Skunked and Demoralized 2024
BigMinnow reply :
I just can’t seem to find fish. Like. At all. It’s fall here in northern Ohio and I’ve followed every fall pattern to the T, but still no hookups.
I’m super in love with the sport of fishing but this past MONTH has been nothing but skunks, trip after trip. I’ve tried out all the public waters around me within an hours drive. I’ve bought new tackle, switched tactics, even bought my first fish finder in hopes that it would tell me where the fish are! But still nothing. I don’t know if I’m doing something wrong or if I should just find another hobby.
Ive fished lay downs, docks, creek channels, drop offs, flats, points, pads, grass, stumps, humps, and everything under the sun and I just can’t seem to get bit.
Im typing this as I slowly paddle my way back to the boat launch on a local reservoir. The fish finder is pinging fish and bait balls, and there are fish mocking me; jumping completely out of the water. I’ve thrown every topwater I’ve had at them and I still can’t get anything.
Does anyone have a solution??
Koz reply :
Do what I'm doing - take a break and do something else for a while.
I moved from productive lagoon bank fishing in the SC Lowcountry to lakes with very little bank fishing spots available and the occasional kayak rental in the SC Upstate. I've spent about 14 hours on the water up here and the only bites I have received are bluegill pecks defending their turf.
Where I previously lived I fished for an hour or two almost every night after work plus 3-6 hours fishing every weekend. I had my pick of hundreds of lagoons within a 15 minute drive. Now I find it a hassle to drive 30 minutes or more only to end up with an unproductive outing. So I figured that some time away will help rekindle my passion. Whether that takes 2 months or 5 months I have no idea.
It helps that I'm busy with work, but I've found other things to do. I built a nice little entry table for my house where I can lay my keys, car key fob, and dog leash. I built it over one weekend and spent this past weekend staining and finishing it. Next weekend I'll figure out what to build next or go hit some golf balls.
I think that sometimes you need to step away from something - especially when you're get frustrated - to truly appreciate it.
haggard reply :
On 10/8/2019 at 6:22 AM, BigMinnow said:this past MONTH has been nothing but skunks, trip after trip
Sounds like my first season 
Just like you'd do for learning anything else - musical instrument, driving, a sport, etc. - find an instructor. Not necessarily someone you have to pay, but just a fishing buddy who knows how to catch fish. Someone to go fishing with for one day. You could eventually learn it on your own going solo, but you could learn it in a tenth of the time with an instructor - and save yourself a lot of frustration too.
Hammer 4 reply :
What you didn't mention was the presentations that you didn't try..if any. What you throw, where and when may make a big difference.
detroit1 reply :
..play golf instead..????????️♂️ at least your learning where they aint. Iit happens to all of us if you get out enough...
MassYak85 reply :
I've had a few tough stretches this year. It's definitely demoralizing throwing the kitchen sink at them and leaving absolutely clueless as to what you could have done better. I've found tat downsizing got me some bites, even if they were smaller fish. Tiny tiny underspins were my most successful bait through most of the year. You said you were marking bait balls? It's possible they're just so keyed in on one size of bait that they're ignoring everything else. If you can try to match them.
Wizzlebiz reply :
On 10/8/2019 at 6:22 AM, BigMinnow said:I just can’t seem to find fish. Like. At all. It’s fall here in northern Ohio and I’ve followed every fall pattern to the T, but still no hookups.
I’m super in love with the sport of fishing but this past MONTH has been nothing but skunks, trip after trip. I’ve tried out all the public waters around me within an hours drive. I’ve bought new tackle, switched tactics, even bought my first fish finder in hopes that it would tell me where the fish are! But still nothing. I don’t know if I’m doing something wrong or if I should just find another hobby.
Ive fished lay downs, docks, creek channels, drop offs, flats, points, pads, grass, stumps, humps, and everything under the sun and I just can’t seem to get bit.
Im typing this as I slowly paddle my way back to the boat launch on a local reservoir. The fish finder is pinging fish and bait balls, and there are fish mocking me; jumping completely out of the water. I’ve thrown every topwater I’ve had at them and I still can’t get anything.
Does anyone have a solution??
I dont have a solution but my problem is the same.
We can build a support group soley around this one issue because much like me im sure its driving you insane.
Kdizzle reply :
I'm interested to know what kind of lures and techniques you've been throwing out there this month? It could help identify the problem. What kind of gear are you using? Have you downsized and switched to lighter tackle in lieu of a lack of results with heavier methods and equipment?
I live and die by 3 inch baits this time of year. Tubes fished very slowly on the bottom are what get the majority of my bites during the fall.
