a few times, but the |
| to keep from spooking the others. When you | | | | rewards are worth it. |
| catch a fish and just throw it back, that fish is | | | | And if you do get hung up, you can usually walk |
| stressed and frightened and thus spooks the | | | | along the shore to the other side and free |
| other possible catches nearby. | | | | yourself. So practice this technique as much as |
| When I venture off into the woods or to a | | | | possible, it's definitely worth the hassle of learning |
| secluded spot, it's usually a decent hike to where I | | | | it. |
| want to go. I have one small, plastic utility case, | | | | Always be courteous to other anglers and the |
| (actually it's a used, plastic, wall hanging fixtures | | | | environment when fishing. Have good judgment |
| case that is sectioned off into four | | | | when it comes to noise levels and never leave |
| compartments. It's the perfect size) a pair of | | | | your trash behind. Litter and bad conduct can |
| pliers for removing hooks, a towel and a collapsible | | | | bring unwanted restrictions to your favorite fishing |
| lunch bag to put everything into. I bring a couple | | | | spot. And if it's not your favorite, it might be |
| of bags of Berkley Gulp plastic worms and one | | | | someone else's. |
| pole; two if I'm feeling frisky. That is usually all I | | | | Remember to put on sun-block and bug spray, |
| need. | | | | bring plenty of food and water if you plan on |
| I put a two inch lipped minnow, a couple of small | | | | being out a long time and most importantly, tell |
| jigs, a small spinner and some extra hooks, | | | | someone where you are going or bring a buddy |
| swivels and weights in the plastic case. Everything | | | | along. And as always; good fishin' to ya. |
| but the pole fits in the lunch bag, the pole breaks | | | | |