Don’t Shy Away From Technology

For those of you over 40, you probably remember the days of reading laminated satellite maps to find your next fishing spot.

I remember buying one map for $29 bucks. I was a teen and that was quite expensive for me back in the 90s. But I knew the potential that just one map held when it came to finding new spots to fish from land. 

My technique was simple. 

1. Find ponds that were tucked back into secluded sections of woods.

2. Scan the area carefully for any signs of ownership.

3. Find the nearest road or highway to the pond.

4. Walk through the woods (hoping I didn’t see any “keep out” signs) to the pond.

Now, I’m not advocating for fishing on private property and you should always be aware of what land is public and what is private.

But that’s not the point here.

The point I’m trying to make is if a laminated map from a satellite photo helped me to find more fishing spots, then the technology we have today can certainly help you find bank fishing spots.

There’s just one thing.

You have to take the time to invest in it. I know the theme of this newsletter has been the AllTrails App, but there are other tools that will help you to become a better bank angler.

I’ve listed a few below so you can check them out! 

• Google Earth

• Bing Maps 

• iAngler

• FisherMap

How I used the AllTrails app to find a new fishing spot

After downloading the free version a list of trails popped up that were nearby.

I scanned the list and spotted a trail that was just down the street. 

It was a public nature trail, but here’s the thing - I had no idea that it turned into a boardwalk that had access to not only a river, but also a section of a swamp. 

Not only does it display the trail but it shows the areas of water that are accessible from the trail. This is where you catch fish.

My mind was blown!

I tossed my rod in my truck and drove to the trail after work the next day.

It took all of 10 minutes to walk the secluded trail before my first cast.

I only had two hours before dark so I covered a lot of ground and by the dark I managed to catch four largemouth bass and a crappie.