Bank Fishing for largemouth in a pond
Introduction:
Bank fishing for largemouth bass in a pond is a favorite pastime for many anglers, including myself! Whether you're a seasoned fisherman or a beginner, fishing from the bank offers a unique challenge and the potential for a rewarding catch. This blog will delve into the techniques and strategies that can help you catch good fish from the bank, and we'll also explore some of the best lures to use for largemouth bass. Be sure to check out the video below of one of my many ventures out to a pond that I enjoy fishing.
Why Bank Fishing?
Bank fishing is accessible and convenient, making it a popular choice for many anglers. You don't need a boat or expensive equipment to enjoy a successful day of fishing. Ponds, often found in local parks or private properties, are perfect for bank fishing as they are usually smaller and more manageable than larger lakes or rivers. One big thing I have learned to do is use Google Earth to locate ponds in my local area. Once I find a pond I’d like to fish, I follow all the local rules and regulations but most importantly ask for permission. The last thing you want to do is get caught tresspassing and end up in trouble!
The Advantages of Bank Fishing:
Accessibility: You can fish from almost anywhere along the bank.
Cost-Effective: No need for a boat or advanced equipment.
Easy to Learn: Suitable for beginners and experts alike.
Proximity to Fish: Many fish come close to the shore to feed, especially in ponds.
Techniques for Bank Fishing:
Understanding Pond Structure
To increase your chances of catching largemouth bass, it's essential to understand the structure of the pond. Look for the following features:
Vegetation: Weeds, lily pads, and other aquatic plants provide cover for bass.
Shallows and Drop-offs: Bass often hang out where shallow water drops off into deeper areas.
Structures: Rocks, fallen trees, and man-made structures like docks attract bass.
Iv’e found over my years of fishing bigger Largemouth bass love to hang tight to cover. They will roam around and you can find them in the open waters but the majority of my bigger largemouth ive caught, have come from cover.
Best Times to Fish
Fishing at the right time of day can make a significant difference. Early morning and late evening are typically the best times to fish for largemouth bass as they are more active during these periods. Overcast days or times just before a weather change can also be productive. Keeping an eye on the barometric pressure will also help you figure out how active the fish are. Falling pressure tends to make them more active as it lessens the pressure on their swim bladders.
Casting Techniques
When fishing from the bank, casting accuracy is crucial. You want to place your lure as close to the cover or structure as possible without getting snagged. Try these techniques:
Parallel Casting: Cast parallel to the shoreline to cover more area.
Fan Casting: Cast in a fan-like pattern to cover different sections of water.
Pitching and Flipping: Use these techniques for precise casts to specific spots, especially in heavy cover.
Best Lures for Bank Fishing:
Choosing the right lure can be the key to a successful fishing trip. I do beleive the ultimate and best lure to use are the ones you have the most confidence in. However, here are some of the lures I like to use while bank fishing for largemouth bass:
Soft Plastics
Soft plastic lures are versatile and effective in various conditions. Some popular choices include:
Senko Worms: These can be rigged in multiple ways, such as wacky rig, Texas rig, or Carolina rig.
Creature Baits: Imitate crawfish or other prey that bass love.
Flukes: Great for mimicking baitfish and can be worked in different ways to entice bass.
Jigs
Jigs are another excellent option for bank fishing. They are particularly effective in cover and can be used year-round. Pair them with a soft plastic trailer for added attraction. I like to fish these to match the conditions. Muddy waters I use brighter or contrasting colors and more natural colors in clear water. I personally enjoy throwing and swim jig when the conditions permit. One good thing about a jig is generally you can cast them out allot further.
Crankbaits
Crankbaits can be very effective, especially in open water or along the edges of vegetation. Use shallow-diving crankbaits for ponds to avoid getting snagged on the bottom. A squarebill crankbait is one of my go-to lures when the bite is tough. Depending on how active the bass are will help me determine what action I want to pick for my crankbait. Sometimes the fish like a tight wobble and some day’s they want super erratic action.
Spinnerbaits
Spinnerbaits are great for covering water quickly and work well in murky conditions. Their flashy blades attract bass from a distance. The spinnerbait bite is my second favorite bite after a topwater bite. There are so many styles and types to choose from. I will typically look for the forage the bass are feeding on in the pond and try to match my spinnerbait to that forage as in size and shape. To me the color of the spinnerbait & blades makes some of a difference pending on water clarity & temperature.
Topwater Lures
Topwater lures can provide exciting strikes and are particularly effective during early morning and late evening. Some favorites include:
Frogs: Excellent for fishing over vegetation.
Poppers: Create a commotion on the surface that bass find irresistible.
Buzzbaits: Great for fast-moving, aggressive fishing.
Topwater lures can take allot of patience to throw. If the bass are not actively feeding the bite can be slow on a topwater lure. However being patient and consistent can lead to an amazing experience. So of the most fun I’ve had is watching a largemouth bass bust the topwater to grab my lure. It’s truly an amazing experience.
Tips for Success:
Stay Stealthy
Bass can be easily spooked, especially in clear water. Move slowly and quietly along the bank, and avoid casting shadows on the water. A key thing I learned while fishing some pond fishing tournaments, is to bank away from the banks edge. I found that I caught more fish if I stayed bak from the edge about 5 feet or so. It does make fishing a lil challeging but sometimes it pays off.
Observe and Adapt
Pay attention to the behavior of the fish and the conditions around you. If a particular lure or technique isn't working, don't be afraid to switch it up. Carrying multiple rods can help save you time retying multiple lures on one rod. I will normally carry about 5 rods when I’m pond fishing, each rigged with it’s own different lure.
Use the Right Gear
While you don't need a lot of gear for bank fishing, having the right rod, reel, and line can make a difference. A medium-heavy rod with a fast action tip is versatile and works well for most bass fishing situations. As you progress in your fishing journey learning what rod action works best with what lure can help you land more fish. Having the wrong setup can cause you to loose fish. I have a video on rods you can check out here.
Keep it Simple
You don't need a tackle box full of lures to be successful. A few well-chosen lures that you have confidence in can be more effective than constantly switching between dozens of options. I will at times when im fishing a new pond, carry more than the normal amount of lures until I can get dialed in on what the bass are eating.
Be Patient
Fishing requires patience, and bank fishing is no different. Take your time, enjoy the process, and don't get discouraged if the fish aren't biting right away. Learn to take in the joy of being outside and the beauty of nature around you.
Conclusion:
Bank fishing for largemouth bass in a pond can be incredibly rewarding. By understanding the structure of the pond, using the right techniques, and choosing the best lures, you can increase your chances of landing a big bass. Remember to stay patient, adapt to the conditions, and enjoy the experience of fishing from the bank.
Fishing for largemouth bass in a pond from the bank using the budget rod and reel setup we talked about in the start of how to catch bass series. In this video we finally go out and fish a local pond. A great rod to start with is the Berkley cherrywood series rod coupled with the Abu Garcia Black Max. This is a very affordable setup and it performs. How do I catch bass? It really isn't that hard to get started bass fishing. You honestly just have to start! This is the eighth video on pond fishing in the "How to catch bass" series I'm putting together mainly to show how I got started on my bass fishing journey and to help you get started on your bass fishing journey without spending all your hard earned money! Happy fishing! Check out my other Blog’s for more largemouth bass fishing tips!