Bank fishing in the Everglades

[Capt. BassinLou]

It's been a while that I have banked fished in the Everglades. However, from time to time circumstances call for it. There are miles, miles, of fishable shore line out there. Some areas are very accessible while others are really remote. Regardless of the location one chooses I wanted to pass along several tips that can help.

I'm going to break down these tips within several categories. The categories will be as follows: gear, tackle, clothing, and miscellaneous. Keep in mind, these tips are on how I approach bank fishing in the Everglades.

Gear

When bank fishing in the Everglades, I bring along several rods. 4 or 5 of them actually. These rods are no different than what I use when I am fishing off my boat. I will carry one heavy rod, two medium heavy rods and one medium/light rod. I do not carry all these rods at once. I will carry one rod, and the rest stay in my vehicle. I do not like carrying more than one rod at time. But that's just me.

Tackle

I'm a minimalist when it comes to carrying tackle. I do not carry a war chest of baits and lures with me because I walk a lot! Heavy bags will wear you down over time, especially if its hot!  I will carry my top 6 Everglades baits/lures. Frogs, swimbaits, spooks/poppers, flukes, stick baits, and spinner baits. One or more of these baits will catch me fish at some point in the outing.

Clothing

Dress smart!! The Everglades is not the place to be walking around with shorts, and flip flops. I mean, you could, but your outing will definitely be cut short. Wear comfortable utility type shoes. I enjoy wearing high ankle hiking boots. They can handle all different types of terrain, and they keep my feet safe from bugs and pointy and sticky shrubbery. Be extremely careful of red ants! They are all over the shore line. I like wearing long sleeve/hooded outdoor shirts and pants. The materials breath well and dry off quickly and their SPF is high .    A hat and polarized sunglasses are definitely a must as well.

Miscellaneous

What you carry with you, other than your rods is very important when bank fishing in the Glades. As I mentioned earlier, I carry light, in the form of a light back pack. This back pack will contain, my fishing license, lures, baits, a fish grip and my scale! Do not forget to carry a scale!!

What I carry on my person. Pliers! Pliers! Pliers! Please do not walk around fishing without a good set of fishing pliers. I will also carry a small towel, utility knife, and depending on how remote I'm fishing, I carry "other" forms of protection.  The most important device I carry is my phone! Make sure its fully charged, and take note what areas have service. Some areas will have cell service and other areas will not. 

Last but not least, fishing tips!

I can write book about this, but I will keep it short. Best advice I can provide is work the water column. Do not be too consumed with colors. Choose natural colors and you will be fine! Fish the top, middle, and the bottom of the water column. The bass will let you know when you have dialed in the winning pattern.

Hope these tips help. Be safe and have fun out there!

[big g]

Thanks for your input Lou.  Lots of good tips there.  The only thing I'll add, always watch where your stepping.  I have been within striking distance of various snakes by taking my eyes off where I'm walking.  It only takes a moment of carelessness.  We have no shortage of snakes or gators down here.  They just caught a 17 foot Python in the glades.  Thanks again for the post.

[Capt. BassinLou]

Tx George.

[dawngyocry]

Great tips, thanks!