When you see fishing shows on TV or read an article about fishing, how many anglers are about fishing from the shoreline? I tell ya, not many and I don’t understand why. I think most of us started fishing from the bank or docks when we were just kids, right? Some may say you can catch more fish from a boat but think about this. Fishing is all about location and presentation and when you see people fishing from a boat, what is their location? Most of the time, that boat is sitting near a shoreline and anglers are either casting towards the shore or watching bobber 5 to 10 feet from that bank.

The way I look at it, you just have to pick the right location from shore, but I get it, some of those good spots can be hard or impossible to walk to. I can’t remember the number of fish I have caught by or under docks, but that number is high. I’m here to tell you, docks can be one of the best places to fish if you don’t have a boat. That goes for bank fishing also. For some good shoreline locations you could look at a lake map to know the depths and structure that will be in front of you.

Fishing points (PART OF THE SHORELINE THAT EXTENDS OUTWARD) and drop-offs or any shoreline with rock or gravel that slops or drops off into deeper water will hold fish at different times (EARLY MORNING & EVENINGS) of the day. It’s also important to pay attention to which way the wind is blowing. Any shorelines that have cover or structure as I mentioned above with the wind blowing towards it can be a great location.

That wind is blowing aquatic organisms (ZOOPLANKTON) into the shore and in turn will attack baitfish and bigger fish will follow. To locate fish near shorelines without a map, look for any stick-up (TREES THAT ARE EXPOSED ABOVE WATER) or shorelines with weeds (CABBAGE/LILY PADS). If these spots are accessible, this area can become your go to spot in or out of a boat.

There are times where the only downside of shore fishing is your limited to the fishing equipment you can bring. When I fish shoreline trees, I love a long (9 FOOT) rod, but have you ever tried to walk through the woods with a fishing rod? Having a two-piece rod apart is one solution and don’t forget a 5-gallon bucket with a lid. Yes, a 5-gallon bucket? You can carry a few lures, hooks, bait, bobbers, cold soda, beer, snacks, ice, etc. on the way in and this bucket can be used as seat and a LiveWell for keeping all the fish you catch.

So, can an angler be successful without a boat? You bet they can.