New to Bass Fishing - Need guidance

[Robert Blackwell]

I grew up fishing on and off with varied success. 

 

Now that I'm older and my kids are grown, I'd like to get serious about bass fishing.  I have equipment (rods, reels, tackle, kayak, etc.) and have been spending a good bit of time on YouTube watching BassResource among others trying to learn techniques and which baits to use for what conditions. 

 

I'm fishing various spots on Lake Murray.  I've been trying a number of things like a Ned Rig, Split shot rig, Texas Rig, Carolina Rig, etc. with different colors along points, drop offs, creek channels etc.  I've gotten a few bites, but they seem to be the tap, tap tap of bream instead of a bass and I've not gotten anything in the kayak.   

 

Since I'm in a kayak, I need to be paddle distance from a landing.  

 

Any advice on location, technique, bait, presentation or anything else that I don't know enough to ask would be greatly appreciated.   

 

I'm really looking for a fish in the boat and a path to more of them. 

 

Thanks 

Robert B. 

 

 

[A-Jay]

Hello Robert and Welcome to Bass Resource ~

Unfortunately I've not fished Lake Murray so I can't offer anything in the way of local knowledge.

Keep at it though as the journey of learning this deal never really ends for any of us.

Good Luck 

A-Jay

 

[greentrout]

 

i'd try to find a way to get my kayak into some shallow coves ... bass shallow yr. round ... good fishing ...

[rtwvumtneer6]

Welcome!  I agree with @greentrout that bass can be found shallow year round.  I don't have any experience on your lake, but I would start with "high percentage areas" like lay downs and stumps, docks, vegetation, rocks (cover).  The more you fish, the more familiar you'll become with the structure in that lake, channels, drop offs, flats, etc. 

 

If I may make one suggestion, and this requires some patience and discipline... Don't try and learn it all at once.  Select one or two lures or presentations and take only those with you.  The videos you watch are great ways to learn where, when and how to fish then.  The key IMO is to build confidence and then expand your skill set.  A finesse technique like ned rig or a drop shot are great ways to get bites, and if there are bream there are likely bass.  A senko, or a Texas rig are also hard to beat.  

 

Thanks for listening, and good luck!!

[Darren.]

Welcome aboard, Robert!

 

With what you're currently trying (Ned, etc.) have you tried varying your

retrieves? Such as with Ned, slowing down, varying how you bring it back

like reel, lift rod, stop reeling, let rod tip down, then repeat...and so forth?

 

Other good advice above. Keep on keepin on. You'll get 'em.

[Robert Blackwell]

Thanks Guys,  

     I have tried to vary my retrieval, but I find it difficult to keep it slow.  I just need more practice.  

 

     I'll keep after 'em. Surely one day I'll get one in the boat. 

[Log Catcher]

Hello and welcome to the forum. There are a lot of good videos here on Bass Resource too.

[Bluebasser86]

Welcome!

[1202FireMedic]

Welcome!

[RSmall]

Hello and welcome to BR!

[whitwolf]

Welcome! :)

[Glenn]

Welcome home! We're glad you're here.