Fishing in shallow water requires a completely different set of techniques than fishing in deep waters. As a VT Fishing Guide many of my customers are used to fishing in deeper waters. Everything from the way you cast to the lures you use will affect whether or not your catch fish that day. Here are five ways you can improve your fishing technique to catch more shallow water fish. 

1 Read The Water

Select your bait based on the water you are fishing. If you are in muddy water or lots of weeds, use a darker bait or a purple or black plastic worm. If the water is mostly clear, use something more transparent. 

2 Watch How You Cast

Some people cast overhand or sidearm or underhand. Everyone has a different technique to how they cast. Try casting with a sidearm and pull back on the lure as it hits the water. The goal here is to disrupt the water as little as possible. A big splash from a good cast can spook the fish and drive them away. Check the amount of weights you are using on your line, more is not always the best choice. 

3 Improve Your Accuracy

You can improve your casting by pitch casting. What is pitch casting? Pitch casting will help to improve your accuracy and reduce the amount of splash. Pull your line out to the same length as your fishing pole. Point the rod straight out, aligned with the centerline of your body. Keep the line taught and gently swing the rod out away from your body like a pendulum. This will result in a soft splash in the water that won’t spook the fish. 

4 Row The Boat

Fishing in shallow water near the vegetation or fallen trees can be exciting. When entering into these areas, don’t power your boat into these spots. Slow your motor or use a trolling motor. Powering through these areas will spool the fish and clog your motor blade. Come in close and drift whenever possible and turn off all of your electronics. Many types of fish love to live in the weeds. These tend to be great spots for small and largemouth bass. 

5 Wacky Rig

What is a wacky rig?  Wacky rig is a type of worm or other bait that both sides move in the water. Fishing with a wacky worm can be challenging, but if used properly they are excellent in catching fish. Be patient when using a wacky worm and learn how to skip your wacky rig. When you skip cast your wacky worm it tends to attract the fish better and gets you in close to docks, laydowns, and any other vertical cover.