Jolly Green Posted June 14, 2014 Posted June 14, 2014 Truth. My son and I had a head-slapper moment two years ago when we went to fish off of a local pier. The walk is stationary but the pier floats, and as soon as we stepped onto it, it moved under our weight and there was a virtual explosion of V-shaped wakes blasting off away from us in every direction. We both kind of looked at each other and said, "Ohhhhhhh...." Since that day, we always cast our way to the water's edge. 1
Global Moderator Mike L Posted June 15, 2014 Global Moderator Posted June 15, 2014 You're exactly right. When taking the grandkids to a local pond they get so excited they run down the bank to the water and start yelling..Hey Papa hurry up!! I told them the story of the 2 bulls standing on the hill top looking down at the cows in the valley.... But change it up.... "When grandma comes home from food shopping and you see the package of cookies sitting there, don't run up and try to take 1 right away.... Walk up, duck behind a chair, crawl to the counter and grap the whole box!! Now they understand Mike
BuffaloBass716 Posted June 20, 2014 Author Posted June 20, 2014 There's been a lot of talk of bank fishing on the forums lately. Maybe its time to revive this topic?
Fish_Whisperer Posted June 20, 2014 Posted June 20, 2014 To the guys interested in backpacks for tackle carry.... Just because a backpack isn't labeled a "fishing" backpack, doesn't mean it wouldn't be suitable for tackle. I use a backpack (forget the name), it holds 4 medium utility boxes, a gallon bag slam full with worm bags, and various pouches for the other essentials. Come to terms with yourself on whether you need to carry everything you have to the water, or if you are comfortable with selecting certain items that will work well for the conditions. 1
BassKing226 Posted June 20, 2014 Posted June 20, 2014 I think it would be a great idea! They're no chance of me getting on a boat anytime soon:/ So bank fishing has become my way of getting my fix! But, with bank fishing it become really tough sometimes to figure out what lure, rag and bait I should use at times. Especially for people like me just starting off. A forum like this could really be a perfect way for bank fisherman to get better.
nascar2428 Posted June 20, 2014 Posted June 20, 2014 To the guys interested in backpacks for tackle carry.... Just because a backpack isn't labeled a "fishing" backpack, doesn't mean it wouldn't be suitable for tackle. I use a backpack (forget the name), it holds 4 medium utility boxes, a gallon bag slam full with worm bags, and various pouches for the other essentials. Come to terms with yourself on whether you need to carry everything you have to the water, or if you are comfortable with selecting certain items that will work well for the conditions. Couldn't agree more. When it comes to bank fishing, less is more. Do you guys really think that boaters use every piece of tackle they have on their boats to catch fish every time they go out? Once I started following the pros and realized a lot of them come to the weigh in with less than a five fish limit, I quit worrying about what I didn't bring and started concentrating on what I did bring to use for the conditions. I think it would be a great idea! They're no chance of me getting on a boat anytime soon:/ So bank fishing has become my way of getting my fix! But, with bank fishing it become really tough sometimes to figure out what lure, rag and bait I should use at times. Especially for people like me just starting off. A forum like this could really be a perfect way for bank fisherman to get better. Plenty of articles on this website to help you with what to use in various conditions. To get the most out of bank fishing you need a positive attitude and develop a few confidence baits and styles that can carry you through out the day. This all comes with time spent on the bank. Welcome to the forum.
Fish_Whisperer Posted June 20, 2014 Posted June 20, 2014 Couldn't agree more. When it comes to bank fishing, less is more. Do you guys really think that boaters use every piece of tackle they have on their boats to catch fish every time they go out? Once I started following the pros and realized a lot of them come to the weigh in with less than a five fish limit, I quit worrying about what I didn't bring and started concentrating on what I did bring to use for the conditions. Plenty of articles on this website to help you with what to use in various conditions. To get the most out of bank fishing you need a positive attitude and develop a few confidence baits and styles that can carry you through out the day. This all comes with time spent on the bank. Welcome to the forum. There you go folks.... The biggest step you can take to go from fishing to catching is doing your homework, at the water AND away from it.
