No boat, no problem! Don’t let not having a boat discourage you from reeling in that dream fish. Fishing from the shore can bring you just as much opportunity as fishing from a boat. Like any other type of fishing, fishing from the water’s edge requires patience, practice, and commitment. With these tips, you’ll be sure to find success quickly.
Walk Around to Fish from the Shore
When you get to the lake, resist the urge to start casting immediately. The first thing you should do is walk around the perimeter. Look for structures, vegetation, and docks the fish may migrate to. And, of course, look for fish. If you see baitfish, this is a clue to know there may be larger (predator) fish in the area.
Stay low
Fish have instincts to stay away from shadows. Birds that prey on fish will appear as a shadow over the water, so the fish scurry away from shadows that suddenly appear above them. Try to find a spot to cast from near a tree or a shadowed area. Try to keep your shadow off the water if there is no shade along the shoreline.
Cast parallel to the shore
Although you may want to cast as far into the water as possible, that’s not always the right thing to do. Fish typically like to hang out near the shore or by the first drop-off close to shore. Casting parallel to shore will allow your bait/lure to stay in the strike zone for a more extended period of time, ultimately giving the fish a long time to bite. A shorter and more accurate cast is the best way to go.
Downsize lures and bait
When fishing, match what you put on the end of your line with what you’re trying to catch. While fishing from shore, the catch is typically more minor. This means you may need to use smaller lures or bait to reel in what you’re trying to catch.
Test cast
Since you’re fishing from shore, you don’t have a fish finder to know what’s under the water’s surface. By test casting, you’ll get a feel for whether or not your place could turn into a sweet spot. To test cast, place a heavyweight on the end of your line and cast to areas around the lake to get a feel for what is underneath.
Pack light
Packing light can be key when fishing from shore. Since you can only fish where you can walk, it’s important to remember to pack only what you can carry. You don’t want to be lugging around many types of equipment, so pack the essentials and leave the rest at home.
Be patient and come back.
You’ve heard that patience is a virtue. Remember that when you go fishing. Don’t be too quick to pack up and try another spot. Give it some time. Talking to other anglers about where they’ve had success is beneficial and can also save some frustration. It’s also important to come back again. Just because you had one not-so-ideal day at a lake doesn’t mean it won’t be great another day.
It’s time to get out to the lakeshore and catch that bass you’ve patiently waited for!
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