Tips to Catch Bass Off a Lake Pier

Timing

The majority of the bass population in any lake will be in the shallows during the spring when they are spawning. As the water temperature increases into the 70 degrees Fahrenheit range, some bass stay in the shallows but others move to deeper water. As a result, piers tend to be most productive before the water moves above 70 F. Once the water is above 70 F, the best time of day for fishing piers is around sunrise and sunset when bass feed actively in the shallows.

The Right Piers

The location of the pier plays a role in whether bass will be in the area or not. The best piers for bass have a few common features: they are near deep water; they have vegetation or partially submerged trees or brush around them; and they are over a hard bottom. Local governments often put piers in areas where people have a chance to catch fish, but fishermen who target bass exclusively should choose the pier they fish carefully.

Lures and Casting

Cast quick-moving baits like buzzbaits and spinnerbaits from your pier early or late in the day -- or under low-light conditions -- when bass are roaming around and feeding actively. Use a long fishing rod to help you cast farther. Make your casts from a variety of spots on the pier so you can cover as much water as possible. Also cast at a variety of angles. If you are standing near shore, for example, cast parallel to the shore but also toward the end of pier. The bass around piers receive a lot of fishing pressure, so presenting your bait from a direction they do not often see could trigger a bite.

Saturation Baits

If you fish on piers at midday on sunny days, focus on fishing the heaviest cover available with slow-moving baits like plastic worms. Cast your lure into the cover repeatedly and allow it to sit on the bottom for 10 seconds or more. Shake your rod tip slightly so the worm vibrates but does not move.

Live Bait

Many bass fishermen do not fish with live bait, but it can mean the difference between catching bass from piers and not catching them. Given the amount of fishing activity on many piers, bass in the area probably have seen almost every lure. A piece of live bait fished below a bobber is a natural presentation that may coax a bite. Leeches are especially effective for bass, though minnows will work too. Cast the bait in and around cover and then wait for the bobber to go down.