Ok!!!!! TIMES UP. I'm frustrated now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 2024
BassChump reply :
Late last year I bought a bass boat on a whim. Got it cheap with plans to sell it to make some money. Took it out fishing, liked it, kept it.
It has all the stuff and it works well. When I bought the boat, I hadn't fished in several years due to the death of my wife. Long story for another time.
The only tackle I had was a small ultra-light rod that my wife had bought me for Christmas years ago. I had ONE lure. A Blue Fox spinner. Gold in color.
Took the boat out on a local lake and caught a lot of bass just casting to the shore around down logs. Not very big bass but it was tons of fun and fun is something I hadn't had near enough of in a long time.
During the winter I've fished several lakes here on the Oregon coast. All proven bass lakes. I chalked up my lack of catching on the cold weather and my inexperience. I didn't catch a thing all winter.
During the winter I've bought 9 poles, lots of gear. Senko's, Rattle Traps, Jigs, etc. I've put good line on them, studied the forums here so I can gain more knowledge about fishing for bass and I was all pumped up for when the water temps came up.
Well, the surface temps are now in the high 60's and I've been fishing for a week and I can't buy a bite. Nothing. Nada. We have had an unusually cold spring with the high air temps only in the low 50's and water temps about the same. This week we had high air temps in the high 80's and the water temps have risen very quickly. I don't know if that has anything to do with it but the water temps came up 12 degrees in less than 7 days.
I use 5 inch senko's a lot. Watermellon with flecks. The Rattle trap along weedlines, etc.
What am I doing so wrong that the fishing gods are against me???? I figured that even if I suck, just out of pure luck and the laws of averages I should get a fish once in a while.
I see all you guys that have a special day now and then when you catch bass in great numbers or get that big one you can brag about. I'm really looking forward to one of those days. Or even a day when I catch enough to tell a few stories.
I feel like the bass see me coming or just have a meeting so they can get all the bass in the lake to agree to stay as far away from my line as possible. It's like having repellent on my lures.
I can just picture the president bass making a law that states "no feeding when this guy is around". lol. A bass senate passes the law and so far, no self respecting bass will lower themself to take a glance at what I have to offer. Hmmm. Come to think of it, I have the same reaction from women. lol. Perhaps I should change deoderants.
Any thoughts or recomedations???????????
-HAWK- reply :
Try a jig head with a wacky rigged style senko worm in 4'. Toss that a few times and your bound to catch a few bass
SnowBass23 reply :
BassChump I feel your pain! I myself have gone through the same fishing scenario: loved it on the rare occasion I could go as a kid (maybe 2 times a year if I was lucky!) so as an adult I jumped in, spent enough money to fill a boat with lures, poles, and the like, only to spend a good couple of years catching pretty much NOTHING except an occasional bluegill.
I also believed the fish gods were against me (still think that occasionally!). If you are reading through the info here, then you are off to a great start. My personal advice I'd give you is to texas rig a zoom finesse worm in either a dark green or plain brown color. Then, take your boat and work along shorelines with relatively shallow water. Maybe 5 feet at most. Just throw that worm out there, and work it PAINFULLY S L O W. Even when you think you are going too slow, go slower!
Throw the lure out and let it sink to the bottom. Then, with your rod tip pointed in the direction of your bait, lift the rod tip slowly, up about 6 - 8 inches total, then set it back down. When you set it down, slowly reel in the slack. Lift and repeat. I started with this method and gradually began to catch fish. I am sure others here on the board have many tips and much better methods to get you going but this was my start.
Once I started catching fish on a couple basic worm styles and colors, then I began to add to my arsenal. As you gain confidence with the worms and start expanding you'll KNOW that there are fish, and you CAN catch them.
SnowBass
Bass XL reply :
Since the water temp. is in the 60's, start throwing a spinnerbait around docks, laydowns, and other cover.
suede55bowtie reply :
QuoteLate last year I bought a bass boat on a whim. Got it cheap with plans to sell it to make some money. Took it out fishing, liked it, kept it.It has all the stuff and it works well. When I bought the boat, I hadn't fished in several years due to the death of my wife. Long story for another time.
