Newbie question...sight fishing

[Stratos92]

I have been fishing along time, but just recently moved to Alabama and I am trying to learn bass fishing. Went out a couple of days this weekend and caught a handful of fish on a t-rigged lizard. Where my question comes in is...I saw several fish (15-20) "trolling" the shoreline in 1-2 feet of water but they would not look at anything I threw at them. I would cast past the fish and bring the lure past them, but nothing, they would just turn and swim away. I tried a spinnerbait, lizard, topwater...nothing worked. I am puzzled! I apologize in advance if this is a dumb question. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

[fishinRI13]

What I have found, up here in the north country, that if a fish wont touch anything and continues swimming away from or by your bait, then it has seen you in the boat. I love sight fishing, and fish like that if i cast a couple of times and it doesnt look at i dont waste my time. Just my 2 cents.

[steve1206]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Stratos92 &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">I have been fishing along time, but just recently moved to Alabama and I am trying to learn bass fishing. Went out a couple of days this weekend and caught a handful of fish on a t-rigged lizard. Where my question comes in is...I saw several fish (15-20) "trolling" the shoreline in 1-2 feet of water but they would not look at anything I threw at them. I would cast past the fish and bring the lure past them, but nothing, they would just turn and swim away. I tried a spinnerbait, lizard, topwater...nothing worked. I am puzzled! I apologize in advance if this is a dumb question. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!</td></tr></table>

Cruising fish, I find, can be some of the very hardest to catch, whether it is pre-spawn or post-spawn, If they don't have a reason to be there (locked on a bed) and you see them, then they probably see you. If not, they can be very spooky (paranois) because they are more vulnerable in shallow water. They can spook at the shadow of the lure or line, or catch your movement.

I know this isn't a solution, but more of a possible explanation of the problem. My best advice would be to stay way back, throw as far ahead of them as possible, and get at at least a 90 degree angle to their path (don't throw "over their shoulder"). Other than that, you are likely to just become frustrated...If there are a lot of fish cruising, just blind fish the zone and maybe you'll pick off the few cruisers that are aggressive...You could show them a prop bait (topwater) and maybe get a reaction strike...they may be getting ready to look for a bluegill bed buffet...Just some ideas...

[Stratos92]

Thank you guys. I was really getting frustrated, but what you both said makes sense. It was really starting to get personal...and I started to waste alot of time throwing at them. This bass fishing isn't as easy as it looks on tv! Thanks again.

[wildkat7]

I will NOT fish for cruising fish....they will drive you insane. But the best bait for them I've found is a drop-shot....which is my least favorite technique, which is another reason I leave cruisers for somebody else.

[Rodney31]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by wildkat7 &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">I will NOT fish for cruising fish....they will drive you insane. But the best bait for them I've found is a drop-shot....which is my least favorite technique, which is another reason I leave cruisers for somebody else.</td></tr></table>

+1
I don't bother either. If I see em, I look the other way so I'm not tempted to even waste my time.

[skeet210]

I have good luck catching cruising fish on a wacky work. Flip it about 3 ft in front and let the bait do the work. If they want it, they will take it. Otherwise, don't waste your time.