Fish_Whisperer Posted June 21, 2014 Posted June 21, 2014 Sorry for the double post, but since backpack discussion is still fresh in the mind, I figured I would share my setup... This is the backpack, with its contents inside.... the brand is Fieldline Tactical...nicely padded straps for comfortability. Probably 30 bucks at walmart. (EDIT: little more description of the pack... has one large space for the boxes, the front has two zippered openings, I use one for the plastics and the other for a scale. Both of the front openings have zippered pockets within them for added storage. The top (near the handle) has a soft microfiber like zippered space I put my shades and headlamp in. On the side there is a stretchy space for a fluid bottle, and all throughout the outside are velcro strips that are sewed in a way that you could tie on things to them AKA space adding attachments.) A picture with a long ulility box to show scale... The current contents minus a headlamp,scale, some sunglasses, and some knickknacks that I didn't take out of the small pouches. As you can see, I use a gallon size ziploc bag to hold my bags of plastics, just so if the zipper opens on the pack, the contents wont pour out. My boxes are messes inside, and if I took the time to reorganize everything again, I could get away with not bringing the larger utility box. The contents of the boxes change periodically depending on the locations I plan on fishing. The plastics bag contains some jig plastics(chunks, creatures), various worms and flukes, soft swimbait bodies, and some finesse worms and berkley minnows for drop shot rigging. The Plano waterproof box (my newest addition which I LOVE) contains my terminal tackle. I like the waterproof box for the times when I may have to wade through water to get to a location and the chance arises that my backpack may get wet. Nothing worse than opening a box and finding rusty hooks. Forgot to mention that I use braid with a fluoro leader, and I keep a spool of fluoro in case I have to tie a new leader on. Cannot stress enough the importance of a headlamp for the folks who night fish or who hit the banks early in the morning! That's all folks. By no means is this all my tackle, but I'm rarely at the bank thinking that I didn't bring enough, or forgot something.
jtharris3 Posted June 22, 2014 Posted June 22, 2014 LMAO!!! You're really trying to sell me on this. I'll consider rigging ONE reel with it and see how it does. I'll be sending you a bill when I lose my 1st lure and/or fish due to the knot coming undone. The Palomar and Double Palomar knots are your friends!
jtharris3 Posted June 22, 2014 Posted June 22, 2014 There have been some kayak specific rods in the recent past. Okuma thought kayak rods needed even longer rear grips and double foregrips to prevent high sticking. Maybe they work for So. Ca. yakkers jigging kelp beds but not anyone else. Quantum tried it too but you never found them on a rack anywhere. American Rodsmith's did a yakkers series a few years back that really fit the bill with shorter rear grips and pre drilled holes in the real seats to attach a leash to. No retailers around here carried them except Bass Pro, but only for a year. St. Croix has been quoted in magazines as stating there is no market to support kayak specific rods. Kayaking is slowing down a lot here. Everyone is jumping on the SUP bandwagon. Standing so there is no need for special rods any more. And that seems to suit the yak shops, now they only stock ultra high end St Croix and Loomis rods in cater to the high dollar customer. SUP's just doesn't fit bass fishing in waters stuffed with gators though. SUP?? 1
Super User everythingthatswims Posted June 22, 2014 Super User Posted June 22, 2014 I think a lot of the bank fishermen should invest in a kayak...My alternative to bank fishing is my kayak, it is by no means a fishing 'yak, only 10' long and room for 2-3 rods max. But it gets the job done and is easy to handle, I even have a fishfinder for it. In many cases I can reach fish that people fishing from boats can't, because I only need about 4" of water to paddle through comfortably, and I can get out and drag it if I need to. Many bass get conditioned to the sound of a trolling motor too and will stop feeding when they hear one (I smallmouth fish with someone who uses oars for his jon boat on the river, he absolutely will not use a trolling motor) so a kayak will put you right on top of the big ones without spooking them.
cabrela Posted June 22, 2014 Posted June 22, 2014 Just because a backpack isn't labeled a "fishing" backpack, doesn't mean it wouldn't be suitable for tackle. I use a backpack (forget the name), it holds 4 medium utility boxes, a gallon bag slam full with worm bags, and various pouches for the other essentials. Come to terms with yourself on whether you need to carry everything you have to the water, or if you are comfortable with selecting certain items that will work well for the conditions. I did just that... I bought a Lowepro Slingshot 202SW (camera bag), It´s a "small" sling shot bag but very handy when bank fishing because it doesn´t weight much, it´s small and heasy to carry. It holds at least a couple of planos´ 3601 (you can put more in), another small plano box for terminal tackle, a small box for spinnerbaits and some (a bunch) soft baits bags, and in the front pockets I can put pliers, sunglasses, hat and more small stuff like bug repelent....at least this is what I carry in it.
