POND FISHING TO A BOAT?

[FATYAKKER]

Hey im new here and have been bass fishing for a long time. However never out of a boat. Now that im in the boat I find that its like I have to start all over. What if any tips do you have for me? I cant seem to get on the fish.

[roadwarrior]

Welcome aboard!

Fish parallel to the bank, cover and structure to start with, just like you do when fishing from the bank. The only thing that has changed is that you now have more options and can cover more water. Personally, I like to fish structure in deeper water, primary and secondary points for example. There are portions of these areas where you just could not reach from shore, but now you can.

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

I second RW and would also add that your world just got alot bigger and better!

If you fish the same places, you may want to visit your local city hall and see if you can get a topographical map of your lakes.

Welcome to the site.  

[Deuceu72]

A good topo map is a good place to start. Look for the main lake points, channels, etc....fish the same cover/structure as you would from shore.

[Minuteman]

If you have a small boat like me you have to get used to casting a lot while sitting down. That was the hardest thing for me.

Someone had given me some old rods and reels a few years back that he had used for Bass fishing tournaments. The reels needed some work, but the rods were too short (6' and under) for me. Once I got the little Jon boat I realized they would work perfect in the cramped quarters. I always take one for backup and close in pitching and flipping.

[Madhouse27]

I'd get a good pair of polarized sunglass to help you see through the glare on the surface of the water. Alot of bank fishing involves a relatively shallow water environment. You may need some work on the deeper water aspect of your game. A few things to develop would be your ability bouncing a soft plastic off the bottom and getting started using a drop shot set up. These can both be deadly out in a little deeper water. Even if you have fished a lake many times from the shore it can seem like a whole new deal fishing it from a boat. I tend to start off hitting the points and go from there. I'm always looking for good underwater structure while I'm travelling around. Good luck with your new toy.

[bassmasta7]

Last summer I had to learn how to fish from a boat. I didnt catch anything the first 5 times i went out. I eventually caught one and then they just kept coming. You just have to find a good spot and then you will find more spots similar that have fish. Also this is a tough time to find fish in unfamiliar waters. I would say have your boat farther back from the bank to catch the fish that are slightly deeper now.

[Rebbasser]

Welcome to the forum!

I have to agree with the other folks-it is the same as fishing from the bank but your options have increased exponentially. Fust fish the same kinds of places you fished from the bank and you will be fine.

[Guest avid]

The best part of fishing from a boat is casting crankbaits.  Buy a bunch and have fun.  All of the previous advice was very good.  Learning the bottom contour is now within your realm.  

[Rattlinrogue]

I'm with RW on this one.The difference is now you have the ability to cover lots more places than you did on foot.

[FATYAKKER]

Thanks for all  the suggestions. I think I will also join a local club to learn from some people that have already been through this.

[bass-rookie45]

Hi guys, I tell you what, I just started bass fishing this past w.e. in the miami canals and small lakes near the turnpike. Didn't catch anything but had a great time with my kid. I'm sure I was doing everything that a roookie can do wrong but I'm reading and learning. As for the boat, I think thats awesome. You can now reach more places than before. Wish I had one . I have friends that know a lot more than me and I will learn from them. What I did learn this w.e. is that spraying your line helps the casting. My friend sprayed Line and Lure the nite before and I felt the difference immediately. I  practiced casting in my yard a week before goin out and wow, what a difference at the lake. Anyway, we'll keep trying to catch THE BIG ONE, i'll settle for a small one right now. I was invited to go out to a nearby canal on a small boat tomorrow, we'll see how it goes. Hopefully i'll post a picture. Great site !!!!!!!!!!!!

[Valascus]

Good luck on your trip and welcome to the boards! Lots of good info here and lots of good people willing to share their knowledge and insight with ya.  

[jighead]

When your fishing from the bank your casting out as far as you can. Now with the boat you'll be casting as close to shore as you can.

[Pond-Pro]

Welcome! I am still shore bound most of the time. On shore, somtimes I forget and cast straight out. Most of my strikes come near the shore though. Always try to remember to keap most of your cast in what you feal is the strike zone.  Hope that helps.