BigMinnow reply :
On 10/8/2019 at 6:53 AM, Koz said:I think that sometimes you need to step away from something - especially when you're get frustrated - to truly appreciate it.
This is my last ditch resort. Unfortunately I’m incredibly bullheaded and refuse to lose. But I know what you mean about not wanting to drive for an unproductive trip. Catching fish usually makes the gas money feel worth it.
On 10/8/2019 at 6:54 AM, haggard said:Just like you'd do for learning anything else - musical instrument, driving, a sport, etc. - find an instructor. Someone to go fishing with for one day. You could eventually learn it on your own going solo, but you could learn it in a tenth of the time with an instructor - and save yourself a lot of frustration too.
I would but I’m the only guy in my group that’s actually into the sport. I have a couple of guys I can catfish with because that’s as simple as chuck out some chicken and wait, but no one I know is serious enough to know what techniques to try for whatever conditions. They usually just tag along with me and do whatever I do.
On 10/8/2019 at 7:07 AM, Hammer 4 said:What you didn't mention was the presentations that you didn't try..if any. What you throw, where and when may make a big difference.
Anything you can think of. Lipless cranks through grass and bait balls, shallow runners, deep divers and jerk baits around structure, T-Rigs and Jigs on lay downs, top waters early morning and late night, and every type of plastic you can think of. The only thing I haven’t tried is an actual kitchen sink.
On 10/8/2019 at 8:43 AM, detroit1 said:..play golf instead..????
My golf game is the same as my fishing game. Haha I have a harder time finding the hole on the course than I do finding nonexistent fish.
On 10/8/2019 at 8:59 AM, MassYak85 said:You said you were marking bait balls? It's possible they're just so keyed in on one size of bait that they're ignoring everything else. If you can try to match them.
My problem with that is; I have no idea what the bait actually looks like. I haven’t seen any shad or groupers and I haven’t pulled up any fish to see what they’re spitting up. All I know is there’s bait and apparently enough of it for them to be able to ignore my lures.
On 10/8/2019 at 9:13 AM, Wizzlebiz said:We can build a support group soley around this one issue because im sure much like me im sure its driving you insane.
Abso-freeking-lutley, right now my only emotional support is spending more money on lures in hopes that I’ll hit that stroke of luck and pick up the one that catches em all. Can’t say it’s a healthy coping mechanism haha.
schplurg reply :
Sounds like my late summer/fall so far until last night.
Maybe try the same water repeatedly instead of a lot of different ones, as long as you're sure there are bass there. Get to know the place.
This is my first real season of bass fishing and I've had glory as well as tears. I'm south of San Jose right now and fishing sucks here. I read here how some people catch 30 in a day where they're at and catch at least something virtually every time. Not here my friend!
But your luck will change. I wouldn't take a break unless you're seriously ticked off. You've got the rest of fall to work on your game and I wouldn't squander it.
There's a lake 2 miles from my house. In 30 trips I caught bass there once - two dinks, and I've caught one bluegill. Not good..
This lake is my nemesis. I hate it but still I go. It's just too close to pass up.
A few days ago I cussed it out and vowed never to return. Then I got bored last night and said screw it. I had one of my best days at any lake. Bank fishing I landed 4, lost one at the bank, and got a few other bites. Ya that's a very good day here for me.
It was like a frickin' miracle. Last time I caught fish there (the only other time) I went fishless for the next 10 trips. At least. So who knows what will happen next time.
Point is you never know when those days are going to come. They will. It could be tomorrow.
I caught all 4 with a crankbait from Walmart. All the other bites as well. Whatever tackle you have is already enough probably.
One of my desperation "I'll take any fish I can catch" baits is the BeetleSpin. Seems like anything will bite it. Throw a 3 inch YUM curly tail grub on it.
Up until yesterday I was in kind of a fishing "depression" so I feel your pain. Often! It was a long skunk. Growing pains bro. I can't stay away even if I try - I have no life right now other than fishing, love it or hate it :-)
BigMinnow reply :
On 10/8/2019 at 9:28 AM, Kdizzle said:I'm interested to know what kind of lures and techniques you've been throwing out there this month?
So I’ve been trying to find bait balls. I always seem to ping a few bass rooting around the bait and I’ve been trying to “match the hatch” and get em that way. So that includes lipless cranks, shallow and deep divers, swim baits, jerk baits, drop-shots. You name it I’ve thrown it. I’ve downsized and upsized and everything in between. I’ve tried finesse until I was blue in the face. I’ve fished above and below the bait. I’ve fished fast, slow, calm, erratic. My problem is I can’t see the bait so I can’t figure out what hatch I could be matching.
