Bank fishing

Bank fishing is typically done by angling, casting a tethered hook dressed with bait or lure into the water, and is usually performed by a rod often equipped with a reel, but handlines, nets, traps, bows, spears and snag hooks can also be used.

People who fish from a boat can sometimes access more areas in prime locations with greater ease than bank fishermen.

However, many people who don't use boats find fishing from a bank has its own advantages.

Some fishermen bring a lidded container for the fish they catch which doubles as a seat.

According to professional angler Joseph Raines, “I've bass-fished from the bank most of my life, and have had tremendous success.

Bank fishing also avoids the costs and effort involved in owning, maintaining and operating a boat, and are less demanding on local infrastructures such as piers, quays, ramps and pontoons.

The surroundings could play a key role in providing shade (or not) which is important because it regulates water temperature and the viewpoint of the fish.

Remember to be quiet near the water and minimize the amount of noise made with the bank which could also spook the fish.

Finally, a rule of thumb is to use no longer than a 6-foot pole when fishing near trees or brush to minimize getting hooked on branches.