Good morning brothers.
I’ve been gone for a bit – traveling (and fishing) with family, writing for a few new outlets, and just being blessed overall with some awesome new opportunities… but very busy. It’s time to get back into reviewing notes and fishing techniques that have worked well this year, and here’s an awesome little realization I’d like to share with you…
I’ve recently discovered there’s something different about a rowboat. Not just in how it moves – but in how it makes YOU move. How it slows you down. How it connects you to the water by removing things like electric trolling motors & sonar screens.
It’s different.
It’s also one of the BEST ways to gain access to big, hidden largemouth bass in the thick – and I mean THICK – stuff. Rowboat fishing is a physical activity and it will challenge your body in a good way, and after fishing everything from kayaks to charters to modern bass fishing boats that cost more than a house… there’s something special about stripping it all back. Drifting quietly with nothing but the rhythm of your own hands. Pulling big, fat bass into the boat from areas that NOBODY else is fishing, because their trolling motor would get eaten alive… yeah man, never thought I’d say it but… I love rowboat fishin’!
One presentation you absolutely for fishing thick stuff is The Crowbar Rig.
Gear for Making The Crowbar Rig:
When to Bass Fish from a Rowboat
First, when it’s too dang thick to get around any other way! (I considered testing out a push-pole in here, but it was just too clunky and surprisingly expensive.)

Rowboat bass fishing shines on small to mid-sized lakes, but you could also use it to your advantage on bigger lakes with large, choked-out bays. It’s also great if you simply want to enjoy a more peaceful approach. You’ll see things you would’ve missed. Bass cruising the edge of a sunken log. A pike darting around the cabbage. Panfish suspending beneath the reflection of an overhanging tree.
Thick-cover water like this rewards patience, stealth, and presence – and this method of fishing forces you to pay attention to what’s in front of you.
Additional Rowboat Fishing Gear To Have On-Hand:


I’m not saying dump your electronics forever – but consider shoving off with nothing but a rod or two, a couple of oars and a small box of confidence baits. Fish slower. Enjoy the environment you’re in, get into the areas other guys aren’t exploring – and soak it up. It’s a different way to fish, and a different way to experience the water… and it’s GOOD.
Tight Lines & Godspeed, Patriots.

Thank You For Your Support
Your support directly funds the creation of weekly articles and videos that promote the development of better anglers and better men. Our country (and our kids) need both. Please share this site, and consider a monthly, weekly, or one-time donation. You are helping us make a difference!

Discover more from The Minimalist Fisherman
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.






















































nothing like getting back to your roots in the row boat man! my YT channel literally started in a rental jon boat
Heck yeah my man – really enjoying it. That’s really cool that you started in a rental jon boat. I love learning stuff like that. Super cool!