This was meant more as a venting post rather than a search for advice but I’ll welcome any suggestions. A little info on my main fishing area:
The water is low and super stained, less than 2 ft of visibility but it’s not muddy. And when I say low I mean LOW. Like the creek arms are all dried up. This reservoir’s deepest point was only 18’ to begin with but the deepest I’ve mapped is 8.5’ and dropping. I’ve tried to find underwater veg but there doesn’t seem to be any. And I’ve passed over some steep drop offs with suspended fish but they would rather float aimlessly than actually chase lures.
I shouldn’t say all of my trips have been skunks. There’s one private pond I know of, no more than 150-200 yards diameter, and I catch em all day out of there. But it’s so small it’s like shooting fish in a barrel. It’s now become my pity pond I hit up every now and then just to feel a something pull back.
BigMinnow reply :
On 10/8/2019 at 9:39 AM, schplurg said:Maybe try the same water repeatedly instead of a lot of different ones.
I read here how some people catch 30 in a day where they're at and catch at least something virtually every time. Not here my friend!
One of my desperation "I'll take any fish I can catch" baits is the BeetleSpin. Seems like anything will bite it. Throw a 3 inch YUM curly tail grub on it.
I have no life right now other than fishing, love it or hate it ????
I’ve only been hopping around lakes recently because I was wondering if it was me or just a seasonal funk on all body’s of water. Still haven’t figured out the answer to that one yet.
Man I wish I was catching 30 fish. Even if it was 30 bluegill lol. Even in my best outings I never get over 10. Maybe my problem is that I watch too much fishing TV. Television magic makes it seem like these guys fish for 2 minutes and pull up 20. And they’re almost always in the south. I never see a northern angler pulling up pigs.
Ill have to check out the beetle spin, but I’m right there with ya on curly tail grub trailers. Can’t beat em
And whether or not I’m catching em, I always appreciate havin the time to get out on the water. A bad day of fishing is still better than a good day of work.
billmac reply :
This might not be popular, but try dropshotting a live nightcrawler or leech. Get some crayfish or minnows. Do what you need to, to get some fish.
Bassjam2000 reply :
Senko. Fished slow. Breathe. Enjoy your time on the water, catching is the cherry, not the pie. That is all.
fordstrokers reply :
297 swim senko, cast, let drop, pop a few times and reel in slow. Literally never fails, literally.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Central part of the country is going through the big summer to fall transition time, it's a tough time of year. I've been finding a lot of my fish very shallow (less than 2') and very tight to cover. Our lakes are just starting to turnover so the next week or two is going to be even worse here.
Hammer 4 reply :
I was watching a video tonight, about underspins, which I have used, the interesting thing is, while watching, I immediately thought of your situation. So, I would advise you to watch this video all the way through. Matt links all the baits, and gear..so no need to search for any of it. I think this presentation could be a game changer for you, and others. Enjoy........
Bass Ninja reply :
I'm in Southeastern CT, air temp is all over the place, from 50's one day to 70 the next, with the water temp holding pretty steady around the lower 60s. I've been killing it in the middle of the day if its warmer with a frog in the pads, or a spinnerbait or chatterbait out in more open water. I mostly fish ponds...not really any decent sized lakes around here. One thing that really helped me a few years ago was when an older guy who is a fishing machine told me that in the fall, his best fishing days are in the worst weather. When its sunny and nice out, its tough. When the wind picks up, it actually gets better. Add some rain too, and its just perfect. I've tried it last year and this year, making it a point to fish the bad weather days along with the good days to compare, and at least in my experience here in this part of the country, he's right.
TnRiver46 reply :
I’ve already figured out the problem: northern Ohio! From what I’ve seen up that way you need to be fishing a farm pond or Lake Erie! After reading all the replies it sounds like you found one of those farm ponds. The locals all tell me that you either fish for catfish in the big rivers or wait for the spring walleye runs. Every single story I’ve been told about a bass was in a pond
Oregon Native reply :
Gosh...so glad not having the problems you all are having. My wife picked me up and took me to the lake last night and I fished off the bank for about an hour before my ride arrived. I had taken four rods and a small bag of tackle gambling on one presentation working.
Water was crystal clear ..(not so good here off bank then!!)
Temp...mid 70's...dropped ten degree's in last few days
Spinnerbait....nada
Chatterbait.....nada
Topwater......nada
TRD.....four landed....one lost. 10 to 13 inches.
FYI info....all fish were caught in the middle of the coves and off the banks in 6 to 10 ft. 1/16 homemadehead head with fiber weedguard. Fished very slowwww....ugh!
There was a front coming through so you could tell the fish were off a bit on the bite.
