Fishing for bass with shiners is an effective way to catch largemouth and smallmouth bass. This comprehensive guide will give you a foundation on fishing for bass with shiners. In return, providing you with the knowledge and tactics to enhance your bass fishing success.
Why Choose Shiners for Bass Fishing?
Shiners have long been a go-to bait for bass anglers, and for good reason. These small, silvery fish are natural prey for bass, making them an irresistible offering in various conditions. When fishing for bass with shiners, you’re essentially presenting a meal that bass are already programmed to hunt.
The effectiveness of shiners lies in their ability to:
- Mimic natural forage
- Produce lifelike movements in the water
- Emit scents that attract bass
- Work in both clear and murky water conditions
As legendary bass angler Bill Dance once said, “There’s something about a live shiner that just drives bass crazy. It’s like ringing the dinner bell for them.”
Types of Shiners for Bass Fishing
When it comes to fishing for bass with shiners, not all shiners are created equal. The most popular type of shiner used is the golden shiner. These baits give off a shine underwater that bass cannot resist. Other types of shiners used are spotfin shiners and emerald shiners on the Great Lakes. Each type of shiner has its strengths, and choosing the right one can significantly impact your success when fishing for bass with shiners.
Gear Needed for Fishing Bass with Live Bait
To effectively fish for bass with shiners, you’ll need the right equipment. Here’s a list of essential gear:
- Medium to medium-heavy spinning or baitcasting rod (6-7 feet)
- Reel with smooth drag system
- 10-20 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon line
- 1/0 to 3/0 circle hooks
- Slip floats or bobbers
- Split shot weights
- Live bait container or bucket with aerator
Remember, when fishing for bass with shiners, your gear should be sturdy enough to handle potentially large fish while still allowing for a natural presentation of the bait. The average-sized bass caught on shiners is larger than using artificial lures. Unless you are using live sonar to look at the bass of course.
Rigging Shiners for Bass Fishing
Proper rigging is crucial when fishing for bass with shiners. Here are some effective methods:
- Free-lining: Hook the shiner through the lips or just behind the dorsal fin. This allows for the most natural movement.
- Float Rig: Attach a slip float to your line, followed by a small weight and hook. This keeps the shiner at a specific depth.
- Carolina Rig: Use a sliding sinker above a swivel, with a leader and hook. This works well in deeper water.
Pro Tip: When hooking shiners, be gentle to keep them lively. A lively shiner is much more attractive to bass than a stressed or dead one.
Best Locations for Shiner Fishing
Knowing where to fish is just as important as knowing how to fish when it comes to fishing for bass with shiners. As you will see in the list below, fishing around structure is key. If you are fishing during the spawn, flats are a great option. Remember, you can use multiple rods. Using multiple rods while fishing a flat can be effective in catching pre-spawn largemouth bass. Bass typically prefers areas with:
- Submerged structure (fallen trees, rock piles)
- Vegetation edges
- Drop-offs near shallow flats
- Points and underwater humps
Bass pro Mike Iaconelli advises, “When fishing with shiners, I always start by targeting areas where bass naturally ambush their prey. Structure is key.”
Techniques for Presenting Shiners to Bass
The presentation of your shiner can make all the difference. Here are some effective techniques for fishing for bass with shiners:
- Slow Trolling: Slowly move your boat while letting the shiner swim naturally behind.
- Pitch and Hold: Cast your shiner near structure and let it swim freely.
- Drift Fishing: Allow wind or current to move your boat and bait naturally across likely bass habitats.
- Float Fishing: This is the most popular way to fish with shiners. Just rig your bait on the float.
Remember, the key is to make your shiner look as natural and vulnerable as possible to entice bass strikes. A light, fluorocarbon leader can make all the difference when bass fishing.
Case Study: Tournament Success with Shiners
In a 2019 bass tournament on Lake Okeechobee, Florida, angler John Cox secured a win by exclusively fishing with shiners. Despite challenging conditions and pressure from other competitors using artificial lures, Cox’s strategy of using large wild shiners near grass edges paid off. He caught several bass over 5 pounds, including a 9-pounder that sealed his victory.
This case demonstrates how effective shiner fishing can be, even at the highest levels of competitive bass fishing.
Caring for Live Shiners
Proper care of your shiners is essential for successful bass fishing. Here are some tips:
- Keep shiners in a well-aerated container. Usually some kind of baitwell or bucket.
- Maintain water temperature similar to the fishing environment
- Change water regularly to remove waste
- Avoid overcrowding in the bait container
- Handle shiners gently to minimize stress
By keeping your shiners healthy and lively, you’ll increase your chances of success when fishing for bass with shiners.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big should shiners be for bass fishing? A: Shiners between 3-6 inches are ideal for most bass fishing situations. Larger shiners can attract bigger bass but may be more challenging to cast.
Can you use dead shiners for bass? A: While live shiners are generally more effective, dead shiners can work in certain situations, particularly when fished on the bottom or in colder water.
Are shiners effective in all seasons? A: Yes, shiners can be effective year-round, but their effectiveness may vary. They’re particularly potent in spring and fall when bass are actively feeding.
Conclusion
Fishing for bass with shiners is a proven technique that can lead to impressive catches and memorable fishing experiences. By understanding the types of shiners, proper rigging techniques, ideal locations, and presentation methods, you can significantly improve your success on the water. Remember, while shiners are highly effective, they’re just one tool in the bass angler’s arsenal. Combine this knowledge with your experience, local conditions, and good old-fashioned persistence, and you’ll be well on your way to more productive bass fishing adventures.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, give shiner fishing a try on your next bass outing. You might just find that these little fish lead to big results!