Rick,
> Many of the ponds I fish have tree right up against the shore and
> there is no room to cast at all. From the boat I can do that.
>
These sort of situations are where roll/spey casts really shine.
A lake I fish has places where there is no other alternative (from
the bank). Zero backcast room, and stuff above you that'd make a
steeple cast challenging (plus you can get more distance from a good
roll/spey cast).
Sometimes you have to be "innovative", but I've not felt all that
hampered fishing from the bank all these years. You just have to pick
your spots and water. The two instances I can think of where a boat
would be *real* handy though are where the lake/pond is ringed with
dense shallow aquatic weed growth, or where the fish are holding in
deep water out of casting range. Either of those situations are
*guaranteed* to stymie you from the bank.
Now, don't get me wrong, fishing from a boat is great! On the other
hand, bank fishing can be just as productive (sometimes moreso! :-), if
you do your homework. Do what works for *you*, as it's *all* good! :-)
Todd