My friend picked me up and we went out on the lake....still tough but fishing was better. Still no chatter but we managed a couple on the topwater and several on the spinnerbait. The TRD.....still got the bites but oh so suttle. Believe we had three small keeps and a number of shorts....was still awesome to be on the water.
Hope this helps
TnRiver46 reply :
On 10/8/2019 at 8:15 PM, Oregon Native said:Gosh...so glad not having the problems you all are having. My wife picked me up and took me to the lake last night and I fished off the bank for about an hour before my ride arrived. I had taken four rods and a small bag of tackle gambling on one presentation working.
Water was crystal clear ..(not so good here off bank then!!)
Temp...mid 70's...dropped ten degree's in last few days
Spinnerbait....nada
Chatterbait.....nada
Topwater......nada
TRD.....four landed....one lost. 10 to 13 inches.
FYI info....all fish were caught in the middle of the coves and off the banks in 6 to 10 ft. 1/16 homemadehead head with fiber weedguard. Fished very slowwww....ugh!
There was a front coming through so you could tell the fish were off a bit on the bite.
My friend picked me up and we went out on the lake....still tough but fishing was better. Still no chatter but we managed a couple on the topwater and several on the spinnerbait. The TRD.....still got the bites but oh so suttle. Believe we had three small keeps and a number of shorts....was still awesome to be on the water.
Hope this helps
Glad you got out! I belt that felt great. Were you on your home lake?
Oregon Native reply :
On 10/8/2019 at 9:01 PM, TnRiver46 said:Glad you got out! I belt that felt great. Were you on your home lake?
I was....saw one other boat....one. Just love non sunny weather....gets rid of half the fishermen. Now just need temp to drop another ten or so.....
Tight Lines
bagofdonuts reply :
Don't give up, but I would switch it up. Sounds like good conditions to try some crappie fishing. Get some minnows and try to locate some crappie. Great fun, put some fish in the boat, and you might find the bass. My biggest bass last fall came while on a crappie outing. BTW, I always have a swim jig rigged and ready in the boat even when crappie fishing.
TriStateBassin106 reply :
WELCOME TO THE CLUB... Literally just made a Similar post on the fishing reports section, been slow these past few weeks only been able to land 1 to 3 fish if I'm lucky these fish in the Northeast are weird right now wish I lived in the south because those guys seem to catch a good number of bass year round no matter what temperature or season.
It's been a grind but to be honest I love it. It's my first season targeting bass on purpose and I've learned so much about the fish and tactics to target them with.
Do I wish I had more success right now with everything I learned? Yes. But am I enjoying the struggle? Yes. It's a mental challenge but it's totally worth it once you feel that bite or tug on the rod..
Catt reply :
I know it's an old cliche but during periods of time between transitions I go back to K.I.S.S.
As the bait, bass, water conditions, weather patterns, length of days, & length of nights etc transition from one season to the next there's a lull in catching...at least in my experience.
My strategy is to go back to basics & thoroughly work structure/cover.
I select one lure presentation in each of the following categories; top water, mid-depth, & bottom contact.
I'm also gonna drop down in lure size, not quite down to Finesse but somewhere between Finesse & Bubba fishing.
Instead of throwing 8-12" worms I'll throw a 6" Mister Twister Phenom Worm. Instead of throwing a Jig-n-Craw I'll switch to a Texas Rigged Craw.
WRB reply :
I see this disappointment every so often with anglers that think fishing is catching.
First and foremost fishing should be enjoying being out on the water sharing what God has to offer, peace.
Fishing is a slow trail and error process of eliminating what doesn't work to find what does. Today anglers want instant gratification by watching video and reading internet information that are often misleading. You get overloaded with information and catching bass isn't about trying harder with every lure known.
You have a sonar unit and see life underwater and see fish, every lake has an abundant of fish, some are bass and most are not.
Pick 1 or 2 high percentage lures and learn them. Soft plastic worms using standard sliding bullet weight and a finesse presentation like slip shot rig.
Enjoy your time on the water, this isn't a contest between you and the bass.
Tom
Oregon Native reply :
On 10/8/2019 at 9:27 PM, bagofdonuts said:Don't give up, but I would switch it up. Sounds like good conditions to try some crappie fishing. Get some minnows and try to locate some crappie. Great fun, put some fish in the boat, and you might find the bass. My biggest bass last fall came while on a crappie outing. BTW, I always have a swim jig rigged and ready in the boat even when crappie fishing.
Have only lived in the south a few years so it's not hard to pass up on crappie.....besides love the bassin' Now it's not bad to catch them incidentally!!!
On 10/8/2019 at 11:27 PM, Oregon Native said:Have only lived in the south a few years so it's not hard to pass up on crappie.....besides love the bassin' Now it's not bad to catch them incidentally!!!
