ok my best friend is gettin ready to go to bootcamp and we are going fishin this weekend at a local lake before he leaves. We will be bank fishin because we have no boat. The water temp will be in the upper 40s. The temps are suppose to warm up and be around 60 this weekend. But the lake is really clear. What lures/tactics would you use if you were us. I realize our chances arent great...  its not really about the fishing, but if we catch one its a bonus Thanks

I'm up in Western Pa, and I patterned the fish to be at 8-12 feet. Try Slo-rolling a spinnerbait, jig and a jerkbait. Just get out there and enjoy, before he heads off.

When I am bank fishing I prefer to use lures where I can control the depth.  Such as.

Spinnerbaits.

Lipless crankbaits.

Soft Plastics especially senkos rigged wacky & texas style. 

When I am bank fishing I prefer to use lures where I can control the depth. Such as.

Spinnerbaits.

Lipless crankbaits.

Soft Plastics especially senkos rigged wacky & texas style.

That is pretty much what I run with

...live bait...not so much standing around in the cold casting...I know it's not Bass Master, but I catch a lot of large, very early spring bass on live bait, and isn't that the point?

ok my best friend is gettin ready to go to bootcamp and we are going fishin this weekend at a local lake before he leaves. We will be bank fishin because we have no boat. The water temp will be in the upper 40s. The temps are suppose to warm up and be around 60 this weekend. But the lake is really clear. What lures/tactics would you use if you were us. I realize our chances arent great... its not really about the fishing, but if we catch one its a bonus Thanks

Good luck on the fishing but most of all remember the day.  You are lucky to spend such important time with your buddy before entering the service.  His life is about to change forever--savor the moments.

I'd start with a jerkbait and work my way down.

...live bait...not so much standing around in the cold casting...I know it's not Bass Master, but I catch a lot of large, very early spring bass on live bait, and isn't that the point?

I rather use lures, because it is just more fun fishing that way.

Drop shot a live shiner, and wait for the bass to biteI just can't picture me doing it.

Anyway, Lipless crankbaits and senkos would be my choice.

It depends on the type of bass tackle you have and what you can try to fish from shore.

When I fish from shore this time of year my typical tackle is bait casting a Texas rigged soft plastic worm or creature or Carolina (slip shot) rigging the same soft plastics. It's easy to carry a few weights and hooks, plus a few bags of worms or creatures and very effective.

Good luck and enjoy your day.

WRB

Shakey head jig would be my choice or drop shot.  I would recommend a 1/16 ounce head so u get that slow fall you will get a couple strikes on the fall maybe if not just work the bait in till you get bit. 

Dare I say it? ...KVD's Red Eye Shad (Lipless Crankbait)

Honestly, cold water calls for a Jig. The presentation is slow, being very patient, and working it along the bottom. If you can, beat it up around rocks or any other type of cover. If you hit structure, let it sit for a good 30 seconds before moving it.

Of course, spinnerbaits and soft plastics are always a good choice. I think you should try all of them if you have them in your tackle.

Go with a slow retrieve no matter your choice of lure, and remember to be patient. I hope you and your friend have a good time, post back with the results!

your senkos ,lipless cranks and dont forgrt your jigs i am in il and have been catching them on a 1/2 oz orange and brown pattern with a orange craw trailer .

Thank you all for your help. I will deffinately post some results and maybe some pics if I can remember the camera...

thanks again guys!

try a natural color crank bait ..model depends on depth to locate them.. then slow down with a c-rig or t- rig look for something you can make long cast with from the bank and try natral color baits if the water is clear hope this helps

guys, from the bottom of my heart i want to that you all.... we caught 5 largemouth and my friend who is leavin caught a 4 lb 5 oz one on a red eye liples crank... we had a great time, it was a beautiful day, and a lot of fun.... thanks again!

glad to hear that

Awesome man.  Glad to hear that. 

Awesome! Sounds like you had a good time!