Fish_Whisperer Posted June 22, 2014 Posted June 22, 2014 I did just that... I bought a Lowepro Slingshot 202SW (camera bag), It´s a "small" sling shot bag but very handy when bank fishing because it doesn´t weight much, it´s small and heasy to carry. It holds at least a couple of planos´ 3601 (you can put more in), another small plano box for terminal tackle, a small box for spinnerbaits and some (a bunch) soft baits bags, and in the front pockets I can put pliers, sunglasses, hat and more small stuff like bug repelent....at least this is what I carry in it. Nice. I used a shimano soft tackle bag for a while, but found my backpack superior in terms of distributing the load amongst both shoulders resulting in a more comfortable haul. I carry rod/s in one hand while having a free hand to move brush or to use as a steady rest when crossing over downed trees.
cabrela Posted June 22, 2014 Posted June 22, 2014 I´m using a sling bag because when wading I find easier and safer to just sling the bag in front of me when changing hooks or lures (I don´t need to take the bag of my back ). It´s true that I can´t take tons of stuff with me, but I can take what I really need .
Fish_Whisperer Posted June 23, 2014 Posted June 23, 2014 You are right, I have that problem. Most of the places I wade, I am not to far away from my backpack (50 yds max). There is one area I visit that you MUST wade as the bank area is unpassable. Probably a 300 yd trip in knee deep to chest deep water. When I go there, I use a large ziploc bag to hold some tackle and put it in my cargo shorts pocket. I am currently looking for a small waterproof bag specifically for that area.
einscodek Posted June 23, 2014 Posted June 23, 2014 Listen bank fishing is perfectly fine and you can do it all year round given bank access to the best areas of a body of water. Summer is the only issue imo and that can be solved by night fishing in the summer. You dont need a kayak and I dunno bout u but I cannot do everything I need to do strapped in a reclining chair.. I need to stand up to work my lures right.
Balshy Fishing Posted June 23, 2014 Posted June 23, 2014 i always have my old plano box with me loaded with all my stuff. I've been bank fishing since my old man taught me when I was younger and that's all we do. We work our way through the "jungle"(heavy trees and brush) to get a ways up the river then start climbing over SUV sized boulders to get out to the fast water and start slaying smallies & walleye. It's fun but when the water gets up it's impossible to get out there and fishing from shore is pointless because you're getting snagged every other cast.
Fish_Whisperer Posted June 23, 2014 Posted June 23, 2014 I think a lot of the bank fishermen should invest in a kayak...My alternative to bank fishing is my kayak, it is by no means a fishing 'yak, only 10' long and room for 2-3 rods max. But it gets the job done and is easy to handle, I even have a fishfinder for it. In many cases I can reach fish that people fishing from boats can't, because I only need about 4" of water to paddle through comfortably, and I can get out and drag it if I need to. Many bass get conditioned to the sound of a trolling motor too and will stop feeding when they hear one (I smallmouth fish with someone who uses oars for his jon boat on the river, he absolutely will not use a trolling motor) so a kayak will put you right on top of the big ones without spooking them. Some folks can't afford a boat or kayak. Also, some people are perfectly fine with bank fishing. Would I like to have access to all structure in a lake/river/pond ? Sure. At this time, it is just not in the cards for me. So I do the best with what I have. One day I will have my bassmobile though!
Super User everythingthatswims Posted June 23, 2014 Super User Posted June 23, 2014 Listen bank fishing is perfectly fine and you can do it all year round given bank access to the best areas of a body of water. Summer is the only issue imo and that can be solved by night fishing in the summer. You dont need a kayak and I dunno bout u but I cannot do everything I need to do strapped in a reclining chair.. I need to stand up to work my lures right. Definitely didn't mean to come across as saying bank fishing isn't ok. I bank fish a lot but most bodies of water where I live don't have any public access other than the boat ramp. My 10' kayak was $200, a little more than what I would spend on a rod/reel (or a lot less for some), just food for thought. I can stand in my kayak, so working lures is not a problem, but you would be surprised how quickly you can adapt to fishing from a sitting position.
Super User SirSnookalot Posted June 23, 2014 Super User Posted June 23, 2014 I've been the route with boat ownership, nothing negative about as I really enjoyed it. Had a pleasure boat docked at a marina on Lake St Clair. Once we moved to an inland lake the boat was at my own dock, had a rowboat there too and that's what I did much of my fishing from. I wouldn't mind having a kayak but I do not want to drag it out and mount it on my car. I could easily launch it in the ICW but using it in the ocean would mean I would have to drag quite a ways to the beach, then back when I'm, a lot of people do it. Even using it in freshwater canals here still means I have to drag it, I just don't want to that any more, there are some brackish canals that kayak would be super. I prefer bank fishing now, travel very light with only 1 rod, my method for both freshwater and saltwater is pretty much the same. Nothing I love better than fishing a beach. I do like my boating options, have several friends that I go out with plus I joined a boat club about 7 years ago. I joined with 2 other guys, one passed away, initial membership was very reasonable and the monthly dues are only $100. It's gas and go, I do have to make a reservation several days in advance. There are quite a few center console boats available from 21' to over 30', we like a 28' Sailfish with twin engines, we may take a smaller one if not available. I still like fishing the beach better.
