Fishing the same location

[ArizonaFishing]

I fish a section of canal near my house almost every day. The canals here in Phoenix are loaded with all different types of species of fish but I target largemouth 99% of the time. I have been fishing this spot for a couple months now. Since it is a short walk from where I live it is quite easy and convenient. I have found that the fish are becoming harder to catch, most likely from the pressure I put on them. I know the easy thing is to just drive to a new location, but I prefer to walk to this one.

 

My question is, what can I do to increase my chances of catching fish? 

 

In the beginning top water baits would kill it. But now not so much. Then I switch to Texas rig. And that killed it. But now not so much again. The biggest problem is is that the canals are filled with shopping carts which will steal anything with and exposed hook without regard. And these carts are home to the larger bass. I can get away with fishing crank baits if I swap out with a lighter hooks size and just bend the hook out of the shopping cart. But it's annoying. Canal is a slow moving current, soft bottoms of silt and much, 3-4 feet deep, 15-20 feet wide. 2- bottom vis. Its 50/50. So, what would you all do to change it up?

[Dorado]

Do you own a bike. When I used to live by a canal, I would bike from one spot to another and just have a ball. You can cover a lot of ground. 

[ArizonaFishing]

6 minutes ago, Dorado said:

Do you own a bike. When I used to live by a canal, I would bike from one spot to another and just have a ball. You can cover a lot of ground. 

I usually cover a pretty wide stretch. About 8 miles of canal. Thanks to my location. Not really trying to tote a bike around. I prefer to walk, fan pattern, and move on. Plus even if I lock it up by the time i get back to it the bike will undoubtedly be missing parts. Canal is a highway for the homeless and drug addicts. 

[Dorado]

So true my man! 

[timsford]

Have you tried using braid and a heavy powered rod. Ive never fished anything like you describe but I would probably get some quality 50lb braid and a heavy rod or flipping stick and try jigs,chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, and possibly swimbaits around the carts. If you get snagged, the braid should be plenty strong enough to drag the cart in and get your bait back. Also simce you are fishing specific targets that are visible, id also try a wacky rigged senko and just deadstick next to the carts

[WRB]

When I first read this post my immediate response was fish night or dawn or dusk. That was before reading the area is unsafe. 

You need to reconsider where you are fishing, if it's dangerous it isn't worth it.

I haven't been to metro Phoenix area in decades and would try the suburbs golf ponds, ask for permission some will allow you on the property after hours. Hundreds of golf ponds availble with canals providing irrigation water. 

Try a buzz bait, should work in the shallow water channels and stay above the debris.

Tom

[schplurg]

On 8/12/2019 at 1:59 PM, ArizonaFishing said:

I usually cover a pretty wide stretch. About 8 miles of canal. Thanks to my location. Not really trying to tote a bike around. I prefer to walk, fan pattern, and move on. Plus even if I lock it up by the time i get back to it the bike will undoubtedly be missing parts. Canal is a highway for the homeless and drug addicts. 

 

Wait, your fishing spot is 8 miles long? That's a big spot!