Brian6428 Posted March 2, 2013 Posted March 2, 2013 Hi guys, I'm new to the forum and can't wait to learn a ton. As the title says, I fish from shore. This means I don't have a boat or a fish finder. So what I want to know is what the best way is to identify underwater structure or cover from the shore. I have tried to "feel" whats underwater with my lure but I can hardly tell how deep it is, nonetheless what is on the bottom (I use a fiberglass rod and mono line). Any suggestions? Thanks in advance! Brian Quote
Super User roadwarrior Posted March 2, 2013 Super User Posted March 2, 2013 Your set-up is really designed for treble hook lures. A stiffer rod would be much better for jig and soft plastics. Back to the question, a Carolina-rig is the classic tool for searching the bottom. 1 Quote
fl_bass Posted March 2, 2013 Posted March 2, 2013 Polarized sunglasses and a high point to look at the water is usually what I end up doing. Also looking at satellite pics can give you some ideas at to what is out there. Quote
Super User Fishes in trees Posted March 2, 2013 Super User Posted March 2, 2013 I don't have that problem. Usually cover and snags find me. Quote
Super User kickerfish1 Posted March 2, 2013 Super User Posted March 2, 2013 You should be able to find a contour map of most bodies of water. This will give you an idea of where drop offs are, spawning flats, creek channels, ledges, etc. From your accessible shoreline spots you can determine if you can fish this structure from the shore. Also you may try a more sensitive rod and line with a bottom contact rig if you are unsure if weeds, rock, or flat bottom is what you are fishing. Quote
Snakehead Whisperer Posted March 2, 2013 Posted March 2, 2013 If you're boatless I can't stress this enough... get a pair of shorts/waders and go into the water to fish. This will open so many new possibilities and areas to you. Make sure you tread lightly and be aware of your footing. Also probably a good idea to be stone sober for this and wear a PFD. I have a couple of boats but still love to do wade fishing, especially in rivers/creeks. It never ceases to amaze me how many shore bound anglers are afraid to get their feet wet If you're not physically up to wading, then the advice given so far should set you off in the right direction. One thing I like to do is use the 'historical imagery' feature on Google Earth to try and find older images when water levels are at extremely low levels. This can expose many things not visible at normal water levels (rocks, points, secondary points, shoals, humps, shipwrecks, etc.) 2 Quote
Super User deaknh03 Posted March 2, 2013 Super User Posted March 2, 2013 The easiest and quickest way to determine bottom composition is to look at the shoreline. Most likely whatever the shoreline is comprised of extends into the water, especially at points. Quote
Brian6428 Posted March 2, 2013 Author Posted March 2, 2013 Thanks for all the replies, I will definetley try them. I have been thinking about polarized sunglasses for a while and will probably get them soon. But for now- off to google earth! thanks again! Quote
TNBassin' Posted March 2, 2013 Posted March 2, 2013 Best advice in this thread was "stay sober" LMAO!! Quote
Big Jon Posted March 2, 2013 Posted March 2, 2013 You can always try and find underwater topographical maps. Usually you can find them for the bigger/more popular lakes. You may be able to find them online. It just depends. I know we have a local sporting goods store that has the bigger lakes, which can be useful when on the shore of those. Clackerbuzz sent me the video below if you need help reading a map like that. Quote
Brian6428 Posted March 3, 2013 Author Posted March 3, 2013 TNBassin'-Your right! Not only am i too young to drink but also don't want a treble hook deep in my finger or some other incident easily avoided by staying sober! haha Semper-Thanks for the video, however the lake i fish is so small that even when i have found topo maps for it they are just flat! Quote
Big Jon Posted March 3, 2013 Posted March 3, 2013 TNBassin'-Your right! Not only am i too young to drink but also don't want a treble hook deep in my finger or some other incident easily avoided by staying sober! haha Semper-Thanks for the video, however the lake i fish is so small that even when i have found topo maps for it they are just flat! Yeah, a lot of the ponds I fish just before work or at lunch time don't have maps for them. I just try to do like Deaknh03 said, and check the shoreline, coupled with the a carolina rig for just figuring out stumps, rocks and drop offs. Quote
