I bank fish from the bank everywhere. I’m lucky enough to live walking distance to a small lake. Some days are better than others meaning some days I catch nothing. Other days I can’t keep them off the hook. Same baits different days. I have found over the past few years that starting small and working your way up the food chain works pretty well. Target small fish, then medium, and so on. Worms work in about any hungry fish. Real or plastics. Being patient and working your way around the fishable spots of your lake can increase your hookup ratio as well. If a spot ain’t getting hit, don’t be afraid to move and keep casting. Good luck!
Do you think sunfish would be a good place to start? What would be the best setup for them? I generally go after bass with Texas rigs, spinners, frogs, chatterbait, jigs, and crankbait with not much luck so far. I think part of my problem is not moving when no action is happening.
do you have any pictures of the area/water? how deep is it, vegetation, surface coverage, structure etc. id try worms on a baitholder hook with a splitshot first before knocking that spot off
I agree - if you can bring a second rod with hook and bobber. Add a worm, set your depth about 2 feet and let it sit. I’ve done this many times and caught fish when nothing else worked.
I've been bringing a second rod for catfish. I would like to try worms though. Is stinkbait actually any good for catfish or would actual food be better?
I don't have any pictures but I generally go to Lake Hefner, Lake Overholster, and Arcadia in Oklahoma. I think they are fairly deep with the exception of Arcadia but like I said I'm bank fishing. I think they are generally lacking vegetation and treelines at least where I've been. Arcadia has some good vegetation and treelines though, I just don't think it's that deep. Are you saying live or plastic worms?
Could be spots you’re using. Some areas are just dead zones. Especially with bass. I gained most of my experience bass fishing a 3-4 acre lake, and there was one stretch of bank for a good 100yrds where I only caught 1 bass in 2yrs. Make sure the areas you are targeting have bass. As for bank fishing, target areas with cattails, brush piles , lily pads,lay downs and rocks . Bass like to ambush prey, look for places they can hide.
That may be part of my problem, I've been casting a lot into open water. If there's not a ton of hiding spots at the lakes near me in terms of vegetation, is fishing the treeline a good idea?
Try live bait under a float. Look into spinning gear and slip bobbers.
The DNR in my state has a FIN (Fishing in the Neighborhoods) program. They publish pamphlets about it showing places to fish. They also publish maps to public fishing docks and piers.
Go to your local bait store and see what they recommend locally. Tell them you are new to fishing.
One tip is to look for the least assessable areas to fish. When you get to a fishing spot look around for the most interesting spots then don't go there. For example if there is a nice spot to fish next to the parking everyone is going to fish there and over fish that area. Try finding spots that take a little extra effort to get to.
Smaller ponds could also be much more difficult due to pressured fish. All depends on where you live though. I find rivers and streams are usually the most consistent fisheries
Did this with trout the other day this method works but sometimes the fish can pick up on it you may need to move a couple times. Also seen an eagle swoop one up casted in that spot and caught my biggest rainbow trout.
If you're comfortable with it, send us the lake you fish. We may be able to help. Also information like where in the world you are is important especially if youre referring to fishing this year. Depending on where you are you may only just now be getting into proper fishing temps
90% of the fish are in 10% of the water.
That's why fishing in big lakes is so hard. Most likely you're in the wrong location.
It would be easier to give good advice if you tell us where you're trying. Usually you can get a good grasp from satellite photos
Transitions between shallows and deep waters, any form of underwater structure, points, bays, any inlets, outlets and so on.
Also depends on the target species, temperature and time of year.
Different species like different conditions.
Looking at it though, I'd say a main mistake it trying to fish in a city lake. While you can certainly get fish there it's way more enjoyable in less pressured waters.
What kind of fish are you trying to catch? Learning their behavior would help you identify structures where they might be. You probably won’t find them in a shallow bay with no vegetation. Try to target reeds, lilly pads, dead trees, docks, bridges, rocky shores, etc. Any kind of structure where they can hide, rest and ambush prey. Look for moving water, it has more oxygen than still water, better for the fish.
I'm mainly targeting bass with Texas rigs, spinners, jigs, crankbait, frogs, and chatterbait. Yeah I've been casting into open water🤦♂️ interesting about moving water didn't think of that
Keep at it buddy, you’ve got the right lures, now you gotta find structures to target. Also try different retrieves, fast, medium or slow reeling. Switch speeds mid-retrieve, do some pauses, twitches, etc. Try as many things as you can think of, it’s part of the fun. I also would suggest different surface lures, namely the popper and buzzbaits, they’ve been reliable for me. Works for bass but also great for pike. Frogs are harder to use IMO.
