How to have more fun when not catching em 2024
Sharkicane reply :
Hey BR,
I have only been bass fishing for a few months I am not sure what it is in me but every time I go to my local lake I feel like I have to catch some. I treat it like its a tournament ( I know its silly) even though I never even been in one. I get so honed in on what I have to do to catch some that sometimes its not as fun as I would like it to be. However it isn't something I feel I can help all the time like I know there are bass there I have a rough idea of where there at I should be able to catch them any given day. At least that is what I think, then Ill get a lure hung up on top of not catching any or getting any bites and its just a bad time all around.
What are some of the things that yall do to take the pressure off of having to catch them or just tips to focus on having more fun despite how many bites I get or the lack of bites.
BigAngus752 reply :
I just started bass fishing again last year after a 30 year break. I find it most satisfying to plan my day around either trying a new technique, a new piece of equipment, or practicing a technique that I'm not good at. If I'm really, really itching to catch fish then I will start out early in the morning and use a technique that I'm already good at. Once I get a good fish in the boat (for me that's 2.5 pounds or bigger) then I'm moving on to my plan to try something new or work on my skills. If I can catch one good fish and then spend a few hours getting better at another technique I'm really happy. If I catch a few dinks along with the practice then I'm thrilled. I don't like getting skunked but if I've learned something then I'm content that it's time well spent.
Arcs&sparks reply :
When the bite is super slow I like to try out some lures that don’t get much use, practice flipping and pitching, study the lake, enjoy a cold one.. it all pays off when you have a killer day.
Hyrule Bass reply :
i just enjoy the fact that i am able to be fishing at that moment, whether im catching or not. obviously we all would love to be catching fish on every outing, but it just doesnt work that way normally. i just take solace in the fact that i am able to fishing at the moment, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the nature around me. really its just mental therapy for me basically, i forget about everything going on around me in the real world for awhile, a temporary escape sort of, its just really refreshing for me...
keagbassr reply :
I just tell myself it beats work,raking,mowing,shoveling snow etc.
Koz reply :
I don't stress or get frustrated when I'm fishing whether they are biting or not. I just enjoy being out there, usually with my son or our friends. If for some reason I'm not having a good time I pack it up and go home.
That being said, if things are really slow I'll go through half of my tackle bag trying different things.
Glaucus reply :
If I'm not getting bit, I keep trying different things. If it continues to be slow, I pop a squat, drink some brews, and start junk fishing a wacky rig. I'll throw it here, there and everywhere while relaxing and enjoying the freedom of the outdoors.
NHBull reply :
That what Petit Corona's are for
A-Jay reply :
Purchase & use gear you enjoy using.
And then do so.
A-Jay
ohboyitsrobby reply :
If I'm solo I'll go try new places and techniques. If my son is with me.... we go swimming of course.
jbmaine reply :
sometimes you can do everything right and still not catch anything. I used to fish harder and harder, trying to catch something, anything, but as I've gotten older I've learned to kick back, and just enjoy all the wonderful places our fishing brings us to.
frogflogger reply :
Fish with real big lures - surface or swimbait - then you can tell people you aren't catching BIG fish - I've done this for years and you will see some fish and learn a few things and maybe eventually catch a huge one.
Angry John reply :
On 6/23/2018 at 3:44 AM, jbmaine said:sometimes you can do everything right and still not catch anything. I used to fish harder and harder, trying to catch something, anything, but as I've gotten older I've learned to kick back, and just enjoy all the wonderful places our fishing brings us to.
I like to travel to fish and see new and beautiful places. Austin TX is a lot cooler place from lady bird lake and if you go in the evening you can watch the bats.
EGbassing reply :
Try a topwater walking bait. It might not get any bites if they aren't active, but it sure is fun to fish.
lo n slo reply :
me and my cousin listen to the radio and crack jokes whether we’re catching them or not. he really makes me laugh.
Log Catcher reply :
I recently had a trip where the bite was slow. Heard a noise and saw a deer up on the bank. At least it made the day a little more interesting to watch it for a little bit.
HeyCoach reply :
I went to a small reservoir lake the other day with a buddy. It was hot, no wind, no fish, but we had fun.
We watched a squirrel fall out of a tree, land in the water, climb onto shore, shake off, and climb back into the tree.
It was was rather comical.
Brew City Bass reply :
If it's been a while since my last bite (an hour) I'll usually grab the biggest stupidest lure in my boat and cast it for a bit. Sometimes it buys a bite, other times I just laugh at it and the other fishers in the area giving me a weird look as I throw a double cowgirl on a lake with no muskie.
Arcs&sparks reply :
On 6/23/2018 at 7:23 AM, lo n slo said:me and my cousin listen to the radio and crack jokes whether we’re catching them or not. he really makes me laugh.
This^. Get a fishing buddy. My fishing buddy and I have had the best days on the water while getting skunked. Getting hung up in trees and losing lures can be downright hilarious with a good friend.
