I'm really new to bass fishing and currently my only option is to fish from shore. One of the things I'm struggling with is how to approach my strategy, especially when fishing unfamiliar waters.

I'm curious what some other folks have come up with as effective strategies when fishing from shore. If I've identified what would seem to be a likely spot to locate bass, I never know whether to change my presentation (like switch from drop shot to t-rig), change worm type/color, or to just move on to another place.

So, how do you decide what to change and when to move?

Also, when fishing an unfamiliar body of water how do you test the waters, so to speak, to determine if you're in a good spot or not?

Thanks!

As a shorebound angler myself, if I have learned anything, it is that only experience is going to tell you these things.

Just to save myself the trouble, if a technique I am using is getting bites, I might try rigging it a different way or change size or color before I cut off and try a different technique if I only have one set up. I usually carry at least 2-3 setups, and sometimes 4 from the shore.

For example, when I was drop shotting about 3 weeks ago, I had my baits nose rigged. I wasn't getting jack, so before trying a different techique, I just changed the way I hooked the lure from nose to wacky.  Same bait, just a different way to hook them. That was the key. The smallies took the wacky.

I switched back to nose rigging just to see, and lo and behold, no more catching. Switched back to wacky and started hitting them again.  In addition, nosed hooked yielded no fish and I learned later that it didn't matter what I had, but it had to be wacky rigged.

The next time out, they might want to have nothing to do with the wacky so I will probably have to change it up.

The point is there is no panacea. You make your decision when you realize that what you're doing isn't working. You have to be willing to make adjustments as you go and the next time you go out can be a whole new ball of wax.

Also, if there are no fish in the spot you are fishing, it isn't going to matter how good your presentation is.  Experimenting, trial and error and sticking around a forum like this will be your best bets to shrinking your learning curve.

Fortunately for you, this subject makes its rounds nearly as much as the left vs. right hand retrieve deal.  So take advantage of the search function and lead yourself to a wealth of knowledge and information on fishing from the shore.  Big pigs can be had from the shore.

I ve only got one thing to say. Get a ROD, REEL, LINE, AND GET SOME SENKOS AND FISH THEM WACKY RIGGED AND START CATCHING FISH.

When I shore fish, I plan on what I'm going to be doing before I wet a line. I fish where I know bass have been caught before, visualizing what structures are attracting them to that area. And I try to pick 2 or 3 such places to fish on any given day.

Then I select one or two presentations which I feel will put the odds in my favor for success. Such as a wacky rigged Senko, or drop shot, or shakey head, etc.. I never carry more than 2 rods and one tackle satchel with me. This way I stay focused more on the fishing and less on what else I should be throwing.

Rarely do I elect to throw heavy search baits, such as a rattle trap, spinnerbait or crankbait. Those are tools I use when I'm on my boat. Stay with plastics when fishing from shore and focus on totally straining the area you are fishing....slowly.

Works for me.

Strategy is much more than baits. It's bass location, activity, and spookiness to name a few key factors.

As to baits, you don't need to divine the "perfect" bait for a given scenario. Lots of baits can be put to good use. Instead of beating a location to death with various lures, move. Find willing bass for presentations you are comfortable with.

Choose a T-rigged plastic (and/or a jig), a topwater, and a faster bait like tandem SB or swim jig. Stick to these and expand over time. If you aren't catching, move first, change baits on your next pass through.

Changing locations may even mean finding another water body altogether. Some waters the shallows become almost devoid of bigger fish. Others may fish poorly certain times of year, or poorly for your presentation level and options.

Pick a couple good baits and move until you find fish. Get a "beat" going that works; burn gas and boot tread. Then expand from there, both in locations, seasons and lure options.

Most of the small lakes and ponds that I fish from the bank are really overgrown with all types of underbrush and trees. I usually carry 2 rigs because of that (more is too much of a headache). T-rigged (your favorite plastic) or jig and trailer on a baitcaster and spinning with maybe Super Fluke. I'll try that for a while and if they're not interested make small changes in baits. If still no interest :Pmajor changes in set-ups ...

skillet

You have gotten some great advice in this thread.

The one thing that I have to add that I have learned while also being shore bound is this: Don't just cast straight out into the water. Cast parallel to the shore. Doing this has helped me to catch many fish.

Also, if you can, try and wade out a few feet. You will be surprise at how much more you will be able to get to.

I'm actually feeling really encouraged since it seems I've been on the right track even though I'm not catching many fish.

The hardest thing for me is after I've been working a spot for 45 minutes to an hour, trying my best to be patient, I waffle between trying a different color or method and just hiking around to another spot that looks promising.

I guess I just need to stop expecting to catch fish and be happy when it actually does happen.

Thanks for all the great tips!

You have gotten some great advice in this thread.

Also, if you can, try and wade out a few feet. You will be surprise at how much more you will be able to get to.

this. it doesnt seem like it would help much , but that one place that seems impossible , may become easily accessible just by getting your feet wet.

i always fish from shore , and everytime this topic comes up (which it does alot) it seems i learn something new.

First off address the conditions of the water, surroundings, weather, & the underwater structure of the body of water you are fishing. Match the color of the lure your using to the water color. If all else fails, try using a straight worm. (Senko)

I haven't fished from shore for bass for some time now, but what used to work for me & what I have learned is to cover the area completely. For example like the hours on a clock, say start at 8 o'clock & finish at 3 o'clock. Every time with a new cast moving to a different number on the clock.

Here ya go:

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1158577137

8-)

I like to try and start with some top water when I first get to my spot. I'll throw a jitterbug at night or a spook in the morning. If nothing previals I'll then try a buzzbait and if neither of those work, well time for cranks. I usually start out crankin shallow down the banks then fan out then adjust my running depth to try and deflect the bottom. Last, I flip and pitch cover with soft plastics or dead stick a trickstick.

Thats just my usual game plan and I'll sometimes swim jigs with grubs, spinners etc. Hope maybe this helped

I'm actually feeling really encouraged since it seems I've been on the right track even though I'm not catching many fish.

The hardest thing for me is after I've been working a spot for 45 minutes to an hour, trying my best to be patient, I waffle between trying a different color or method and just hiking around to another spot that looks promising.

I guess I just need to stop expecting to catch fish and be happy when it actually does happen.

Thanks for all the great tips!

That's the right attitude. It's easy to read mags, about others fishing trips on -line, and watch videos, and compare your results against that. It looks like everyone ELSE is catching fish.

I tend to make my catches in spurts; find 'em, fine tune presentation, and then make my catches. It's not just about catching, there's plenty of fishing involved each day to get into the catching.

Be patient with yourself in the meantime.

Here ya go:

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1158577137

8-)

You da man!  I love step by step instructions.  

I would usually start with a spinnerbait or crankbait and fish them at different speeds, retrieves, etc. then go to a favorite soft plastic or other technique that you use in other favorite waters (Jig, dropshot, t-rig, w.e you find that works.)

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1247764507

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1247764507

Another awesome post I missed.  I see now my mistake was not being clever enough in my word choices when searching, or maybe being too specific.

Thanks!