Watching – and catching – fish in water that was just inches deep

Fishing a small float just three feet from the bank, I presented two maggots on a size 14 hook and trickled mixed maggots and pinkies in.

I was very excited when I spotted a small group of perch respond.

However, even though they swam around the spot every time I cast, they didn’t take either the bait on the hook or even the loose offerings.

I know this because I could see everything that was going on.

Frustrating? No, not at all. It was still fascinating to watch the fish, even though I wanted to catch one, of course.