Bluebasser86 reply :
If I'm not catching them and not having fun not catching them, I make changes so I can start catching them ????
813basstard reply :
Man, I think we all been a bunch without a bite. Refuse to be discouraged. Keep throwing, keep switching tactics. Keep at it, ain’t nothing but fish. They’ll bite
timothy_spain reply :
I realized I'm not going to catch a limit or fish at all every trip. If fish aren't biting, practice your cast to specific targets. Or try new lures that I haven't tested out yet. Make every trip a learning experience.
Stephen B reply :
Trust me I suffer from the same thing. It's all mentality. It can be discouraging when you aren't catching but its important to always think that each cast could be the cast to catch one. I have had times where I was fishing and was discouraged and not paying attention and got a bite and missed it. So just try to stay as positive as possible. Another thing I like to do to enjoy myself more is to take a friend who would just enjoy being out there. It helps me calm down and enjoy myself more.
Also, go fishing new areas of the lake and study the new areas.
scaleface reply :
I sit back a little , stretch, rest my back ,look at the scenery , eat a little ... Sometimes a short break is needed to get recharged .
NittyGrittyBoy reply :
When nothing is biting I'll change species I'm fishing for. I'll catch some bream and catfish somewhere lol.
I usually carry a ultralight pole bass fishing so I can panfish if the bite is slow. If the sun's our most of the time you can catch a bream.
the reel ess reply :
Unless you're in a high level tournament, there really is no "pressure" to catch fish. I enjoy looking for a way to break the skunk. I'll try some technique that I haven't before. It really builds confidence if you ****** victory from the jaws of defeat with a method you haven't used.
Log Catcher reply :
On 6/23/2018 at 7:58 AM, HeyCoach said:I went to a small reservoir lake the other day with a buddy. It was hot, no wind, no fish, but we had fun.
We watched a squirrel fall out of a tree, land in the water, climb onto shore, shake off, and climb back into the tree.
It was was rather comical.
I had this happen to me last year only I didn't see it. I heard a big splash about 25' behind the boat. Squirrel got on a limb that broke with it. If it happened about a minute sooner it could have landed in the boat with me as I had just fished that spot.
Will Wetline reply :
Sharkicane, I've been at your stage of the game with several different species, and y'know what? Hindsight from more than 50 years of waving a wand over the waters informs me that I'll catch more fish if I'm relaxed and in good humor rather than suffering with the delusion that I've gotta catch fish!
For one thing, even after decades of fishing, the fish at times will not bite even after multiple perfect presentations, especially if they're not at the spot I'm casting to. I stop short of dropping depth charges and will often put the rod down and have a snack and a sip. I stop reeling to watch an eagle fly by. I watch clouds go by, for goodness sake. I tell myself to "be cool," I have no obligations at the moment and I'm far away from traffic jams.
It would be helpful to adopt this mindset. I'm also going to suggest you stop beating yourself up with unrealistic expectations. I do hope you catch fish, of course, but keep in mind you've just started and there's a learning curve, dues to be paid.
So! Get out there and experiment, analyze the results, and learn. Then go home and study Bass Resource pinned topics, read printed material, watch videos. And don't compare yourself to other fishermen. Be skeptical of advertisements for magic lures.
To sum up: Slow down and value your free time in a relaxed manner.
Bankbeater reply :
Most of the time I'll take some pics, reapply the sunscreen, eat something, and tie on new baits. If I'm fishing out of a boat I'll start mapping the bottom.
NittyGrittyBoy reply :
A good fishing partner goes a long way. I can get discouraged after a couple hours by myself, but when I have a partner we can fish for 8hrs during a tournament for 1 bite and laugh the whole time
BCline reply :
When the bite is really slow or just completely non-existent, I practice my casting accuracy by targeting whatever happens to be there. Floating garbage, turtles and ducks are some of my favorites and can be very satisfying.
EGbassing reply :
On 6/25/2018 at 10:20 PM, BCline said:When the bite is really slow or just completely non-existent, I practice my casting accuracy by targeting whatever happens to be there. Floating garbage, turtles and ducks are some of my favorites and can be very satisfying.
Sounds pretty inhumane...
StrikePrince reply :
On 6/23/2018 at 1:33 AM, Hyrule Bass said:i just enjoy the fact that i am able to be fishing at that moment, whether im catching or not. obviously we all would love to be catching fish on every outing, but it just doesnt work that way normally. i just take solace in the fact that i am able to fishing at the moment, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the nature around me. really its just mental therapy for me basically, i forget about everything going on around me in the real world for awhile, a temporary escape sort of, its just really refreshing for me...
Great post, if you can set aside a day to go fishing then life is good.
"i forget about everything going on around me in the real world..."
I'd say that fishing is getting to spend time in the real world; we spend most of our daily lives in a fake one.
thinkingredneck reply :
Gotta pay you dues... Fish the other side of the boat. Cast jitterbugs and attract little gators, then get it in before they can get it. Just enjoy being out.
