Fishing from the shore can be rewarding but tricky, especially when the terrain gets rough. The best fishing spots often have the toughest paths, and without a watercraft, you have to walk. Here’s how you can handle these challenging spots while still enjoying your fishing trip.
Wear Sturdy Shoes
Choose high-top, sturdy boots for fishing on rocky shores. These boots help keep your ankles stable and make it easier to keep your balance on uneven ground. Remember, you might have to hike a good distance to get to these spots, so comfy, supportive footwear is a must. Skip the flip-flops and tennis shoes – they just won’t do the job.
Stay Safe on Slippery Ground
When you’re fishing along shorelines, especially during or after a spring thaw, the terrain can become particularly challenging. Not only are muddy banks and slippery rocks a hazard, but there’s also the danger of ice. As lake ice breaks up in the spring, winds can push large slabs of ice onto the bank or cause them to hang off the bank. It might be tempting to stand on these slabs for a better reach or unique fishing spot, but this can be very dangerous.
These ice slabs are unstable and unpredictable. While it might look solid, ice can shift or break without warning. There have been instances where anglers have found themselves suddenly submerged in frigid water. In one severe case locally, an angler was tragically pinned under an ice slab after it flipped. Thankfully, he was rescued, but he sustained significant injuries.
To stay safe, always avoid standing on ice slabs near the shore. Use non-slip boots for better traction, and consider using a walking stick to help maintain your balance on uneven or icy ground. Always scout the area in daylight to identify safe spots and risky areas to avoid. By taking these precautions, you can enjoy your shoreline fishing trip safely, without risking injury from the unpredictable spring ice conditions.
Use a Backpack for Your Gear
Carrying your fishing gear in a backpack can really help. Brands like Flambeau, Wild River, Ego, and Evolution Outdoor, make backpacks just for fishing gear. These help you keep your balance better than if you were carrying your tackle in your hands. A backpack lets you keep your hands free to climb or steady yourself, and it also makes it easier to carry everything you need.
Keep Your Tackle Organized
Try to carry only the tackle you really need and keep it well organized in your backpack. Tackle trays that you can rearrange are great for this. Also, multi-piece rods that can attach to your backpack are a good idea, freeing up your hands to help you navigate the terrain.
By following these simple tips, you can make your shoreline fishing trips safer and more enjoyable, even when the path gets tough. Just a little preparation can help you tackle these challenges effectively.
We hope you’ve found this information helpful! Be sure to check out our other Blog Posts, YouTube Channel, and Online Courses as well as our Guided, On The Water Trainings and our lineup of premium fishing products in our Tackle Shop!
If you have any questions visit our Contact Us page, or email us at info@gsofishing.com. We are here to help. – Team GSO Fishing