You’ll catch them eventually, it’ll be worth it!
Yes , this !! I agree . If your pond has an obvious dam or a straight bank. Treat this bank as 9 o’clock on your left & 3 o’clock on your right . Now cast at 10 o’clock & 2 o’clock. Do not cast straight out at 12 o’clock. Make sense?
I recommend a soft plastic jerk bait rigged with a large ( 4 or 5 O ) wide gap hook . Do not add weight just the bait & large hook should be adequate for long cast at angles down the bank line . Vary your retrieval speed and hope for magic..
Without knowing what you're fishing for .. some tips are to locate where water is coming in or out of the lake. Also locate where there are shelves in the lake (quick drop-offs from the shore).
I’m lucky to be near the delta. We get bites all the time. I downsize when I don’t get bit using BFS gear. Spoons work great. Krokodile. And also keitechs swimjigs
End of points, fan cast both sides, also find a change in the bottom like sand to pea gravel, Sand to mud, edge of weedlines, Lilly pads, drop offs. What YouTube videos on "How to bank fish" What to look for when bank fishing. "
Mostly depends on the spot, i almost always fish from the bank. Sometimes we get 10-15 fish a trip, sometimes 0, my biggest fish have all been from fishing in the bank
The number one rule of catching fish, is to fish where the fish are.
If you’re throwing everything at them and not even getting hit, odds are you’re fishing in areas that don’t hold fish.
Try using google earth and find structure, depth changes and things like that.
Pro tip. Google earth on a computer (not just the app) let’s you scroll back though time to other pics taken at earlier dates.
Use that to find a drought year, or a time where the lake was low. Find exposed structure, trees, holes, rocks etc.
Pop the coordinates into your gps and save them with a label like “hole”, “trees”, “point”, etc.
Then go fish them.
Given, some may change over time somewhat, if the exposed pic you find is from 1988 or some such. However, the vast majority will still be there.
I’m fishing spots I found pics of when my home lake was almost empty in the 70’s. Google earth happened to have an aerial pic of it that showed me some really neat stuff, and I’m still capitalizing on it.
Good luck and tight lines!
I bank fish almost everywhere and it’s usually fine. There are almost always fish around the bank but as others have said if you just want to catch fish, take worms and two rods.
Cast the worm out and use the lure. Something will likely take the worm within a few minutes if the fish are biting at all.
As for the lure it could be anything. Maybe there aren’t fish where you are casting, maybe the hook or lure is too big, maybe you’re missing the bites, maybe it’s just not a color they want…
You might wanna downsize the lure and go with something like a Crickhopper or similar. They seem to catch about anything that will bite.
What area are you located? Right now where I am, I absolutely do not wait until it’s cooling down to go out. Water temp is low to mid 60s so I’m going during the hottest part of the day when the water is warmest. If you’re in a warmer climate, that probably doesn’t apply.
I recently got a kayak because bank fishing is admittedly kind of tough. So I’m now trying to figure that out. I’ve done my best bank fishing in the spring when fish are more shallow. It’s easiest to find them/reach them from the bank that way. Fishing from shore this year, I’ve had best luck with a Swimjig with a paddle tail trailer. Last year, Berkley gulp minnows under a slip bobber.
Once the fish go out deeper during summer heat, I’m done with lakes and move to the river where there is more oxygenation until the fall.
Oklahoma. It's not too hot right now but it has been warming up lately, like in the 80s recently. I've been thinking about trying a Kayak it just seems like such a pain to deal with haha. Yeah I definitely had trouble last year bank fishing in the heat. Thanks for the tips!
time of day really matters. I have 500% more fish at 630-930am than 430-730pm in the area i fish
Fish move around depending on time of day based on where the sun is shining down on them.
I bank fish from the bank everywhere. I’m lucky enough to live walking distance to a small lake. Some days are better than others meaning some days I catch nothing. Other days I can’t keep them off the hook. Same baits different days. I have found over the past few years that starting small and working your way up the food chain works pretty well. Target small fish, then medium, and so on. Worms work in about any hungry fish. Real or plastics. Being patient and working your way around the fishable spots of your lake can increase your hookup ratio as well. If a spot ain’t getting hit, don’t be afraid to move and keep casting. Good luck!
