Thread: Shallow water

The water is probably still cold there so on sunny days the shallows warm up and they move shallow to take advantage of the warmer temps. Clear water fish are more vulnerable and spook very easy. I use tiny hand tied jigs 1/80-1/48 with a #10- #12 hook with 2lb. line. I tie these little baits as small as I can, some are less than an inch long. Position yourself so they can't see you before you cast and retrieve slowly with occasional twitches to make it look alive. Tiny baits are the key.

Originally Posted by CTPanfisher

So I went out fishing for the first time this year (unsuccessfully), and I noticed that there were a ton of bass and large bluegill in schools right up next to the shore in 6 inches to 1 1/2 feet of water. The issue is, when I would cast out past them and then bring my jig through the school, but because they were in shallow water, I would need to reel in my lure aggressively to avoid it sitting in the muck on the ground. This ended up scaring the school, and then they obviously wouldn't bite. How should I change my technique to fish the shallow water?

How heavy is your jig?

Most likely they won't strike a Crappie or Trout Magnet on a 1/16 oz jig. A Trout Magnet on a 1/64 oz jig with #8 hook might do the trick as well as any lure - soft plastic, hair or feather rigged on a light jig with small hook. Hope you're using a light line - 4# test braid or fluorocarbon for best lure action of.

My local lake has seen the same thing with fish coming into a 4.5' shallow pond type area via an opening in marsh weeds from the main lake. Anglers have been using a float with small lures to catch crappie, a few bass and perch.

Light line, down size lures to as small as you can cast, make sure sun not behind you and be as stealth as possible. If you can see them they probably can see you.


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Originally Posted by CTPanfisher

So I went out fishing for the first time this year (unsuccessfully), and I noticed that there were a ton of bass and large bluegill in schools right up next to the shore in 6 inches to 1 1/2 feet of water. The issue is, when I would cast out past them and then bring my jig through the school, but because they were in shallow water, I would need to reel in my lure aggressively to avoid it sitting in the muck on the ground. This ended up scaring the school, and then they obviously wouldn't bite. How should I change my technique to fish the shallow water?

Also, this situation is tailor-made for the fly rod. If you've never tried it, now's the perfect time to learn.

Guessing your fishing from a boat, from your post. Don't cast straight out, but at an angle to shore line.

You know, a float might just be the answer. Get the bait right where it needs to be and with tinkering with your shotting you can get a nice natural drift, shake it a little, whatever they want.
Bob

Originally Posted by Spoonminnow

Most likely they won't strike a Crappie or Trout Magnet on a 1/16 oz jig. A Trout Magnet on a 1/64 oz jig with #8 hook might do the trick as well as any lure - soft plastic, hair or feather rigged on a light jig with small hook. Hope you're using a light line - 4# test braid or fluorocarbon for best lure action of.

My local lake has seen the same thing with fish coming into a 4.5' shallow pond type area via an opening in marsh weeds from the main lake. Anglers have been using a float with small lures to catch crappie, a few bass and perch.

I tried a trout magnet, but there was some wind, so I upgraded to a 16th ounce one, and that's where I had the issues with scaring them off.

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