San Diego & SoCal Fishing Forums

Hello SDFish,

I've seen many helpful comments on this forum but I figured I'd also ask myself: which local lake(s) would you recommend for bank fishing? Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Lake, Jennings and Lake Poway are two SD County lakes that come to mind and have lots of shoreline you could access for bass fishing.
The obvious lake that I would suggest would be Lake Murray as it has also lots of shoreline for bass fishing. It probably is the easiest to fish from shore. Also all three lakes that I mentioned have a fishing piers there where through the years I caught bass off of when I shore fished.
Anyway, hope that helps.
Tight lines

Jennings is a great one for shore fishing. Santee lakes too =D Good Luck!

fish from shore Murray shallow fish r far out poway and Jennings very difficult clear water spoiled fish best places from shore is Loveland if u r willing to hike el cap sweetwater free on weekends otay or lake Ramona another long walk best places

Miramar limited spots but good

Most places w clear water best in dark but not advised

Hit the banks hard with plastics fished slow

Does anyone have a good beginner bait caster combo they would recommend for freshwater / bank/lake/pond fishing?

Luc42 wrote: Thu May 29, 2025 6:19 pm Does anyone have a good beginner bait caster combo they would recommend for freshwater / bank/lake/pond fishing?

I like Abu Garcia Max Pro.

I’m new to freshwater fishing. But why do most bass/freshwater fishermen use baitcaster reels more than spinning combos ?

Luc42 wrote: Thu May 29, 2025 10:10 pm I’m new to freshwater fishing. But why do most bass/freshwater fishermen use baitcaster reels more than spinning combos ?

Baitcasters allow you to keep a finger on the line (or pinch the line between thumb and forefinger) at all times...so you can feel the slightest of taps on your lure.

Some people pick up baitcasting skills quickly, and they can make very accurate casts...and skip lures waaaay back under docks or overgrown brush.

I can skip soft jerkbaits a short distance with a spinning rod, but am pretty clumsy when it comes to more advanced casting techniques with a baitcaster.

For creek fishing, I use mostly spinning gear because of the types of baits used. In the bays, I use baitcasting gear more. Lakes, I'll use both.

Spinning gear also allows casting lighter lures...or used to....now the BFS baitcasters are pretty effective throwing light stuff.

Luc42 wrote: Thu May 29, 2025 6:19 pm Does anyone have a good beginner bait caster combo they would recommend for freshwater / bank/lake/pond fishing?

If you buy anything but a Daiwa CC 80 for your first baitcaster....you might as well just throw your cash in a pile and light it on fire...because you're buying the wrong reel. Daiwa low profile baitcasters have a magnetic spool brake system that's superior to any other brand on the market, for a beginner trying to sort out baitcasting. And the CC 80 is a small-frame reel that is easily palmed, so it's not as awkward to hang on to, and keep a finger in contact with the line.

For a rod, the Daiwa Laguna 7 foot medium action is very versatile. It's not that I'm in love with all things Daiwa, but that rod is forty bucks, and works very well for a wide variety of lighter baits (up to half ounce).

If you want to go medium-heavy, the Shimano Clarus is a solid performer without getting too insane on the price ($90).

Carpkiller wrote: Fri May 30, 2025 4:31 am

Luc42 wrote: Thu May 29, 2025 6:19 pm Does anyone have a good beginner bait caster combo they would recommend for freshwater / bank/lake/pond fishing?

If you buy anything but a Daiwa CC 80 for your first baitcaster....

FIrst time I've heard of this model. That looks like a pretty solid offering for that price point.

Cut out the baitcasting learning curve, stick to spinning!

Thanks, Everyone, for your replies. I went out to Miramar for a couple of hours recently and fished from the bank not far from the launching ramp. I ended up with two energetic fish, both somewhere in 1-2 lbs range. I enjoyed it and will be back, and will also be giving other lakes mentioned here a try. Thanks again, SDFish!

I used to live near lake Hodges, and have had plenty of shore fishing success there. Like others have said, plastics work great. Where ever you go look for cover such as deadfall and stickups or weeds and any visible structure, rockpile lines that lead into the water, or rocky points.