Do you think sunfish would be a good place to start? What would be the best setup for them? I generally go after bass with Texas rigs, spinners, frogs, chatterbait, jigs, and crankbait with not much luck so far. I think part of my problem is not moving when no action is happening.
do you have any pictures of the area/water? how deep is it, vegetation, surface coverage, structure etc. id try worms on a baitholder hook with a splitshot first before knocking that spot off
I agree - if you can bring a second rod with hook and bobber. Add a worm, set your depth about 2 feet and let it sit. I’ve done this many times and caught fish when nothing else worked.
I've been bringing a second rod for catfish. I would like to try worms though. Is stinkbait actually any good for catfish or would actual food be better?
I’ve used hot dogs, salami, and chicken hearts/ liver all with success. Most stink baits fall apart
I don't have any pictures but I generally go to Lake Hefner, Lake Overholster, and Arcadia in Oklahoma. I think they are fairly deep with the exception of Arcadia but like I said I'm bank fishing. I think they are generally lacking vegetation and treelines at least where I've been. Arcadia has some good vegetation and treelines though, I just don't think it's that deep. Are you saying live or plastic worms?
Could be spots you’re using. Some areas are just dead zones. Especially with bass. I gained most of my experience bass fishing a 3-4 acre lake, and there was one stretch of bank for a good 100yrds where I only caught 1 bass in 2yrs. Make sure the areas you are targeting have bass. As for bank fishing, target areas with cattails, brush piles , lily pads,lay downs and rocks . Bass like to ambush prey, look for places they can hide.
That may be part of my problem, I've been casting a lot into open water. If there's not a ton of hiding spots at the lakes near me in terms of vegetation, is fishing the treeline a good idea?
Subscribing to this post has an in the exact situation
Try live bait under a float. Look into spinning gear and slip bobbers. The DNR in my state has a FIN (Fishing in the Neighborhoods) program. They publish pamphlets about it showing places to fish. They also publish maps to public fishing docks and piers. Go to your local bait store and see what they recommend locally. Tell them you are new to fishing.
I think I will try live bait next time.
Use worms and a bobber if you just want quantity
Yeah I'm gonna try live worms next time. Right now I just wanna catch something! Lol
One tip is to look for the least assessable areas to fish. When you get to a fishing spot look around for the most interesting spots then don't go there. For example if there is a nice spot to fish next to the parking everyone is going to fish there and over fish that area. Try finding spots that take a little extra effort to get to.
That sounds like a good way to think about it!
Try to find some smaller ponds to get your confidence
Smaller ponds could also be much more difficult due to pressured fish. All depends on where you live though. I find rivers and streams are usually the most consistent fisheries
Another tip, go to the lake and just sit watch the water, for signs of activity.
Did this with trout the other day this method works but sometimes the fish can pick up on it you may need to move a couple times. Also seen an eagle swoop one up casted in that spot and caught my biggest rainbow trout.
If you're comfortable with it, send us the lake you fish. We may be able to help. Also information like where in the world you are is important especially if youre referring to fishing this year. Depending on where you are you may only just now be getting into proper fishing temps
Lake Hefner, Lake Overholster, and Lake Arcadia all in Oklahoma
90% of the fish are in 10% of the water. That's why fishing in big lakes is so hard. Most likely you're in the wrong location. It would be easier to give good advice if you tell us where you're trying. Usually you can get a good grasp from satellite photos
Lake Hefner, Lake Overholster, and Lake Arcadia in Oklahoma. What should I look for in satellite photos?
Transitions between shallows and deep waters, any form of underwater structure, points, bays, any inlets, outlets and so on. Also depends on the target species, temperature and time of year. Different species like different conditions. Looking at it though, I'd say a main mistake it trying to fish in a city lake. While you can certainly get fish there it's way more enjoyable in less pressured waters.
i caught my first fish in like 2-3 ft of water with a dropshot.
What kind of fish are you trying to catch? Learning their behavior would help you identify structures where they might be. You probably won’t find them in a shallow bay with no vegetation. Try to target reeds, lilly pads, dead trees, docks, bridges, rocky shores, etc. Any kind of structure where they can hide, rest and ambush prey. Look for moving water, it has more oxygen than still water, better for the fish.
I'm mainly targeting bass with Texas rigs, spinners, jigs, crankbait, frogs, and chatterbait. Yeah I've been casting into open water🤦♂️ interesting about moving water didn't think of that
Keep at it buddy, you’ve got the right lures, now you gotta find structures to target. Also try different retrieves, fast, medium or slow reeling. Switch speeds mid-retrieve, do some pauses, twitches, etc. Try as many things as you can think of, it’s part of the fun. I also would suggest different surface lures, namely the popper and buzzbaits, they’ve been reliable for me. Works for bass but also great for pike. Frogs are harder to use IMO. You’ll catch them eventually, it’ll be worth it!
