Hi all. I am new to the boards. My name is Adam and I am 20 years old. I have been fishing for whatever bites since I was 5.  I am restricted to land only as I don't have a boat. Since I was 12 I always tried to catch bass. Minnows are/were my choice for bait however I have just discovered the texas rig and plain jig, with no luck.

My only Largemouth bass that was worth an adrenaline pump was 5 years ago at 5lbs on a spinner. I really haven't caught any other bass big enough to mention. Any pointers? I am only able to fish from shore/docks. I know there are bass where I'm fishing because i see them jump all the time, but they won't bite what I got on a good day. Any pointers/help/tips would be greatly appreciated. i love fishing even though I have no luck the last few years, often coming home with only a bite or two. But no catches.  Help Please! (Thanks in advance!)  

welcome to the site.  If the jumping bass are within casting range keep a crank or jerkbait on a rod, cast it to the spot, twitch it once or twice and hold on.  Try casting parallel to shore with a floating or suspending jerk/stick bait.  Poppers or other top water baits may also work...cheers ;D

what are your cast patterns ?  ask ppl what they are using?  colors colors colors have a nice selection to choose from in all your lures pending on the water color!!!!!   i cast in a clock pattern 9 cast 8 cast 7 cast 6 cast and so on till you reach 3 one side of bank to other keep moving don't stay in one spot to long maybe 10 mins i walk alot cover alot of area

Welcome Adam. Are you positive they're bass that are jumping? At any rate, put in as much time as you can, thoroughly fish any visible structure or cover, and if there is none, move around and cover a lot of water.

Use a variety of baits and try to be there at higher-percentage times, like low light periods. At many, but not all, shore fishing locations, you can do better by casting parallel to or at angles to the shore rather than casting straight out.

Good luck.