Hi guys, new member here. Also new to hardcore fishing. But like many people I don't have access to a boat, canoe, or even a kayak. Also don't have the funds to procure any at the moment nor the storage space available so I'm stuck on the bank. I live in the Hendersonville area so most of my fishing has been around Hendersonville and Gallatin.
I like fishing small rivers/creeks/streams and waterways due to it seeming like the fish are more concentrated, biting and those spots are not as fished as many of the access points around here, but need some help with fishing on the bank of the lake.
What's the easiest way to recognize good structure underwater from the shorelines? I'm looking out for fallen trees, stumps and things like that, but without a fish finder I'm having a hard time telling what exactly is down there or even if there's any fish nearby.
I'm also having a hard time telling the water depth. Obviously darker water = deeper water, but I don't know if I'm throwing into 2 feet of water or 10 feet of water. When looking out on the water with the sun shining you can see certain areas where there is more shimmer (maybe more choppiness on the water) and areas where there are no shimmer. The picture below describes what I'm talking about, the only thing I added are the red lines outlining the areas with no shimmer. Does that give any clues or indications on what the bottom of the water may be like or whether it is deeper or not?
Are the bubbles coming out of the water good signs of fish activity? Is it worth trying to fish an area where fish are particular jumping out of the water with lots of top water activity? Seems like it to me, but don't get too many bites if any.
Any suggestions on certain lures that I may have better luck with? I've had some luck with texas rigged worms and spinners. Been using various darker colors to match the water color/weather Haven't used too many crankbaits due to the fact I usually get hung up on something and end up losing them. I've also been doing alot of research online about lure use and techniques.
Almost done, any good fishing areas around the Hendersonville/Gallatin areas I should checkout? I'm not looking for GPS coordinates or an exact location but maybe a general area might be good for some bank fishing. Same things goes for small waterways or creeks, I've found one area in Gallatin that I like, has pretty easy access, just looking on google maps or using my gps I have gone to just about any good looking creek in the nearby area I could see, but either it was just a trickle, on private lands, or no feasible way to access it without bringing a chainsaw to cut open a clearing.
Last but not least any others tips or ideas you could give me would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.