Even bank-bound anglers have ample opportunity to catch fish. Fish have adapted to use man-made structures to their advantage and most of these structures are only a cast away. The only real disadvantages to not having a boat are lack of mobility and the amount of tackle one can carry. Tackle can be pared down to bare essentials. Knowing what your favorite species feeds on can dictate the tackle you will need.
- For crappie anglers, a small box of hooks, split shot, bobbers and a bucket of minnows may be all you need.
- Bluegill anglers will want to take some very small hooks, split shot, bobbers and a can of worms.
- Catfish anglers may use larger hooks, heavier sinkers and some type of prepared bait, liver, shad entrails or a variety of baits that offer a lot of scent appeal.
- Bass anglers most often opt for artificial lures such as spinnerbaits, crankbaits and soft plastic baits.
Where to Look for Fish – Boat Ramps
There are numerous areas on any waterway that can provide the basics fish desire and need to survive. Some type of forage, cover and access to deeper water are essential ingredients to locating and catching fish of any species. One of the key spots to check is often overlooked by bank fishermen. The boat ramp.
Boat ramps are always located near deep water; the water has to be deep enough to launch fairly large boats. Cement ramps are ideal. Often, fishermen at the end of the day will dump left over minnows or other bait when they load their boats on their trailers. These baits attract fish to the ramps. The cement ramp also has algae growing on it which attracts various minnows, small panfish and crawfish to feed on the water bugs that feed on the algae. The apron of the ramp is a perfect ambush point for bass to feed. They lie next to the apron and attack bait fish.
Fishing Without a Boat from Points of Land
Points are a natural spot to catch fish. Wherever land juts out into the water it is usually shallower than the surrounding water and can hold lots of fish. Anglers should cast to both sides of the point and across the top of the point. Fish wait patiently along the sides of points to grab any unsuspecting bait fish that comes to close. Points that are shallow on top and lead to deeper water are always best. Points may be mud, gravel, chunk rock or solid rock, it doesn't matter, they are all good. Fish coming from deeper water to feed view points as an underwater highway to lead them into the shallows where bait fish are abundant. Some major points that are above water can be a pathway anglers can walk out on to reach deeper water and access more fish.
Good Fishing from Boat Docks
Boat docks seem to always hold fish. The algae that attracts bait fish grows on the docks. Anglers often discard unused baits near boat docks. Docks offer an ambush point, provide shade and a place for predator fish to hide and feed. Sometimes the fish will be snug against the bottom area of the dock, other times they will suspended below the dock. Adjust depth settings of your baits as needed. Many times boat dock owners will tie bundles of brush or tree limbs together and sink them near the end of the dock to attract a variety of fish, these can be real hot spots. Always ask permission should you desire to fish off any boat dock. These are privately owned and that should be respected.
Johnnie Crain - Having grown up in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri, Johnnie Crain, has had great opportunities to fish massive lakes including, Bull ...
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