Bank fishing fish finders??

[Capt. BassinLou]

If your an avid bank fishing angler like myself. One of the most important skillsets I believe one must develop is observation. Being in tune with everything that's going on around you, and at the same time, paying attention for that bite.

Mother nature provides us with clues all the time, and unfortunately we miss these clues because we are focused on something else.

I'm going to quickly cover 3 clues mother nature provides us, and next time your bank fishing, pay attention, and you will be surprised with what you will learn.

Water birds. One of the best, natural fish finders we have available. Water birds like herons, egrets, and anhinga's are always around if bait is around. These birds just don't hang out at the water's edge or work the bank for exercise. They are around for a reason. If these birds are working an area, there's a good chance bass are in the area too. 

Turtles. Yep, a turtle if you can believe that. I use to dismiss turtles while bank fishing, until one day I observed something fascinating. I watched as a turtle, disturbed the bottom looking for food I guess, and it was not alone. Closely behind the turtle, there was a big bass in tow. The bass was using the turtle to capitalize for its next meal too. So next time you see a turtle, do not quickly dismiss it, or catch it by mistake. They can be pita.  Ask me how I know.   

Dragon flies/insects. Have you ever noticed when there is an over abundance of insects around, how the lifecycle comes to life? If you don't, your missing out on a HUGE clue! I learned this clue in two parts years apart from each other. I was fishing Lake Okeechobee once, when the lake use to have abundant vegetation. I remember seeing big dragon flies resting on the flower stalks of lily pads. Every once in awhile I would here a huge blow up. Mind you, I capitalized on the activity and caught several nice bass, but I didn't put two and two together of what was happening until a few years later. A couple of years ago, while fishing in the Everglades. I couldn't help but notice an abundant presence of dragon flies. They were all over the place. I didn't think much of it until I saw a bass offshore chase down a dragon fly just below the waters surface, leap out, and inhale the dragon fly. I was shocked!    I quickly made a lure adjustment, and began to catch a good number of nice bass! Since then, when dragon flies are around, I am quick to switch things up. 

So next time your out bank fishing, take a moment, and observe what's happening around you. You might be surprised with what you can learn.

Thanks for reading!

 

[hondo2doc]

That is some excellent information, guidance and advice. Thanks Capt. Lou.

Sent from my SM-T500 using Tapatalk

[big g]

Good job Lou, some excellent tips.  I would add on birds, I often look for not only the fish eating birds, but the grass eating duck type birds.  They often swim around diving deep into the bottom grasses for tender vegetation.  This stirs up the little water bugs and draws bait fish.  The bass often follow. Diving ducks are a good thing.

Always look for movement in the shore weeds not caused by wind or current.  Something is alive when the pads suddenly move.

Thanks Lou, an interesting topic without any expensive electronics!    

[Capt. BassinLou]

Thanks for reading guys!