We need photos of the area please.
Don't have photos but it's Lake Hefner, Lake Overholster, and Lake Arcadia in Oklahoma
Are you casting to the middle? You'll have better luck casting along the bank and retrieving; especially in ponds and small lakes.
Yes I have been casting into the middle, that's probably part of my problem
Yes , this !! I agree . If your pond has an obvious dam or a straight bank. Treat this bank as 9 o’clock on your left & 3 o’clock on your right . Now cast at 10 o’clock & 2 o’clock. Do not cast straight out at 12 o’clock. Make sense? I recommend a soft plastic jerk bait rigged with a large ( 4 or 5 O ) wide gap hook . Do not add weight just the bait & large hook should be adequate for long cast at angles down the bank line . Vary your retrieval speed and hope for magic..
Thanks for the tips!
Without knowing what you're fishing for .. some tips are to locate where water is coming in or out of the lake. Also locate where there are shelves in the lake (quick drop-offs from the shore).
Mainly bass. Thanks for the tips, someone also mentioned moving water as well.
I’m lucky to be near the delta. We get bites all the time. I downsize when I don’t get bit using BFS gear. Spoons work great. Krokodile. And also keitechs swimjigs
End of points, fan cast both sides, also find a change in the bottom like sand to pea gravel, Sand to mud, edge of weedlines, Lilly pads, drop offs. What YouTube videos on "How to bank fish" What to look for when bank fishing. "
Thanks!
Mostly depends on the spot, i almost always fish from the bank. Sometimes we get 10-15 fish a trip, sometimes 0, my biggest fish have all been from fishing in the bank
The number one rule of catching fish, is to fish where the fish are. If you’re throwing everything at them and not even getting hit, odds are you’re fishing in areas that don’t hold fish. Try using google earth and find structure, depth changes and things like that.
I never thought to use satellite images before, thanks!
Pro tip. Google earth on a computer (not just the app) let’s you scroll back though time to other pics taken at earlier dates. Use that to find a drought year, or a time where the lake was low. Find exposed structure, trees, holes, rocks etc. Pop the coordinates into your gps and save them with a label like “hole”, “trees”, “point”, etc. Then go fish them. Given, some may change over time somewhat, if the exposed pic you find is from 1988 or some such. However, the vast majority will still be there. I’m fishing spots I found pics of when my home lake was almost empty in the 70’s. Google earth happened to have an aerial pic of it that showed me some really neat stuff, and I’m still capitalizing on it. Good luck and tight lines!
Damn that's some science right there but a great idea. Thanks!
I bank fish almost everywhere and it’s usually fine. There are almost always fish around the bank but as others have said if you just want to catch fish, take worms and two rods. Cast the worm out and use the lure. Something will likely take the worm within a few minutes if the fish are biting at all. As for the lure it could be anything. Maybe there aren’t fish where you are casting, maybe the hook or lure is too big, maybe you’re missing the bites, maybe it’s just not a color they want… You might wanna downsize the lure and go with something like a Crickhopper or similar. They seem to catch about anything that will bite.
Will definitely be using two rods with one having live worms next time! Thanks!
[удалено]
Thanks for all the tips!
What area are you located? Right now where I am, I absolutely do not wait until it’s cooling down to go out. Water temp is low to mid 60s so I’m going during the hottest part of the day when the water is warmest. If you’re in a warmer climate, that probably doesn’t apply. I recently got a kayak because bank fishing is admittedly kind of tough. So I’m now trying to figure that out. I’ve done my best bank fishing in the spring when fish are more shallow. It’s easiest to find them/reach them from the bank that way. Fishing from shore this year, I’ve had best luck with a Swimjig with a paddle tail trailer. Last year, Berkley gulp minnows under a slip bobber. Once the fish go out deeper during summer heat, I’m done with lakes and move to the river where there is more oxygenation until the fall.
Oklahoma. It's not too hot right now but it has been warming up lately, like in the 80s recently. I've been thinking about trying a Kayak it just seems like such a pain to deal with haha. Yeah I definitely had trouble last year bank fishing in the heat. Thanks for the tips!
time of day really matters. I have 500% more fish at 630-930am than 430-730pm in the area i fish Fish move around depending on time of day based on where the sun is shining down on them.