EGbassing reply :
I know I said to throw a walking bait before, but I've recently discovered something more fun than that. (It can actually get you some bites when they aren't biting sometimes too) Skip casting. Once you master it, it's addicting. It can also be really useful if you need to get a lure under a dock. I hooked my PB today doing that. He got off at the bank though... 
Russ E reply :
Not much to add that has not already been said.
I agree with those that have said, keep trying.
I don't give up, I will either downsize and slow down or go to the other extreme and throw the faster baits., trying to trigger a reaction strike.
I may not always catch big fish, but usually I can trigger a few bites when things are tough.
YaknBassn reply :
I'll rig up a little jig, chuck it at some bushes and spend some time catching bream. It takes away the sting of saying "nothing" when my wife asks if I caught anything.
Sometimes, I'll stop fishing altogether, pull out my binoculars and bird watch. I've got a book that I use to identify species. Everything from Kingfishers to Bald Eagles.
Frisbie385 reply :
Crack open an ice cold Miller Lite or find some shade and take a short nap.
FishDewd reply :
I go lure hunting when the bite is slow! I usually find at least one good one... those who lose their lures in trees, forfeit those lures to poor ole me! I thank them all for their contributions! Saves me money buying them lol. Even if it's crappy lures, I can still get free hooks, weights, floats... that all costs money!
Wurming67 reply :
I think alot of experience that feeling that we have to catch fish.Why?We spend alot of money on gear,boat,truck and invest alot of time trying to be a better fishermen and you want to be successful and enjoy your hobby,but you are dealing with things that are totally out of your control weather and a fish both are unpredictable.Enjoy being out there, appreciate that you can do it,most imporantly you are connecting with nature which is so good for the mind and soul it's called fishing not catching.
ClackerBuzz reply :
we all fall victim to searching for the adrenaline rush of bass fishing. ultimately fishing is about enjoying the outdoors which is what you have to re-learn during slow times.
.ghoti. reply :
Casting practice. I pick a target; leaf, stick, whatever, and try to hit it. Pick a different target every cast. Change rod every few casts. Keep score. It will keep your interest up.
FishDewd reply :
On 7/5/2018 at 12:57 AM, .ghoti. said:Casting practice. I pick a target; leaf, stick, whatever, and try to hit it. Pick a different target every cast. Change rod every few casts. Keep score. It will keep your interest up.
Bonus points for getting snagged on the stick!
Eric J reply :
If the bite's off I try some really ridiculous lures. This morning I ran a SK Anaconda. The sheer size of it was hysterical. I got into a conversation with another angler and we had a good laugh.
I also enjoy smoking pipes and always have one with me when I'm fishing solo. Very relaxing for me...
scaleface reply :
"not catching em" whats that ?
flyfisher reply :
start fly fishing. it is the most fun way to fish without catching out there.
if i am have a tough day i never take a break though, i fish harder and try new stuff. Can't get bit without something in the water
papajoe222 reply :
I reminisce about fun times fishing with old friends that are gone. Many of the lakes I fish, I’ve been fishing for decades. I’ve named many points and other structures and some were given names by those friends, so if I’m fishing Dave’s point I’ll think about when, why, or just a memorable event that happened there.
Pickle_Power reply :
On 6/23/2018 at 6:30 AM, frogflogger said:Fish with real big lures - surface or swimbait - then you can tell people you aren't catching BIG fish - I've done this for years and you will see some fish and learn a few things and maybe eventually catch a huge one.
This is what I frequently do.
Honestly, I think your attitude of expecting to catch fish every time is a good thing. I believe that leads to becoming a better angler. It's hard to remain confident after a couple bad trips, but focus on what you learned in the process and what to do differently next time. Gotta put all the pieces together, the good and bad.
Choporoz reply :
take up golf?
pardon my sarcasm and cynicism, but if fishing ever becomes a chore, I'll do something else....took me over 50 years to learn, but life is too short for me to spend any of my 'free' time doing anything I don't thoroughly enjoy
Glenn reply :
This is what Keri and I do when the fishing slows down...
Steveo-1969 reply :
On 7/6/2018 at 1:20 AM, Choporoz said:take up golf?
pardon my sarcasm and cynicism, but if fishing ever becomes a chore, I'll do something else....took me over 50 years to learn, but life is too short for me to spend any of my 'free' time doing anything I don't thoroughly enjoy
I read through all the replies waiting for someone to mention this! Fishing is for relaxing and enjoying the outdoors. Catching is just an occasional bonus. If I wanted to spend time outside doing something that's frustrates me I'd play golf.
I have a buddy who bases the enjoyment of a fishing day on how many fish he caught. If he gets skunked or doesn't catch many his whole day is ruined, in fact it happened to him yesterday and I listened to him complain about it for 15 minutes this morning. I don't know why he doesn't just sell his boat and his fishing gear and buy golf clubs and a membership at the country club instead.
OK, I'm off my soap box. Take a deep breath, enjoy your surroundings, be thankful you have the health and the means to go fishing, and fish. And sometimes catch too.
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