Right now it's all about the tug.....
Defiant Clone reply :
On 10/8/2019 at 8:15 PM, Oregon Native said:Gosh...so glad not having the problems you all are having. My wife picked me up and took me to the lake last night and I fished off the bank for about an hour before my ride arrived. I had taken four rods and a small bag of tackle gambling on one presentation working.
Water was crystal clear ..(not so good here off bank then!!)
Temp...mid 70's...dropped ten degree's in last few days
Spinnerbait....nada
Chatterbait.....nada
Topwater......nada
TRD.....four landed....one lost. 10 to 13 inches.
FYI info....all fish were caught in the middle of the coves and off the banks in 6 to 10 ft. 1/16 homemadehead head with fiber weedguard. Fished very slowwww....ugh!
There was a front coming through so you could tell the fish were off a bit on the bite.
My friend picked me up and we went out on the lake....still tough but fishing was better. Still no chatter but we managed a couple on the topwater and several on the spinnerbait. The TRD.....still got the bites but oh so suttle. Believe we had three small keeps and a number of shorts....was still awesome to be on the water.
Hope this helps
Rookie here, may I ask what a TRD is?
J Francho reply :
Ned Rig, Poop/Turd Jig, "The Real Deal"
https://zmanfishing.com/store/categories/elaztech/finesse_TRD
Ratherbfishing reply :
How pressured are the lakes you've fished? Public lakes with a lot of bank access or boats are often fished to a froth and, especially if there are a lot of bucket fishermen, a lot of fish are "educated" or being kept and eaten. Some of the public lakes here are really tough to fish. One or two fish is a major accomplishment.
As already mentioned, the fall transition can be a tough time to connect.
My personal strategy when the fishing gets tough: Switch to trolling with a small shad rap or flicker shad (or similar medium diver) and try different depths. A lot of suspended fish seldom see a lure and while it may not be quite as rewarding as catching a fish by casting, it sure beats getting skunked.
Fish early mornings and, especially, evenings. If the waters are clear, use light mono or fluorocarbon and and downsize to smaller baits. Especially smaller soft plastics.
Harold Scoggins reply :
On 10/8/2019 at 6:22 AM, BigMinnow said:nothing but skunks
It's that time of the year, skunk has been on my shoulder past two days. We've had two, back to back cold fronts this past week and another one coming Thursday. Can't find the bait fish and the bass I find are in cover and are not making a move to anything I serve them. I think once the water and the weather settles, the bait fish will start moving and so will the bass. In the meantime, focus on the other things you know you can catch, like sunrises, sunsets, changing foliage, and the wildlife around you. Like the bass you WILL catch, there are only so many seasons in a lifetime, enjoy them while you can.
On 10/9/2019 at 2:47 AM, J Francho said:Ned Rig
I've never used a Ned rig, got that on my bucket list for next year.
GReb reply :
I’ve been picking off a few with a t rigged Rage Bug around cover. Definitely have been having more success going slow lately.
Shimano_1 reply :
Are the lakes you're fishing normally producers? If the fishing is usually decent and it's just bad now....I'd either back off for a week or 3 or take it as a challenge and keep on grinding. I hate the bad days but at the same time I've always said they make me a better angler. If u can figure em out when its tough....it should make it even easier when the fishing is good. I haven't been in a few weeks but the drought we've been in....followed by the recent rains and temp drops...I'm sure it's going to affect them. We'll see this weekend. Good luck with it and keep after em....it should be quite rewarding when you solve the puzzle!
Sam reply :
Big, get the latest copy of Bass Angler Magazine and read the article on page 66 penned by Brian Latimer titled "No Fish, Now What?"
Just have confidence in your favorite techniques and baits and you will be successful.
FishinBuck07 reply :
Believe me when I say this, I understand your pain. The lakes here in Northeast Ohio get hammered on for bass from ice out till it ices up again. I was having a moment like you are about a month ago. I bought a boat in July and thought I should have been catching fish every time out and a buddy reminded me, that lakes around here are very pressured by bass fisherman, also he reminded me that it was the hottest the water was going to be all year. I see him as a pretty good bass fisherman and even he was having problems finding them. Anyways all I can off to you is don't give up, and as someone else said earlier, sometimes we forget it isn't all about the catching. I went and fished a lake two weekends ago that I haven't fished since I was a kid. I wasn't very familiar with it since it had been 20 some years since fishing it. I put on a swim jig and a boottail trailer and just kept casting, after a while I found them and caught 2-3 and that felt like a successful day to me because I didn't give up and figured them out a little bit.
ike8120 reply :
Well I am used to it. But it beats sitting on the couch. Now if I catch something it is a bonus.