The only tackle I had was a small ultra-light rod that my wife had bought me for Christmas years ago. I had ONE lure. A Blue Fox spinner. Gold in color.
Took the boat out on a local lake and caught a lot of bass just casting to the shore around down logs. Not very big bass but it was tons of fun and fun is something I hadn't had near enough of in a long time.
During the winter I've fished several lakes here on the Oregon coast. All proven bass lakes. I chalked up my lack of catching on the cold weather and my inexperience. I didn't catch a thing all winter.
During the winter I've bought 9 poles, lots of gear. Senko's, Rattle Traps, Jigs, etc. I've put good line on them, studied the forums here so I can gain more knowledge about fishing for bass and I was all pumped up for when the water temps came up.
Well, the surface temps are now in the high 60's and I've been fishing for a week and I can't buy a bite. Nothing. Nada. We have had an unusually cold spring with the high air temps only in the low 50's and water temps about the same. This week we had high air temps in the high 80's and the water temps have risen very quickly. I don't know if that has anything to do with it but the water temps came up 12 degrees in less than 7 days.
I use 5 inch senko's a lot. Watermellon with flecks. The Rattle trap along weedlines, etc.
What am I doing so wrong that the fishing gods are against me???? I figured that even if I suck, just out of pure luck and the laws of averages I should get a fish once in a while.
I see all you guys that have a special day now and then when you catch bass in great numbers or get that big one you can brag about. I'm really looking forward to one of those days. Or even a day when I catch enough to tell a few stories.
I feel like the bass see me coming or just have a meeting so they can get all the bass in the lake to agree to stay as far away from my line as possible. It's like having repellent on my lures.
I can just picture the president bass making a law that states "no feeding when this guy is around". lol. A bass senate passes the law and so far, no self respecting bass will lower themself to take a glance at what I have to offer. Hmmm. Come to think of it, I have the same reaction from women. lol. Perhaps I should change deoderants.
Any thoughts or recomedations???????????
Been there done that, the main thing is to not be scared to try new techniques, even techniques youve never heard of before. Also, in times of doubt, dont hesitate to downsize and slow down. And try to throw your lure where you pretty much think your gonna get a snag haha I cant tell you the number of times Ive thrown in rediculous looking spots, spots where the waters not even a foot deep, or under some haggard tree and have pulled lots of nice bass out of.
BassChump reply :
Thanks for all the replies. Yes, I'm getting pretty frustrated. I can't be THAT BAD of a fisherman. I've fished all my life for trout, salmon, crappie, etc. but bass have thrown me for a loop.
I'm trying out a new lake this afternoon. It's a shallow lake, no more than 25 feet deep at its deepest. Not a big lake, maybe 500 acres??? It's actually 2 lakes in one. Two lakes joined by a very narrow channel. Only one boat at a time can get through. Water is warm and it isn't fished heavy at all. It's a proven bass lake with lots of weedbeds, reeds, docks and fallen timber.
I'll let you know how it goes.
Even one fish would make me happy right now. I'm looking forward to it.
It's a beautiful day, in the 80's, little wind and the boat is ready to go. What more could a guy ask for????
8-)
A nice day, a cold beer, sounds almost perfect to me. A fish or two would only make it better.
flip4i reply :
I totally understand what you mean. I've been to the local city park pond 6 times and have only caught 1 that didn't even break 1lb. I always hit the same spot because I always see bass breaking the surface there. I've thrown everything there and worked it for at least 2 hours at a time. But I don't care! I'm going to keep hitting that same spot until I catch that 3lbr that keeps taunting me!
Anyway, good luck and keep at it. I know we'll catch'em sooner or later.
Gatorbassman reply :
When pro baseball players are in a slump they grab the batting tee and start all over. They go back to the basics of a swing and start from there. They spend time rebuilding their swing.
Fortunately for us we have a batting tee right here. They are the articles in the Beginners section?
