Bass fishing from shore can be an incredibly rewarding experience for those who take the time to learn the tricks of the trade.
With the right rod, reel, and tackle box contents, bank anglers of all experience levels can successfully target big bass from the shore and experience the thrill of hauling in these powerful fish.
With the tips and tricks shared in this article, you can learn to consistently land your target bass from the shore.
Choosing the Best Shores: What to Look For
When choosing the best shoreline for bass fishing, it is important to look for shorelines with nearby access to deeper water since shallow shorelines are often less productive due to the lack of an adequate food source for bass.
Shorelines with cover such as trees, bushes, and reeds are ideal for bass fishing. Other covers to look for can include logs, rocks, stumps, and other types of natural debris. These areas provide bass with a place to hide from predators while still being able to ambush their prey.
Tactics for Shallow Water
During the spring and summer months, bass tend to move into the shallows to feed, so targeting those areas along the shore is key. One popular fishing tactic is to use a topwater lure such as a frog or skipping fly bait to catch bass that are actively feeding near the surface.
When fishing in the shallows, using a flipping technique with your baits and lures can be very effective, as you can target monster bass hiding in heavy cover. They will not only feel the vibrations of the flipping but will see it moving around erratically in the strike zone along the shore, which can trigger an aggressive feeding response.
Fishing Drop Offs and Deeper Water
Drop-off areas provide a variety of favorable areas for bass to gather and feed, which can make them attractive fishing spots for you. When fishing these areas, consider using large, heavy lures and slow retrieves to draw big bass out of the depths.
Baits that mimic small baitfish, such as minnows or small crawfish, are popular choices for fishing around drop-offs. It’s not uncommon to find bass suspended in the deep waters just a few feet out from a drop-off, but they will normally keep an eye on the shallow waters where insects and other potential prey may fall in.
Best Shore Fishing Lures Types
Tube Jig
Tubes on a weighted jig head are a great choice for largemouth bass because they offer a realistic presentation that closely resembles the natural bait the bass eat naturally along the shore. These baits are effective in both deep or shallow water and are great for fishing around rocks, weeds, and drop-offs.
Spinnerbait
Spinnerbaits are a great option because they provide a lot of flash and vibration that attracts bass from a distance. They are also extremely versatile and can be used in a variety of situations, making them perfect for beginners as well as many anglers that don’t use any one fishing technique.
Crankbait
Crankbaits can be extremely effective at luring in big bass since they provide a lifelike swimming action that mimics a fleeing bait fish. They are also effective for fishing in deep water and around structures such as dock pylons, sunken logs, and weed beds.
Jighead Worm
Similar to the weighted tubes, a jighead worm is a great choice because it can be fished in a variety of ways, such as bouncing along the bottom, skipping across the surface, or swimming through the water column. They are very forgiving and are easy to cast far, which makes them great when shore fishing for bass.
Swimbait
Swimbaits can lure in a good number of bass because they closely resemble the swimming action of a live baitfish. They are also great for fishing around structures and in deep water and can easily bring the bass out of the depths to strike.
Best Bass Rigs for Shore Fishing
Carolina Rig
The Carolina rig is simple and effective for shore fishing, which makes it a great option for beginners and advanced anglers alike. It makes use of weight and a long leader line with a hook on the end to suspend your bait above the bottom of the lake, so it moves freely and looks enticing for fish in the area. This rig is perfect when fishing off a drop-off or in areas with deep water.
Drop Shot Rig
The drop shot is a great rig for fishing from shore and can be rigged weedless to work in shallow water areas with thick vegetation. It consists of a weight on the bottom, a leader line, and a hook at the end, which can be adjusted as needed to float in the water column where you want it. The bait is allowed to move around freely in the current, as well as when you reel in the line, providing an eye-catching and enticing movement to nearby fish.
Bottom Bouncer Rig
The bottom bouncer is an effective rig for shore fishing because it consists of a medium weight on the bottom, a short leader line, and a hook with your bait above it. The particular way it is set up allows your bait to stay low to the bottom but high enough to avoid getting snagged on rocks or in vegetation. This is a perfect rig for craws and other creature baits since it provides a realistic movement and allows for ambush hunting by big bass.
Jig Rig
The jig rig consists of a weighted jig head on the end of a leader line. The jig head adds enough weight to get even floating baits down to the desired depth, and the leader line will allow the bait to move freely. This rig is great for both shallow water and deeper waters near drop-offs. When using a jig rig, I prefer using smaller grubs, short worms, and tubes, but any live or artificial bait can get excellent results.
Best Time of Year for Bank Fishing for Bass
Shore fishing for bass is very good during the warmer months after the last threat of frost has gone and the days start to get longer. During these several months, bass are more active and can be found close to shore, where they feed, rest, and spawn.
Best Time of Day to Catch Bass From Shore
Both the early morning and late evening hours can be highly productive and provide distinct advantages when it comes to catching bass. This is because bass are most active before the sun is high overhead and will be more likely to bite your best lures.
Best Season to Catch Bass From Shore
The best season for bass shore fishing is during the spring when the water temperature is warmer, and bass are actively feeding. Bass are most active when the water is between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
During this time, bass can be found in shallow waters near shore, making them easily accessible to you without the need for a boat. Additionally, bass are more likely to feed aggressively during the spring due to a faster metabolism, so they will willingly take a wide lure selection.
Advantages of Shore Fishing vs Boat or Kayak Fishing for Bass
Cost
Shore fishing is generally much cheaper than bass boat or kayak fishing since you don’t have to worry about buying or renting a boat to catch bass. You also won’t need to worry about boating licenses, insurance, or any personal items such as fire extinguishers, flares, bug spray, or other similar equipment.
Accessibility
Bank fishing is highly accessible for children and adults alike to catch fish. Since you don’t need to get onto a boat and worry about the motion of the water, it’s a great way for handicapped individuals or those that suffer from motion sickness to enjoy fishing without having to actually be on the water.
Mobility
Moving from spot to spot has a distinct advantage with shore fishing since you just need to move to a new spot along the water’s edge. If you are in a boat or kayak, you need to paddle or motor your way to a new location, which also has the added risk of scaring the bass fish away as you arrive too.
Variety
Shore fishing offers a variety of different environments for bass anglers to fish in, allowing for a greater variety of bass fishing experiences. A shore angler can fish from docks, piers, rocks, and the shoreline itself, giving you access to different sizes of bass hiding out in different areas.
