I am primarily a bank fisherman. For 1-2 weeks out of the year I fish from a boat at beautiful Black Lake. But when home in upstate NY I utilize the banks. I have gotten out 4 times in March (trying a few new spots) but each time I came home with the scent of "skunk": no bites no fish. I use plastics, hair jigs, spinners, big baits, small baits, etc., etc..I'm sure the bass are snickering. Being new to bank fishing, can this be par for the course? Is March a typically difficult month from shore for bass? Are there great year round bank fishing locations around the Rochester, NY area that I might be missing? I don't frustrate easily and I am always open to sound advise. Many thx all !

Hey there Mac,

 

I'm in a very similar situation, I'm a bank fisherman from NJ.  March has been tough for me as well.  I have been out probably a dozen times thus far and napped about 5 fish.  It's slow going for sure but it's picking up.  Try to slow down your presentations, whatever they are.  I mean really slow them down.  When you think there's no possible way it should be this slow, that's about right.  I have also had some success with Senkos on my last couple of trips.  Wacky rigged was the key for me in my lake.  Hang in there, the temps are rising and the fish should be more aggressive soon.  I hope this helps.  

Hey , thanks Johnny. I appreciate the reply. I have tried to slow the retrieve and will probably slow it down further to a turtle's pace. It can be frustrating though. I have been on water as a kid at the 1000 Islands and as an adult at Black Lake where the bite was exciting and frequent. Not so on the bank. It's important to keep a correct perspective I guess. 

Fellow bank fisherman here (in Missouri)...one thing that might be coming into play.  I have been getting skunked a lot here the past month as well.  In my area, the only available bank fishing locations also are very heavily pressured.  I have much better luck when, for instance, I can get away to our family's farm that is a few hours away and has ponds that are not fished by anyone else.  On a lake in a boat, you have access to more water; not that it doesn't get any pressure, but the places I'm able to bank fish in my area just get pounded with pressure.

 

So, I have to remember to do all of the typical "high pressured area" tactics--smaller baits, finesse techniques, slower presentations; things like a Ned rig, wacky rigged Senko, slow fished weightless fluke, or smaller baits that I might typically use for panfish like small jig and curly tail grub, small Rapala crankbait, etc.  

 

Even then, I still come home with the stink of skunk more often than I want.

27 minutes ago, plawren53202 said:

Fellow bank fisherman here (in Missouri)...one thing that might be coming into play.  I have been getting skunked a lot here the past month as well.  In my area, the only available bank fishing locations also are very heavily pressured.  I have much better luck when, for instance, I can get away to our family's farm that is a few hours away and has ponds that are not fished by anyone else.  On a lake in a boat, you have access to more water; not that it doesn't get any pressure, but the places I'm able to bank fish in my area just get pounded with pressure.

 

So, I have to remember to do all of the typical "high pressured area" tactics--smaller baits, finesse techniques, slower presentations; things like a Ned rig, wacky rigged Senko, slow fished weightless fluke, or smaller baits that I might typically use for panfish like small jig and curly tail grub, small Rapala crankbait, etc.  

 

Even then, I still come home with the stink of skunk more often than I want.

Thx for the reply. Wow, A family farm !   A family farm with ponds !! Double wow. I might be willing to take the lengthier ride for the promise of more fish. Nice having that in your back pocket. ? 

10 hours ago, MacJig said:

I am primarily a bank fisherman. For 1-2 weeks out of the year I fish from a boat at beautiful Black Lake. But when home in upstate NY I utilize the banks. I have gotten out 4 times in March (trying a few new spots) but each time I came home with the scent of "skunk": no bites no fish. I use plastics, hair jigs, spinners, big baits, small baits, etc., etc..I'm sure the bass are snickering. Being new to bank fishing, can this be par for the course? Is March a typically difficult month from shore for bass? Are there great year round bank fishing locations around the Rochester, NY area that I might be missing? I don't frustrate easily and I am always open to sound advise. Many thx all !

How about fishing for trout? They like this temperature and there are lots of bank fishing areas. The DEC has some maps telling you exactly where you can fish and park.

5 hours ago, BassinCNY said:

How about fishing for trout? They like this temperature and there are lots of bank fishing areas. The DEC has some maps telling you exactly where you can fish and park.

Thx Bassin. Yes I have considered that. In fact, I had intended to begin trout fishing this year and began accumulating the necessary gear. One place I went to 2x in March was Sandy Creek noted for its trout fishing. I went fishing lures that a trout would like but that a bass would go for as well: trying to "go small" because of the time of year. But alas the skunk still got a ride home. I'm confident things will pick up in the coming months. Just hoping that with all the bad news of late, we all might get a dose of good news on the water.