FS Digest

I just moved to South Eastern Virginia and near multiple bodies of fresh water. I have a large pond near my house I've been tossing jigs into with no luck.

I'm not a very experienced fisherman aside from walleye fishing in The Great Lakes. I just need some suggestions, ideas, maybe links to videos that show different methods or baiting ideas.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

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by _Wag

FS Digest

You could throw small hooks with worms to see what the baitfish look like, also ask local fishing stores they will know best.

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by AtAllCost33

FS Digest

I fish offshore with some moderate success, so here's what I learned in no particular order of importance:

1.) IF space allows, don't walk up to the shore and cast when you arrive at a like. Try standing 10 yards off the bank and cast out, and then work your way in. There's research out there indicating that bass respond to the sound of footsteps near the shore. This is something on the newer side for me, but I did this a couple of weeks ago and definitely made my first few casts a little more productive.

2.) Fan your casts. Don't just cast straight out every time. When you do make it to the shore, start by casting down the left or right side, maybe 10-15 yards off the bank (dependent on how deep the water is). When you retrieve, cast over towards the other side. You want to cast everywhere in the immediate area, as it will help you learn were structure could be, or sections of grass you are unable to see. It will help you learn the area around you, so you can make the most educated guesses of where the fish are going to be.

3.) If you are fishing in a park, don't go when it's busy. I don't usually do too well when there are many people around. I live next to a park near a major lake, and I seem to do pretty well there when the park is quiet and mostly empty.

4.) The Drop Shot Rig. Even though it is kind of a pain to set up and can get snagged quite easily, it is deadly. You have a weight tied to the end of your line, and using a palomar knot, you have the hook tied onto the line about 8-12 inches up. The idea is that when you hold the rod barely taught while the line is in the water, your soft plastics will float/swim in a lifelike manner. The technique is tough to explain in text and is better done through video. Just google drop shot how to and it should be very easy to find.

5.) Don't be afraid to spend some money on good gear. Sometimes, it can be tough to take bank fishing seriously because you don't think you will catch good-sized fish, but that's bullshit. There are plenty of good-sized bass do be caught bank fishing. With that being said, I highly recommend buying quality hooks, quality, but lightweight line, and good soft plastics and other lures. For instance, I use the KVD Strike King Pro Series Spinnerbaits, and those are like $8.00+ for just 1, but they are worth it. Compared to your Wal-Mart spinners, the paint on the lure will last a lot longer and won't chip as easily, the hooks will be much better quality, and the skirts on the lure will be better designed. For Soft plastics, I recommend looking at Roboworms--my personal favorite soft plastic worm. A good, quality rod and reel also goes a long way.

6.) A good way to save money is by learning the Texas Rig, which is very tough rig to snag. It can be tough to know what's actually out in the water when you are bankfishing, but using this rig is beneficial in a couple of ways. 1.) This rig is great for fishing through heavy cover, as well as being a time-honored and proven bass fishing rig. 2.) Because this bait is primarily fished off the bottom, this will help you more easily find structures or grass with reduced risk of snagging your hook. With enough experience, you will be able to tell what kind of structure or cover you are fishing.

Hope this helps give you a good starting point!

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by MrWetPoopz

FS Digest

You can all but eliminate the drop-shot bank fishing snag problem if you use a couple of larger split shot instead of an actual drop-shot weight. If you hang up just pull a little and they will slip off the end of your drop line.

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by swampguts

FS Digest

Try to use some lighter gear such as plastic worms( a wacky rigged senko is my go to for ponds), and try to map out what structure is in the water because the fish will stack to it. And dont be afraid to cast near structure to try to get a fish.

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by Brunzyworth

FS Digest

I usually start with crappie and bluegill colored spinnerbaits. Fan cast as the other guy mentioned. Willow blades only. Try not to move your feet around much, and walk softly. If nothing hits then try something a little more quiet, like a worm, or a fluke. I love frogging, so if I'm there early or late I might even throw one to start. Always cast to any points or structure.

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by swampguts