Shore Fishing Continued
Be Mobile. Locating a hotspot on any body of water is as easy as following the signs. There are vehicle tracks in the
ditches, trails through the woods and forked sticks in mud. While these high-traffic areas are proven hotspots, they're not
the only places that hold fish. Lake maps are available for most bodies of water. Pick one up and study the areas where
most people fish, then look for other, similar, areas. If other fishermen are bunched on a long, hard-bottomed point, look
for other points that are similar. All the fish in the lake aren't bunched up in one spot. Keep moving until you find fish.
Play The Wind. If you really want to get away from the crowds and increase the odds of catching fish, trying setting up on
the windy side of the lake. Sure, it's not as comfortable there, but wind is the fisherman's friend.
When the wind blows it riles up the shallows, cutting light penetration and stirring up the food chain. It stacks plankton on
the windy side of the lake and oxygenates the shallows, which in turn attracts baitfish. And guess who shows up when
there are baitfish in the area? If the wind is calm, fish "yesterday's wind," that's the side of the lake where the wind was
blowing the day before. Chances are the water will still be stained and active fish will still be in the vicinity.
Be Versatile. It isn't necessary to invest your life savings in tackle to go shore fishing. On the other hand, it's a good idea
to have a variety of lures available. Instead of the usual round bobber, get some tiny, inexpensive slip bobbers that allow
you to quickly adjust the depth quickly. Use a bobber that's just big enough to float your lure. Try fishing next to the
bottom. If that doesn't work, set the bobber a little higher. Keep changing until you find a depth that works. Attach a small
jig to one line and a bare hook to another.
Try Floating Jigs. If you're fishing for bottom-feeders like walleyes, a floating jig will keep your bait just off the bottom
where it belongs. Sometimes color makes a difference, sometimes it doesn't. The only way you'll know is by trying
different colors.
Change baits. A lively little minnow usually works best for just about any gamefish early in the season. But try other baits,
too. Try hooking a minnow through the top of the head, which will force it to struggle to right itself. That little trick can be
deadly.
Use as many rods as the law allows, each with a slightly different offering and each at a different depth. If one
presentation out-produces the rest, switch all your lines over to what's working.
If you're fishing for pike, try a frozen smelt on one line and a lively sucker on another. If you're catfishing, try different
stink baits. Never assume what the fish will want on a given day.
Try casting a minnow bait, spinnerbait or big spoon beyond your stationery lines and retrieving them at different speeds.
This tactics accomplishes two things. First, you might get a reflex strike from a lethargic fish. But it's more likely a fish will
follow your moving lure towards shore where it will take your live bait.
If you really want to get serious about boatless fishing, get a float tube or a pair of chest waders and get in the water.
Catching bass or bluegills from a float tube is one of fishing's greatest thrills. I once caught a 300-pound sturgeon from a
float tube, although that effort was one of those don't-try-this-at-home experiences. Fly-fishing is another great way to
enjoy angling without a boat.
ditches, trails through the woods and forked sticks in mud. While these high-traffic areas are proven hotspots, they're not
the only places that hold fish. Lake maps are available for most bodies of water. Pick one up and study the areas where
most people fish, then look for other, similar, areas. If other fishermen are bunched on a long, hard-bottomed point, look
for other points that are similar. All the fish in the lake aren't bunched up in one spot. Keep moving until you find fish.
Play The Wind. If you really want to get away from the crowds and increase the odds of catching fish, trying setting up on
the windy side of the lake. Sure, it's not as comfortable there, but wind is the fisherman's friend.
When the wind blows it riles up the shallows, cutting light penetration and stirring up the food chain. It stacks plankton on
the windy side of the lake and oxygenates the shallows, which in turn attracts baitfish. And guess who shows up when
there are baitfish in the area? If the wind is calm, fish "yesterday's wind," that's the side of the lake where the wind was
blowing the day before. Chances are the water will still be stained and active fish will still be in the vicinity.
Be Versatile. It isn't necessary to invest your life savings in tackle to go shore fishing. On the other hand, it's a good idea
to have a variety of lures available. Instead of the usual round bobber, get some tiny, inexpensive slip bobbers that allow
you to quickly adjust the depth quickly. Use a bobber that's just big enough to float your lure. Try fishing next to the
bottom. If that doesn't work, set the bobber a little higher. Keep changing until you find a depth that works. Attach a small
jig to one line and a bare hook to another.
Try Floating Jigs. If you're fishing for bottom-feeders like walleyes, a floating jig will keep your bait just off the bottom
where it belongs. Sometimes color makes a difference, sometimes it doesn't. The only way you'll know is by trying
different colors.
Change baits. A lively little minnow usually works best for just about any gamefish early in the season. But try other baits,
too. Try hooking a minnow through the top of the head, which will force it to struggle to right itself. That little trick can be
deadly.
Use as many rods as the law allows, each with a slightly different offering and each at a different depth. If one
presentation out-produces the rest, switch all your lines over to what's working.
If you're fishing for pike, try a frozen smelt on one line and a lively sucker on another. If you're catfishing, try different
stink baits. Never assume what the fish will want on a given day.
Try casting a minnow bait, spinnerbait or big spoon beyond your stationery lines and retrieving them at different speeds.
This tactics accomplishes two things. First, you might get a reflex strike from a lethargic fish. But it's more likely a fish will
follow your moving lure towards shore where it will take your live bait.
If you really want to get serious about boatless fishing, get a float tube or a pair of chest waders and get in the water.
Catching bass or bluegills from a float tube is one of fishing's greatest thrills. I once caught a 300-pound sturgeon from a
float tube, although that effort was one of those don't-try-this-at-home experiences. Fly-fishing is another great way to
enjoy angling without a boat.
PLEASE RELEASE YOUR CATCH!
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