At one point or another every bass angler has fished from shore. Whether you don’t have a boat, or just trying to kill a little bit of time you can still catch a trophy bass that any angler would be proud of.
With limited options, overcrowding of areas, and unlimited amounts of tackle to choose from, fishing from shore can be overwhelming at times. Give yourself the best opportunity to be successful when fishing from shore.
Best rod and reel for shore fishing
When bass fishing from shore you want a do-all utility rod that can handle most situations you will find yourself in. Fishing for shore you can find yourself dealing with thick vegetation to open waters and everything in between without the ability to carry 6 rods for each situation.
A 6’ to 6’6” rod with medium power with fast action is decently universal and can handle most situations you will find yourself in from shore.
You will also want a spinning reel with a 6:1 gear ratio. The spinning reel can handle most lures that you will throw from shore plus have the added benefit of being able to handle finesse techniques. The 6:1 gear ratio is fast enough to pull in spinners and reel in slack when using jigs or other slower presentations.
The main key to rod and reel selection is the ability to handle as many options as possible. While still being able to give you the power you need for a good hook set.
The best location for fishing from shore
Options become very limited when fishing from shore. The area must be free from other anglers, accessible, and have some key elements to produce bass.
Bass can be caught shallow during all times of the year especially in the spring during the spawn. Finding areas with submerged rocks, wood, and vegetation are key due to the predatory nature of the bass.
Other areas such as docks, walls, overhanging trees, and boats can provide cooling for bass during the peak summer months. In clear water, or on sunny days you will rarely catch a bass out in the open.
Areas with a steep drop from shallow to deep near shore will attract bass. Bass will use these areas so they can move quickly between shallow to feed and deeper for shelter.
When searching for a spot, look for baitfish. Bass will always follow their food source. Wind can give you a clue as to where the fish are at. The current and waves will push small plant matter towards the shore it’s directed at, which baitfish eat. Unfortunately, the wind will make casting more difficult. A heavier weight lure and braided line may help overcome the wind depending on intensity.
Using proper etiquette when fishing from shore.
Due to suitable spots for bass fishing being limited from shore, you will more than likely run into other anglers.
Crowding someone, or trying to slowly push them out of their spot will surely ruin the day of everyone involved. The early angler is rewarded with the spot of their choosing. Try to find another suitable location until they have finished fishing that spot.
Try to pack light and clean up after yourself. Trying to bring every rod and piece of tackle you own will not only frustrate you but will also take up limited space for everyone else trying to fish.
Cleaning up after yourself is important for our waterways. A polluted body of water will not have fish. Leaving hooks on the ground or tangled fishing lines is bad for the fish and is hazardous to other anglers.
What lures, catch bass from shore
When fishing from shore you can use crank baits, top water lures, jigs, and soft plastics. With so many choices it’s easy to just throw them all and hope for success.
The right lure will depend on the time of year and current weather conditions. When water is around 60-70 degrees bass will tend to be more active. Throwing active lures such as spinnerbaits and some crankbaits will tend to be more productive.
When the water is colder or warmer than the ideal temperature it is better to throw slower crankbaits or switch to a finesse style such as the drop shot.
Once you have determined the type of lure to use, it’s time to choose the pattern. Using patterns or colors that mimic the local forage in the lake is one of the best starting points. Bass are already targeting the baitfish so show them what they want.
When fishing from shore limit the tackle to what you can use. There is no point in carrying 10 deep diving lures when the deepest part you can access is only 6 feet. Bigger lures usually do not get a lot of attention when fishing from shore, downsizing your lure choice will give you a more productive day.
Tips for bass fishing from shore
1. Find the right spot: Look for points, drop-offs, weed beds, or structure that hold bass.
2. Choose lures or bait: Crankbaits, spinnerbaits, soft plastics, or live bait.
3. Pay attention to the weather: Cloudy, cool days are best for shore fishing for bass.
4. Pay attention to water temperature: Bass are more active when water is between 60-70°F.
5. Cast and retrieve with technique: Make long casts, and retrieve at different speeds and pauses.
6. Pay attention to seasonal patterns: Bass are more likely to be shallow in spring, deeper in summer, and near structure in fall.
7. Pay attention to the time of day: Bass are more active during dawn, dusk, and low light conditions.
Final Words
Following these basic outlines and tips can help you have more success when fishing for bass from shore. It is important to remember not every day will be in ideal conditions and successful. Careful planning will go a long way to finding trophy bass while shore fishing. Do not limit yourself to just one spot, if you are not catching move to another spot that shows potential. Above all remember to respect and be courteous to others that are fishing around you.
