Five VT Fishing Guide Shallow Water Fishing Tips

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. 

VT Fishing Guide

 

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. 

C K
C K
February 22, 2022.
We had an excellent time with Keith for Ice fishing! Caught a Northern Pike on a jigging rod of all things! Keith was always professional, friendly, and very instructive. Highly recommend!
Erin Courcey
Erin Courcey
January 24, 2022.
Keith really runs a terrific private ice fishing excursion!! From the start, Keith was extremely responsive, organized and full of knowledge and excitement over our family’s desire to try ice fishing for the first time. Keith was thorough in his planning with us so that we were prepared and comfortable with our plans. The day was amazing—-Keith is an expert fisherman, and he so was patient with all of us non fishermen/women. We learned so much and really had the time of our lives with Keith! We will definitely do another excursion with Keith soon, and highly recommend him!
David Malfetano
David Malfetano
January 17, 2022.
Keith is a fantastic guide and was very helpful to our inexperienced crew. Would certainly book this tour again!
Jon Boudreau
Jon Boudreau
January 17, 2022.
Keith and his dad run a great service and provided us with an excellent time on the lake. He knows what he’s doing and takes his time to teach the tour group. Absolutely would book again.
Luke C
Luke C
January 17, 2022.
One of the best fishing experiences I’ve had. Everything was organized, well run, and an absolute blast. Hard to find a better charter!
Kristin Bitter
Kristin Bitter
October 10, 2021.
My family and I had an awesome time out on Lake Morey this weekend with Keith!! He had a great boat, a bunch of different tackle, and put us onto some really nice fish.
Sean Bitter
Sean Bitter
October 10, 2021.
Great fishing! Lots of big fish! Keith is the best
Mike Seaton
Mike Seaton
September 2, 2021.
We went out with stay bent recently and had a great experience! We caught many fish and the guide was very knowledgeable
Christopher Augello
Christopher Augello
August 31, 2021.
Awesome day on the lake. Keith was awesome , great teaching my kids how to fish and me . Caught a bunch of fish too.
Chris Ritter
Chris Ritter
August 30, 2021.
We had a blast fishing with Keith last week. He put us on nonstop action on a hot day, which is not easy. The lake was beautiful and fun to jump in as well. My nine-year-old daughter does not have a ton of fishing experience, but he was able to get her working the retrieves perfectly, and she ended up out fishing me by a long shot! We got largemouth, smallmouth, rock bass, Pickerel, Perch, and sunfish. Keith is great with kids, and a lot of fun to hang out with for grown-ups. His boat and equipment are top notch as well. I would recommend this guy to anyone, And we are looking forward to our next trip which might be some ice fishing.

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