JG233 reply :
Fishing in Ohio is dreadful compared to other states (not talking about Erie, ect...).
Sorry to report, I know from experience. ????
TriStateBassin106 reply :
On 10/9/2019 at 2:45 AM, Defiant Clone said:Rookie here, may I ask what a TRD is?
Finesse TRD by Zman, for NED rigs. good worm to use if you're into that style of fishing.
reelfast reply :
Go fish smaller farm type ponds. Larger public waters can be very tough from all the pressure they receive from constantly being caught.
I remember thinking how easy fishing was on smaller ponds. Then I got into amateur bass tournaments on big public lakes and that truly humbled me. Start back at the easy small ponds first to have fun and build confidence.
geo g reply :
Take a senko and fish slow around structure, weed lines, drop-offs. When things get really tuff, slow down!
Oregon Native reply :
On 10/8/2019 at 9:27 PM, bagofdonuts said:Don't give up, but I would switch it up. Sounds like good conditions to try some crappie fishing. Get some minnows and try to locate some crappie. Great fun, put some fish in the boat, and you might find the bass. My biggest bass last fall came while on a crappie outing. BTW, I always have a swim jig rigged and ready in the boat even when crappie fishing.
Have only lived in the south a few years so it's not hard to pass up on crappie.....besides love the bassin' Now it's not bad to catch them incidentally!!!
Sorry for late entry....yup...good ol lil three inch bait. Also like using the ones that Dry Creek makes...awesome unique colors. Basically just causes you to slowwwww down and wait for the tick....sometimes you don't even feel that. That's why I like a really light outfit...light line....and a weedless hook (around here). Oh...and sometimes a cup of patience to let the bait get down. But usually don't have to go over ten feet deep.
Tight Lines
Rip_lipz reply :
When I am having a hard time getting bites, I slow down, ALOT. Find a fishy spot and throw a senko and work it slow or throw a drop shot. Works for me 99 percent of the time.
smalljaw67 reply :
You say the lake level dropped, is it a flood control lake? There are a lot of things that make for tough days as anyone here knows all too well. I live in PA so I may be able to help you a bit. First of all this time of year is always tough, water temps drop over night and then rise fast during the day, 10 to 15 degree swings are the norm and the fish don't like it. The second thing is the lake level drop, what is happening is the fish are moving off of cover and other spots and are now suspending, a small underspin with a fluke jr. trailer is probably the best bet as suspended fish are hard to catch. The fish jumping, are you sure they are bass? Right now in the lakes around me we are seeing a lot of carp jumping, I don't know why but they are. If you want to catch fish give it 2 weeks and go back out, by then the water level should stabilize and the temperature swings shouldn't be as bad, those two things will have the fish a little more active.
J Francho reply :
On 10/9/2019 at 5:13 AM, Harold Scoggins said:I've never used a Ned rig, got that on my bucket list for next year.
I haven't caught much of note with it. Useful for days when you can find them, but you're having trouble figuring them out. In other words, stop swinging for the fences, and bunt for a base hit.
Jaderose reply :
I see everyone is saying slow down. My suggestion? Break out the crank baits and SPEED UP! I fish low, slow, an stealthy all summer. This time of year? I'm throwing square bills shallow and dragging them over rocks and slamming them off stumps. I'm yo-yo-ing Rat-L-Traps hard to raise a ruckus. I'm throwing 8ft divers into 6 ft of water and crashing them. The bass are feeding. Raise a ruckus!
papajoe222 reply :
An old master once said: "The fish are either shallow, or deep, or somewhere in between." Great advice. The best advice I can give and this applies to any time, not just the fall is; determine what the main forage is and learn its seasonal movements. In the fall, more so than any other time of the year, bass will key on the most dominate/abundant forage species. Yes you can catch them on craw or bluegill imitations, but in lakes with a good shad population, that is what they'll be keying on. Figure out what depth the bait fish are using and use presentations that target that depth. If you can't find the bait fish and you have studied their seasonal movements, where should they be?
You need a starting strategy no matter what season it is. Structure, cover, forage, wind/weather, or wherever you choose, but develop a way to eliminate water and then figure out a presentation that works best. If you put the cart {lure/presentation) before the horse (where the fish are} you'll rarely get where you want to be.
TriStateBassin106 reply :
Just got skunked today. Definitely need to read the advice on here hahaha. Fall has been tough
Fishin' Fool reply :
On 10/8/2019 at 6:22 AM, BigMinnow said:I just can’t seem to find fish. Like. At all. It’s fall here in northern Ohio and I’ve followed every fall pattern to the T, but still no hookups.
