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Originally Posted by islandAl
One thing, I have never understood, is why fishermen stand on docks and cast as far out as possible and fishermen in boats cast as close to the dock as possible.  |
I couldn't help but laugh when I read this!!! Now that my brother has a boat, I can relate. I do not cast near anybody's dock, however. I am aware of the fact that technically, I can go right up to the waterline near somebody's property. However, I don't feel the need to be a bother to anybody...
But, I was thinking about my trip up to Winnipesaukee this summer. Ironically, the biggest fish I caught was when I was casting off of the boat dock and not on the boat!!! We caught a lot of small fish from the boat.
Seriously, to answer your question, in theory, bass like cover and structure in order to hide so they can sneak up of baitfish for food. So, it makes sense that fishermen would cast near or around boat docks as the dock supports in the water could provide cover or structure for the bass. I personally would not cast around someone's boat dock because, speaking for myself, I would not feel right being that close to someone's backyard. Also, what if you miss the water and hit the dock or a boat with the lure? What if it gets stuck? What if the occupants of the property like to swim in that area and you snag on the bottom? That could present a danger to anybody swimming in that area. Again, that is just my opinion.
I think that there are plenty of other areas to find fish in the lake, other than under someone's dock. We were using the fish finder on the boat and found plenty of areas with underwater structure on the lake.
As far as a fisherman casting as far as he possibly can from the dock, I think the idea is to try to cover as much area with the lure or bait, hoping that some fish will be attracted to it. That is, try to maximize the time and area where and when the lure is in the water. If there is no structure in the area where you're casting, however, your best bet might be right under your feet (i.e., under the dock).
That being said, last year (2004) I caught a 14" (or so...) largemouth bass right off of the boat dock in three feet of water. I saw him swimming around, so I just dropped my rubber crawfish right in front of him. I teased him enough to cause him to strike. This year (2005) I was at the very end of the boat dock, casting as far as I could, and I landed a 14" (or so...) smallmouth bass. There was absolutely no structure in the area, ironically, as my brother and I check the area with the fish finder on his boat.
So, there is a method to the maddness, in theory... I guess people can think about fishing and analyze it to the n(th) degree. I do enough thinking at work. I just like to fish... A bad day fishing beats a good day at work...
Anyway, I only catch and release. I don't want to kill any fish or cause them harm. I'll just make them late for dinner, or something.
Take care,
Eric