Not all fish are caught while out in the boat. Fishing from the shore can have its advantages. It can be spontaneous and convenient. And if you know your spots, it can be extremely rewarding. Here are some things to look for….
A rocky and sloping shoreline is a great place to find fish. Minnows, crawfish, bugs, and other critters live inside of the rocky gaps and attract fish. Some fish like to spawn in areas like these as well. Watch your step.
Docks and other similar structures are likely to be holding fish. They produce shade and cover to make the fish feel more secure while keeping them a little cooler in the summer months. This is a good place for larger fish to feed on smaller fish also looking for cover. So before you run out to the end of the dock trying to cast as far as you can, toss a line in along side it and see what its holding.
Dams and other man made structures that manage water flow are great fishing locations. The oxygenated and churning waters attract a wide variety of fish. The amount of food and depth of the water mean there will be some really large fish around. Be careful though, the water in areas like these can be dangerous.
Breaks in fast moving water are great places to find fish. The calm spots behind rocks and logs are great places for fish to wait and ambush prey. Let your bait drift past these calm spots and see what surprises they have in store. Be careful not to get too snagged up.
If you notice trees near the water, its a good place to look for fish. The shade, and sometimes the trees themselves provide cover for fish. Trees that are actually in the water are very good places to try as well. Just for fun, look into the trees and see how many bobbers you see hanging there. That might be a hint about how popular that spot is.
Weeds and grasses growing along the shore are excellent places to fish. Cast your bait to the edges and be careful not to get hung up in the weeds. If you can find pockets of water within the weeds, that is also a great place to find fish. Be prepared for the hooked fish to attempt a run into the weeds. Strong line will help here.
Submerged logs, brush, and other underwater structures, are great places to find fish. Cast along side the underwater tree and be careful not to accidentally cross over it. The main thing to be careful of here is a snag. The closer you can get without actually snagging the object, the better. Pay attention to your casting and be ready to get the fish away from the object once its on the hook.