I’m super in love with the sport of fishing but this past MONTH has been nothing but skunks, trip after trip. I’ve tried out all the public waters around me within an hours drive. I’ve bought new tackle, switched tactics, even bought my first fish finder in hopes that it would tell me where the fish are! But still nothing. I don’t know if I’m doing something wrong or if I should just find another hobby.
Ive fished lay downs, docks, creek channels, drop offs, flats, points, pads, grass, stumps, humps, and everything under the sun and I just can’t seem to get bit.
Im typing this as I slowly paddle my way back to the boat launch on a local reservoir. The fish finder is pinging fish and bait balls, and there are fish mocking me; jumping completely out of the water. I’ve thrown every topwater I’ve had at them and I still can’t get anything.
Does anyone have a solution??
Hey man,
My experience from years of fishing is that fish are more spread out in the spring. You can have great days in the fall but the fish tend to be more grouped up. You can go forvever without a bite and then catch the mother load. I'd suggest using moving baits until you get bit then slow down.
BigMinnow reply :
@Defiant Clone
if your going to look into the TRD I have to also recommend you check out the Hula Stickz by ZMan. I throw those on a 1/8th oz or 1/16th oz mushroom head jigs (also by ZMan) in the creeks and streams around here and the smallies HAMMER em.
@reelfast
i actually just found another small private farm pond. Caught a couple out of there. But I want to get into tourney fishing someday and I need to learn how to work larger (usually public) bodies of water.
@geo g & @Rip_lipz
Believe me, I tried slow fishing a senko. Wacky rigged, T-rigged, Neko rig, you name it. Couldn’t get anything. But I was using green pumpkin in a pretty stained lake. They might not have been able to see it too well. Gonna have to get brighter colors
@smalljaw67
the reservoir is used to control some of the water flow to the Cuyahoga River. The creek channels feeding it are all but dried up so the water level is very low right now. It fills up again in the spring after ice out.
A couple other people have recommended underspins too. I don’t actually have any but I’ve been looking em up, checking em out, and they seem like they might help get the job done
And I did actually see a couple decent sized large mouth jumping, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the ones going fully out of the water were carp. My question is then, do carp not eat small fish? I wouldn’t mind catching a carp on my ultra light/popper rig!
@Jaderose
that was my initial plan, and I spent a few hours all over the lake just ripping cranks, rattle traps, buzz baits, and spinners but no luck. I’ve tried slow too and nothing on that either. Must need to have a retrieve somewhere in the middle area I guess!
@papajoe222
I don’t know if I’ve said it on this thread but I’m just starting out on big public lakes and reservoirs. The most “bait” I’ve ever seen has been bluegills in little park ponds, I’m not sure how to locate or even tell what type of bait is in the reservoirs I fish. Does anyone have any tips for that??
But as for starting strategy and eliminating water, the water levels are very low and the creeks are dried up, so creek arms are out of the question. Which I’m assuming will push fish to the main lake (since there’s no where else for them to go). So I’ve been looking for humps, drop offs, and deep vegetation and brush piles in hopes of finding fish or bait. I’ve found a few of those structures but haven’t had any luck pulling up fish from them..
To Everyone: Thanks for all the info and advice, and for supporting me through this seemingly never ending skunk curse lol. I went night fishing with a buddy last night and even though they weren’t bass, we hammered quite a few catfish. Easy to catch but it was definitely satisfying to finally feel a pull on the other side of the line. With all this advice, hopefully now I can get on some bass!
Defiant Clone reply :
On 10/9/2019 at 2:47 AM, J Francho said:Ned Rig, Poop/Turd Jig, "The Real Deal"
https://zmanfishing.com/store/categories/elaztech/finesse_TRD
Thanks, looks interesting and am I right in thinking a Ned Rig is just a short Senko/Dinger etc with a jig head?
Is this concept to make to profile smaller?
scaleface reply :
Double down on cover and structure and use lures that will efficiently dissect what you encounter . Thats about all anybody can do . A Texas rigged plastic worm will pick a part a wide variety of cover . In between cover you may elect to fish water faster with a moving lure until the next cover is encountered .
BigMinnow reply :
@Defiant Clone
yeah pretty much, but TRD’s are made of elaztech and can last through literally hundreds of fish before getting torn up like yum dingers or senkos do. I fish a TRD in green pumpkin or a Hula Stickz in Smelt on a 1/16th oz red mushroom jig head and you almost always get bit. The plastics themselves float so the Stickz give off a lot of action.
Disclaimer: I’m not a sponsor for ZMan but I fish it so much I may as well be. It’s one of my favorite plastic brands.
On 10/12/2019 at 2:08 AM, scaleface said:A Texas rigged plastic worm will pick a part a wide variety of cover.
