Bank Fishing Spooky Fish

[SwimbaitDave]

I have been heading down to the local pond for some shore fishing during lunch. A few weeks ago when the water was cold I was cathing fish. Now the water has warmed up and the Bass are going into pre spawn. They seem to be sitting just off the bank and watching the shore. Also I have seen them crusing around the Bluegill. Now even when I sneak up on them and cast, they get spooked by the lure or just nudge it. Right now I am throwing 4" power worms, Senkos and small slug-gos and finesse fishes. Anybody know some different techniques to try to get them to strike?

A little about the lake. Its a public park that gets alot of traffic during the day with people always walking around and going down to the water to watch and feed the ducks. Also it gets a pretty good amount of pressure from anglers.

Thanks

[Revo_Carrot Stix]

Not sure if it's possible on your pond, but I'd try (cutting the corner) and throwing your soft plastics to land on the bank and then work it in the water over those spots. I've seen many V's dart in the water as I approach or cast (with a soft entry) to areas like this. It wasn't until I accidently hit the bank with my frog one day and landed hawg after I cranked it a few times in the water.

Sounds like you are taking the right approach with finesse plastics. You may try throwing a tube (SK Coffee) or crawfish (Chigger Craw). Don't overwork your baits - let it sit/soak, then pop it softly, repeat.

Good luck.

[weekendfisherman]

Not sure if it's possible on your pond, but I'd try (cutting the corner) and throwing your soft plastics to land on the bank and then work it in the water over those spots. I've seen many V's dart in the water as I approach or cast (with a soft entry) to areas like this. It wasn't until I accidently hit the bank with my frog one day and landed hawg after I cranked it a few times in the water.

Sounds like you are taking the right approach with finesse plastics. You may try throwing a tube (SK Coffee) or crawfish (Chigger Craw). Don't overwork your baits - let it sit/soak, then pop it softly, repeat.

Well said.  Working the lures off the bank would be my first choice as well.  If that will not work, then maybe you could stay way back from the bank and cast...I even get on my knees sometimes!

[Bass_Akwards]

Cruisers and fish wanting to spawn are almost impossible to catch.  They couldn't care less about eating.  They're way more interested in making little bass. 

I've heard KVD talk about how if he sees fish like you're describing, even while NOT in a tourney, he'll try and fish for them for about 10 minutes and if the bass aren't  interested, he'll just forget about them and move onto fish that he can catch.  He basically said that bass like the one's you're describing aren't even worth going for and I completely agree. 

Nothing's worse than wasting your time on bass like this. I've tried and all it does is get me frustrated while keeping me off parts of the lake or pond where there's bass that DO want to eat or react to my bait.

[Crestliner2008]

You could also try just putting the odds in your favor. By that I mean, arrive early (low light periods). Keep your silhouette low (stoop, don't walk in erect). Remember, if you see them....they see you as well.

Sounds like you are fishing from the bank. That being the case, wear soft sneakers and take your time approaching the water's edge.

Cast out way beyond the suspected location. Bring your finesse worm slowly into where the bass are staging. Use light pound test, fluorocarbon line.

You have to be very patient and have plenty of time to spend waiting for them to generate an interest. The 4" Senko rules. As well as tubes weighted internally with light 1/8 oz. lead. And scent your baits (I like Megastrike). It's all about putting the odds in your favor.

There is no way you can go out there and "get 'em" at this time of the year, if they're staging for the spawn. However, no bass alive can turn away from an easy meal. It's just not in it's genes. It's your job to "make 'em an offer they just cannot refuse!" 

[TheOriginalFishaholic]

I fish from shore 98% of the time...

Stealth is definitely an issue, long casts, light line and if at all possible, dress to match your background...I've had a little success in the situation you describe, don't rule out dead-sticking a bait.

[zach t]

I would ease up, cast way out and deadstick it.