Canal Fishing: What To Look For?

[fl_bass]

I am in South Florida any suggestions how to start fishing in the canals? Where do you start throwing your lure? Are there any tell tale signs in the water as where to target?

[fstr385]

Hey, I was just fishing in Weston today!

 

I try to find canals with stuff around,.. docks, piles of rocks, pads, ledges, near a bridge, drain pipes, ect.

 

then I try to find one that isnt standing me 6` above the water so my bait isnt dive bombing the water scaring every fish for half a mile away. I loike to be close to the water, and low so I can present quietly and parallel the bank. try to find the crappiest place to stand so the good spots are all around you not where you are.

 

I like canals that are wide enough fish in the middle or opposing side arent spooked by me, but where I can cast to the other side. Sometimes I like to throw all the way into the grass on the other side, then drag the bait into the water.

 

If theres alot of boat traffic or garbage everywhere I leave. Alot of idiots throw a tidal wake, or fish from these spots and leave 30 broken off lines in the water for you to snag on.

 

Annnnd I look around for THE fish, or lots of bait fish. Some sort of sign theyre around.

 

I think thats all my .02.

[fl_bass]

Hey, I was just fishing in Weston today!

I try to find canals with stuff around,.. docks, piles of rocks, pads, ledges, near a bridge, drain pipes, ect.

then I try to find one that isnt standing me 6` above the water so my bait isnt dive bombing the water scaring every fish for half a mile away. I loike to be close to the water, and low so I can present quietly and parallel the bank. try to find the crappiest place to stand so the good spots are all around you not where you are.

I like canals that are wide enough fish in the middle or opposing side arent spooked by me, but where I can cast to the other side. Sometimes I like to throw all the way into the grass on the other side, then drag the bait into the water.

If theres alot of boat traffic or garbage everywhere I leave. Alot of idiots throw a tidal wake, or fish from these spots and leave 30 broken off lines in the water for you to snag on.

Annnnd I look around for THE fish, or lots of bait fish. Some sort of sign theyre around.

I think thats all my .02.

These are are great. Thank you so much!!! What canal were you fishing if you don't mind me asking. Anyone have other tips.

[mg4u2nv]

Hey, I was just fishing in Weston today!

 

I try to find canals with stuff around,.. docks, piles of rocks, pads, ledges, near a bridge, drain pipes, ect.

 

then I try to find one that isnt standing me 6` above the water so my bait isnt dive bombing the water scaring every fish for half a mile away. I loike to be close to the water, and low so I can present quietly and parallel the bank. try to find the crappiest place to stand so the good spots are all around you not where you are.

 

I like canals that are wide enough fish in the middle or opposing side arent spooked by me, but where I can cast to the other side. Sometimes I like to throw all the way into the grass on the other side, then drag the bait into the water.

 

If theres alot of boat traffic or garbage everywhere I leave. Alot of idiots throw a tidal wake, or fish from these spots and leave 30 broken off lines in the water for you to snag on.

 

Annnnd I look around for THE fish, or lots of bait fish. Some sort of sign theyre around.

 

I think thats all my .02.

That covers a huge part of it right there.  i always like to key on differences on either side of the bank.  bass being ambush predators love to hide out and wait for anything to swim in front of them.  So basically anything that looks like an ambush spot is where i wil make a few casts to.  and pay attention to cover on the bank you are fishing on as well.  if you see something up ahead that looks good, make a parallel cast to it well before you walk over to it. 

 

Most of the time in skinnier canals here i throw weedless soft plastics so there is no piece of cover i wont cast to.  i save the stuff with trebles for bigger water, lakes, main canals, etc.  Hope this helps and good luck!

 

Matt

[jonnysmith]

i have good results in south florida canals casting a soft green or brown rubber frog,just poping it on top of the water & creating a splash..large mouth,pecocks,gars & snake heads have hit my frog hardddddddd..ohh watch out gators love them too lol.good luck buddy

[fstr385]

These are are great. Thank you so much!!! What canal were you fishing if you don't mind me asking. Anyone have other tips.

No prob man. I dont fish many canals. Majority of canals are the ones all over margate from my backyard to the C-14 canal. Once in a while I take the gf and kids to some lakes and canals, but I like finding pad, ledge, rock filled lakes to throw my lil john boat in. There are a ton of good canals and lakes out in sw sunrise, weston, and pines.

 

As said above to, save the treble hooked goods for on the water. lures work, but senkos, t rigs, and spinners are all I use on shore all weedless is a plus with them too.

[fl_bass]

Thanks guys. Great information. I really appreciate it.

[jonnysmith]

i was always look for clean/clear water if possible, some what of a current/flow and most importanly i look for bait fish like lil minnows around..anywere ive seen bait ive cought fish..i know alot of bass guy love/use atrifical baits.i like 2 fish and catch fish period!..most productive bait n rig 2 catch fish period..very thin live, small hook, a small bobber and a live worm..bread balls have worked well too..

[LgMouthGambler]

Rock ledge. Most of the canals down here are man made, and we have alot of coral rock under the ground. Almost every canal has coral rock edging, and somewhat makes an overhang. All you have to do is fish along the edge about 3 feet off and 2-3 feet below the surface. Killer strike zones.