So now I’m thinking that maybe my plastic’s colors are too muted to be seen in the stained water. Does anyone have any recommendations for plastics in dingy water?
Big Rick reply :
On 10/12/2019 at 5:56 AM, BigMinnow said:So now I’m thinking that maybe my plastic’s colors are too muted to be seen in the stained water. Does anyone have any recommendations for plastics in dingy water?
In my experience, the muddier the water the darker the color to offer contrast. Also, make sure your plastics have some sort of appendage that is giving off maximum vibrations. Bass use their lateral lines to zero in on those vibrations.
Defiant Clone reply :
On 10/12/2019 at 5:56 AM, BigMinnow said:@Defiant Clone
yeah pretty much, but TRD’s are made of elaztech and can last through literally hundreds of fish before getting torn up like yum dingers or senkos do. I fish a TRD in green pumpkin or a Hula Stickz in Smelt on a 1/16th oz red mushroom jig head and you almost always get bit. The plastics themselves float so the Stickz give off a lot of action.
Disclaimer: I’m not a sponsor for ZMan but I fish it so much I may as well be. It’s one of my favorite plastic brands.
OK GUYS YOU CAN STOP NOW ????, I just got back from the store going to try them out tomorrow!!!!
I had to replace a lost chatterbait (Dicks has some clearance $3.99 BTW) and picked up a green pumpkin Finesse TRD with the 1/10oz Black Finesse ShroomZ head (Smallest Dicks had and not sure best color/size for this), had a something Craw colored Hula stick in my hand but decided to test out the TRD first.
I love the Yum Dingers, bought a good bit of them (GP color) for $1 on clearance along with Berkley Generals (June bug and GP) but starting to run low. I both love/hate fishing a Senko worm, it almost always works but it feels like cheating.
TnRiver46 reply :
On 10/12/2019 at 5:56 AM, BigMinnow said:@Defiant Clone
yeah pretty much, but TRD’s are made of elaztech and can last through literally hundreds of fish before getting torn up like yum dingers or senkos do. I fish a TRD in green pumpkin or a Hula Stickz in Smelt on a 1/16th oz red mushroom jig head and you almost always get bit. The plastics themselves float so the Stickz give off a lot of action.
Disclaimer: I’m not a sponsor for ZMan but I fish it so much I may as well be. It’s one of my favorite plastic brands.
So now I’m thinking that maybe my plastic’s colors are too muted to be seen in the stained water. Does anyone have any recommendations for plastics in dingy water?
June bug, black, and black/blue. Then again a fish doesn’t have to see a bait in order to find and eat it
reelfast reply :
On 10/10/2019 at 4:22 AM, Jaderose said:I see everyone is saying slow down. My suggestion? Break out the crank baits and SPEED UP! I fish low, slow, an stealthy all summer. This time of year? I'm throwing square bills shallow and dragging them over rocks and slamming them off stumps. I'm yo-yo-ing Rat-L-Traps hard to raise a ruckus. I'm throwing 8ft divers into 6 ft of water and crashing them. The bass are feeding. Raise a ruckus!
This can work, but if the reaction bite isn’t on it can be tough. The upside is you can cover a lot of water with square bills.
Bird reply :
Whenever I'm getting shut out I always turn to finesse but I fish 99% of the time alone so nobody knows.
Chief250 reply :
On 10/8/2019 at 10:56 AM, Bassjam2000 said:Senko. Fished slow. Breathe. Enjoy your time on the water, catching is the cherry, not the pie. That is all.
This, if you can't catch them taking it slow on a senko they aren't there. My problem has always been I can't stand fishing a senko much less fishing a slow senko
Defiant Clone reply :
Weekend update, NO LONGER ON A DRY SPELL!!!! ????
Picked up the TRD in GP and I have gotten 5 fish over two short trips! 3 that were dinks (1lb or less), 1 that was 1.5lb and a shocking 3lb monster!
So my spirits have been renewed and I am pumped again. Thank you everyone for different suggestions, finesse fishing sure gets more and more difficult to do the more agitated you get, but looks like downsizing and slowing down helped me out.
TnRiver46 reply :
On 10/14/2019 at 3:03 AM, Defiant Clone said:Weekend update, NO LONGER ON A DRY SPELL!!!! ????
Picked up the TRD in GP and I have gotten 5 fish over two short trips! 3 that were dinks (1lb or less), 1 that was 1.5lb and a shocking 3lb monster!
So my spirits have been renewed and I am pumped again. Thank you everyone for different suggestions, finesse fishing sure gets more and more difficult to do the more agitated you get, but looks like downsizing and slowing down helped me out.
Back in the saddle!!!
Hower08 reply :
I'm from NE Ohio what lakes are you fishing
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