Bank Fishing, Not just for weekenders by Scott Ross

Bank fishing? When I was doing the whole Bass tournament thing I would just laugh when I heard that. The only bank fishing I ever did then was when I took my kids bluegill fishing. I realize now that sometimes bank fishing is a lot better than being out in the wind or sun. And it doesn't mean parking next to a bridge and fishing the same trash filled spot that everybody else tosses a worm in from.

Sometimes bank fishing is as simple as running your boat out to an island or up river to park somewhere. And yet it is still quite often just simply what it imply's... bank fishing. Maybe you was unable to get the boat to the lake or just simply don't have one. Or you have a real sense of adventure and wanna hike out to where nobody else has been because they cant get a boat there or walk that far. Bank fishing is a way of life for many. You could run down to the lake and throw a hook out in the same place that everyone else does, And you might get lucky. But If you want success, and you want it consistently it takes a lot of time and dedication.

There are many different factors that are deemed necessary for a bank spot to produce quality fish time and time again. From depth changes to current, and structure to accessibility, And a good food supply.
Successful bank fishing requires prep work. Internet can come in quite handy. Once you know what body of water you plan to fish, the easiest part is finding a topographic map for that lake. Of course, rivers are not always so easy.  Just type and search. For lakes, a good cove will have some depth to it. Or a bank stretch that may have a good drop off. For rivers a bend in the river is a great place to start looking. But accessibility can play a big factor in choosing a location.
To help me find access and to look for new spots I like to use Google Earth. And when I'm on the road I use the Google maps app that comes standard on most phones. It has a option to turn on satellite view.  I spend a lot of time on my computer following rivers and searching lake shores. When following rivers I like to watch for where two rivers combine or a small creek drops into a bigger river. Also where train tracks cross a river. I usually try to avoid where a road crosses the river. More often than not It is usually a well known area and fished often. Train tracks usually have deeper holes underneath and the pillars can be a great permanent structure for fish. When searching you can usually see a house or road close to the spot you want to check out. You may often have to get permission to get to an area. Most people are more than generous enough to allow it. But not everybody. Just be courteous and polite and if someone says no, then just accept it and move on.

Scouting areas in your free time is always the best way. Check out an area while the sun is up and you will usually be able to see structure and water depth. And you know if it is an area you want to try out or not. Another good thing to watch for is branches hanging low or any other obstacle that may prove hazardous when the light has gone down. This would also be a great time to make a clearing to fish from. It is better to get this done ahead of time so as not to scare off fish or even hurt yourself while trying to rush later. It may also be necessary to clear and mark a path just to get there.
I carry a hiking backpack with me wherever I go. This is for several reasons. First off It's just way easier than trying to carry a tacklebox along with everything else. Second its always ready to go.

Things in my Pack
Umbrella
Trash bag
Spare clothes(in a gallon Ziplock)
Fillet knife
Hunting knife
Hatchet
Small military style saw
Fish grips
Scale
Rope stringer
Glow sticks
Terminal Tackle (Hooks, weights, etc.)
Hand and foot warmers
Matches and lighter
Spare flashlight
Spare batteries

And on occasion I take a chair along. Many of these serve more then one purpose. Trash bag can become a poncho, carry trash, or put wet soaked clothes in. Glow sticks can be used for poles, to mark the trail, mark ground hog holes, or just keep kids busy if they get bored. And  so on. Are all of these necessary? No. Do I use all of these? Quite often. But these are just the things I like to use. Some of these are just there for comfort and others for safety. If I were to slip and fall into a creek or river on a cold spring or fall night they may just save a friends life or even mine. And cold feet can ruin a good night of fishing so why not be comfortable. These by no means should be considered the only things needed or required. Think of it more as a suggestion that comes in handy.
There are alot of things that can make a bankfishing trip a complete bust or the trip of a lifetime. To me the quest can almost as fun as the fish themselves. When you take the time to do everything necessary, you know that  monster  was earned. And even if you strike out, the spot is ready and waiting for you to come back
There a lot of parts I'm sure that are missed in here. So feel free to chime in and help fellow bankfishers out.  Just remember when asking for permission to go on someones land to be respectful and honest. And leave nothing but your tracks. Environmental protection is everyone's responsibility.