| There are some key things to remember about | | | | return to their normal activities, the shore bass |
| bass fishing from shore regardless of whether | | | | fisherman is back in business. Look for weed |
| you will be bait fishing or fishing artificials of some | | | | beds. The best option is in a corner of a pond or |
| kind. Once we have discussed these keys, we will | | | | lake where you can stand across the corner and |
| discuss some of the methods of fishing from a | | | | cast to the outer edge of the weed-bed. If you |
| good location. | | | | are fishing heavy line and weedless, like a texas |
| Just like fishing for bass from a boat, they first | | | | rigged rubber worm, you can even cast directly |
| and foremost matter is to key on areas that hold | | | | into the weed bed. If weedbeds are not an |
| bass during the time you will be fishing. Bass are | | | | option, try casting from shore at approximately a |
| found in different locations throughout the season, | | | | 30 degree angle to the shore. The idea is you are |
| and you will have to adjust your tactics | | | | coming as close to fishing parallel to shore as |
| accordingly. Also, if you are fishing a public area | | | | possible while still covering some water in the |
| that receives a fair amount of fishing pressure, no | | | | 10-30 foot depth range. |
| matter how great the structure is, the bass may | | | | Fishing these areas, use plastics, crankbaits, jigs, |
| be driven off the area from over-fishing. Keep | | | | top waters, or other traditional bass rigs. Adjust |
| this in mind as we discuss some of the areas to | | | | depths, sizes, and colors until you find something |
| look for when shore fishing for bass. If you are in | | | | that is working. As Summer proceeds, |
| one of those public areas, consider skipping over | | | | concentrate on morning and evening feeding |
| the easy to access spots that look great, and be | | | | hours. Fish can be caught in the heat of the day, |
| willing to beat through some brush to get to the | | | | but the fishing will be slower. |
| less accessible spots that could be holding bass. | | | | Bait fishing for bass from shore can also be quite |
| Know where the bass will be depending on the | | | | effective. The traditional baits are worms, |
| season. Bass spend time in the Spring on | | | | crawdads, minnows, and occasionally crickets. |
| spawning beds. In this author's opinion, if you do | | | | Also, where legal, live bluegill fished under a large |
| choose to fish these beds, spawning sized bass | | | | float can be a killer bait. There is nothing that |
| should be returned immediately and unharmed. In | | | | draws the attention of a big bass than an injured |
| this author's opinion, bass on spawning beds should | | | | prey fish. We have caught numerous 5+ pound |
| not be targeted with baits as the mortality rate is | | | | largemouth bass using this strategy. Typically, the |
| much higher than with artificial baits. After the | | | | bass will bring the float under once or more |
| bass are finished spawning, there will be a short | | | | momentarily before truly taking care of business, |
| time where they will move off their beds and | | | | When he does it will be under for at least two |
| rest. The shore fisherman is at an immense | | | | seconds. This is when the hook should be set with |
| disadvantage here for a time. Shortly, they will | | | | authority. |
| return to areas where they can be caught by | | | | So, whether you have a boat or not, fishing from |
| shore fishermen. | | | | shore can be a lot of fun. Try these tips and you |
| Once the bass return to shallower waters and | | | | will be in the fish. |