When you see fishing shows on TV or read an article about fishing, how many of them are about fishing from the shoreline? I tell ya, not many and I don’t understand why, because 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, right?

The way I look at it, you just have to pick the right location from shore, but some of those good spots can be hard or impossible to walk to. That being said, I can’t remember the number of Northern Pike, Bass, Crappie, Perch and Bluegills I have caught near or under docks, but that number is really high. So, docks can be one of the best places to fish. Just as if you were fishing from a boat, when picking shoreline location, look at a lake map to know the depths and/or structure that will be in front of you.

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. As will any shoreline with vegetation. Remember, pay attention to which way the wind is blowing. I have written before, that wind pushes baitfish into that shoreline and bigger fish will follow those baitfish. So, any shorelines that have cover or structure I mentioned above with the wind blowing towards it, will be the location you want to fish the most for your shoreline position.

To find fish near shorelines without a map, look for any stick-up (TREES THAT ARE EXPOSED ABOVE WATER) or shorelines with weeds (CABBAGE/LILY PADS) that are accessible can be great spots. 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. 5-gallon bucket? YES, you can carry a few lures, hooks, bait, bobbers, cold soda, beer, snacks, etc. and this bucket is not only a seat but can also be your Livewell for keeping the fish you catch.

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