papajoe222 Posted March 3, 2013 Posted March 3, 2013 Hey Brian. Welcome to the board. We're always happy to see inquisitive newcomers. As mentioned before, a deep diving crank will give you a ton of information if you don't loose it to a snag. Even then, you've learned something. You can start with a shallow diving one, then a medium, and finally the deep diving one to determine the depth. Once you start bumping bottom, check the lip of the bait. Muck or nicks on the lip can help in determining bottom comtent. The other thing you can do is count down a jig or T-rigged worm. After casting, count slowly until you see your line go slack. Most baits will fall about one foot per second. As you retrieve it, pause occasionally, or cast to a nearby area. Any change in depth will result in a longer or shorter count. I have a ton of used equipment, including graphite and composite rods. PM me and we'll see about hooking you up with one. Quote
Super User Sam Posted March 3, 2013 Super User Posted March 3, 2013 Your set-up is really designed for treble hook lures. A stiffer rod would be much better for jig and soft plastics. Back to the question, a Carolina-rig is the classic tool for searching the bottom. Yep, a Carolina rig with a TUNGSTON weight. The heaviest tungston weight you can find. You may also want to use BRAID line on the Carolina rig on a GRAPHITE rod to feel what is down there. Also look at the bank for any points or other cover you see entering the water or may be extended int othe water. Points are excellent to try even if they are only curves. What is on the shore may be continued into the water, like rocks, wood, etc. Don't forget your polorized sunglasses. Very important. Amber colors may work better for you than the blue tint. When you throw the Carolina rig you may not want to have a hook or bait on it. You throw the tungston weight, only, and drag it back to you slowly. Bring along a clipboard or pad of paper and make a map of the pond and what you feel under the water and where. Be sure to bring your needle nose pliers with you on future trips to help remove hooks from the bass' mouth. Quote
Diggy Posted March 3, 2013 Posted March 3, 2013 If you're boatless I can't stress this enough... get a pair of shorts/waders and go into the water to fish. This will open so many new possibilities and areas to you. Make sure you tread lightly and be aware of your footing. Also probably a good idea to be stone sober for this and wear a PFD. I have a couple of boats but still love to do wade fishing, especially in rivers/creeks. It never ceases to amaze me how many shore bound anglers are afraid to get their feet wet If you're not physically up to wading, then the advice given so far should set you off in the right direction. One thing I like to do is use the 'historical imagery' feature on Google Earth to try and find older images when water levels are at extremely low levels. This can expose many things not visible at normal water levels (rocks, points, secondary points, shoals, humps, shipwrecks, etc.) I'll pass on wading in most Florida waters, lol. We've had the HOA remove 10ft gators in my housing development. I think I can stomach that much better in saltwater areas. 1 Quote
Brian6428 Posted March 3, 2013 Author Posted March 3, 2013 Thanks, you guys are great! I will have to start using the carolina rig and will look into a better rod. Thanks! Quote
Snakehead Whisperer Posted March 3, 2013 Posted March 3, 2013 I'll pass on wading in most Florida waters, lol. We've had the HOA remove 10ft gators in my housing development. I think I can stomach that much better in saltwater areas. Yeah, I'm not sure I would go wading in parts of Florida either. The OP lives in Missouri though. Nice snakehead in your avatar. Quote
Diggy Posted March 3, 2013 Posted March 3, 2013 Yeah, I'm not sure I would go wading in parts of Florida either. The OP lives in Missouri though. Nice snakehead in your avatar. Why thank you, they are my favorite freshwater fish to catch. Quote
Super User senile1 Posted March 4, 2013 Super User Posted March 4, 2013 Yeah, I'm not sure I would go wading in parts of Florida either. The OP lives in Missouri though. Nice snakehead in your avatar. LOL. Well there are no alligators here but in many of the lakes I fish, after a few steps, you will be half-way to your knees in muck. Creeks and rivers are another matter though. I do agree that wading does open up a lot more water when you are stuck on the bank. Quote
GOOCHY Posted March 5, 2013 Posted March 5, 2013 Why thank you, they are my favorite freshwater fish to catch. You kill them after you catch them, hopefully. Quote
Diggy Posted March 5, 2013 Posted March 5, 2013 You kill them after you catch them, hopefully. Nah, not anymore Quote
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