cabrela Posted June 23, 2014 Posted June 23, 2014 ... I dunno bout u but I cannot do everything I need to do strapped in a reclining chair.. I need to stand up to work my lures right. Me neither...
cabrela Posted June 23, 2014 Posted June 23, 2014 I think a lot of the bank fishermen should invest in a kayak...My alternative to bank fishing is my kayak, it is by no means a fishing 'yak, only 10' long and room for 2-3 rods max. But it gets the job done and is easy to handle, I even have a fishfinder for it. In many cases I can reach fish that people fishing from boats can't, because I only need about 4" of water to paddle through comfortably, and I can get out and drag it if I need to. Many bass get conditioned to the sound of a trolling motor too and will stop feeding when they hear one (I smallmouth fish with someone who uses oars for his jon boat on the river, he absolutely will not use a trolling motor) so a kayak will put you right on top of the big ones without spooking them. Some folks can't afford a boat or kayak. Also, some people are perfectly fine with bank fishing. Would I like to have access to all structure in a lake/river/pond ? Sure. At this time, it is just not in the cards for me. So I do the best with what I have. One day I will have my bassmobile though! Or don´t have the room to store one...
mattkelley77 Posted June 28, 2014 Posted June 28, 2014 Hey guys, im matt im 17 and i live on cape cod, i just started fishing and im using an old rod and reel and i was wondering if any one had any suggestions for a new rod, i currently have a spinning reel, i dont know wether i should be using that or a bait caster, any suggestions would be a huge help! i was also wondering whatto buy for lures, i have been using shiners but i dont want to keep spending money on live bait every time i decide to go fishing, which will be quite often this summer! again, any information is helpful! thanks!
Fish_Whisperer Posted June 28, 2014 Posted June 28, 2014 Hey guys, im matt im 17 and i live on cape cod, i just started fishing and im using an old rod and reel and i was wondering if any one had any suggestions for a new rod, i currently have a spinning reel, i dont know wether i should be using that or a bait caster, any suggestions would be a huge help! i was also wondering whatto buy for lures, i have been using shiners but i dont want to keep spending money on live bait every time i decide to go fishing, which will be quite often this summer! again, any information is helpful! thanks! I'll help you out best I can... Rod: While I am not going into rod brands in this post, I will break down some elements into choosing A rod for you. If you are proficient with a baitcast reel, then go with a baitcast rod, if not then a spinning rod. Length.... You have to take into account the waters you fish. Are the banks open areas, or small pockets opened up between trees and brush? A longer rod will be harder to cast with if you are crowded by trees and such. A good length, if conditions allow, is about 7'. A medium heavy, fast action blank is pretty versatile in that it works with a variety of applications, mostly texas rigged plastics. As far as quality, do your research. You will want a lightweight rod to prevent fatigue on long days. Hold a prospective rod in your hand. Find its balance point (lay it across a finger and move it until it begins to balance) . You want it fairly close to where the reel attaches to the rod (reel seat) or a inch or two higher. Handle materials and types are your preference, some like full grips, others like split grips. I have both, no preference for me. Same goes for cork or eva foam. reel: Make up a budget, and look online for reels in that range. Gotta do your homework and sort through non biased reviews. This applies for spinning reels and baitcast. Higher number of bearings is usually a good thing, makes a reel much smoother (usually). Go to the store and hold a few of them, turn the handles, flip bails. A good reel should have instant anti reverse(some cranking reels don't as part of their functionality) meaning no backplay in the reel handle. Frame materials are important on both types of reels. Nothing sucks more than to be fighting a big fish and feel a spinning reels frame flexing and gears grinding because everythings out of alignment. As far as lure selection goes... The best advice anyone on here can give you, unless they live in your area, is to find the most popular tackle store around you, and I don't mean walmart or academy and the like, I mean a mom and pop store. Go there and ask them what most of their customers are buying that fish around there. My experience has been that the true tackle stores are going to have more local knowledge and really be tuned in to their customer base. Call your local DNR and gather information on the waters you plan to fish. They can provide forage information, meaning what the bass are eating. Making your lure selection based off this knowledge is called "matching the hatch". It's late, thats all I got for now...
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