I read them at the beginning of every year. They always help me get back to the basics and focus on where to start.
So start reading those articles and you will begin to see a big improvement.
Big-O reply :
QuoteWhen pro baseball players are in a slump they grab the batting tee and start all over. They go back to the basics of a swing and start from there. They spend time rebuilding their swing.Fortunately for us we have a batting tee right here. They are the articles in the Beginners section?
I read them at the beginning of every year. They always help me get back to the basics and focus on where to start.
So start reading those articles and you will begin to see a big improvement.
Great lead Fluke, You do have a knack for teaching!
Big O
www.ragetail.com
Gatorbassman reply :
8-) Thanks. 8-)
BassChump reply :
Actually I've never been off the "tee" yet. I have bought some "stuff" to fish with but I'm still very much a newbie. I'm sticking to the basics and trying to learn just one or two techniques at a time. Once those are mastered, I'll move on to something else.
I really appreciate everyones imput. I know I sound negative and yes, it's frustrating but I still enjoy my hours on the lake. Fish or no fish.
Thanks again
CFFF 1.5 reply :
I"m not sure what kind of fishing you enjoy but to me Power Fishing is way more fun than fishing s l o w. Try throwing some topwater lures (zara spook), crankbaits, spinnerbaits, rattletraps, hard jerk bats, soft jerk baits (texas rigged with no weight) and senkos fished like a jerkbait.
5bass reply :
With water in the low 60's, I'd have two rods on deck. One with a spinnerbait, one with a jig. I would look for some rocky bank and go up and down the bank pitching that jig up shallow and drag it out to maybe 10 ft, then repeat. If you come across a flat or a point or some laydowns, grab the spinnerbait and go to work.
The fish should be shallow right now and when the big fish quit biting with temps in the low - mid 60's, around here that usually means they are on beds. Look around for bedded fish.
Good luck and dont get discouraged.....bass are hard to catch sometimes, thats just the way it is.
Daiwa reply :
Sorry about your wife man.
Are you fishing in clear water? Send me a PM and I'll share some knowledge of rigs I created for plastics that I have not told anyone about.
burleytog reply :
You haven't been anywhere near me, have you? I know I haven't been to Oregon, therefore I cannot be blamed for bad fishing.
Paul Roberts reply :
Some good advice here on lures and confidence.
As to bass location (a big part of things) I think five-bass-limit is right. Get shallow, some gravel/cobble substrate in a cove somewhere and find 'em. Then follow them back out after they finish (probably two to three weeks).
Try some topwaters (if you have clouds or wind rippled surface) -a fun way to locate shallow bass. If there's cover try swimming a jig-n-trailer through those cobbled shallows, or a spinnerbait -try bulging a tandem just under the surface.
Stay with it. Enjoy the reading and it'll come together more and more.
roadwarrior reply :
Having a boat makes this even easier, so here you go:
http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1158577137
8-)
Catt reply :
Every piece of advice offered is excellent follow them to the letter 
Slumps are something we all deal with; I've found through the years the best way to handle them is to get back to basics. I know what my strengths are and fish towards them; I suggest you should do the same. If you are good at Flipping/Pitching, Texas Rigs, Cranks, Spinners, or what ever concentrate on those techniques. If you are good at shallow water, deep water, or grass concentrate on those areas.
jiggerpole reply :
Go with someone who does catch fish. Let them show you some things and pass it own.
fishfordollars reply :
QuoteLate last year I bought a bass boat on a whim. Got it cheap with plans to sell it to make some money. Took it out fishing, liked it, kept it.It has all the stuff and it works well. When I bought the boat, I hadn't fished in several years due to the death of my wife. Long story for another time.
The only tackle I had was a small ultra-light rod that my wife had bought me for Christmas years ago. I had ONE lure. A Blue Fox spinner. Gold in color.
Took the boat out on a local lake and caught a lot of bass just casting to the shore around down logs. Not very big bass but it was tons of fun and fun is something I hadn't had near enough of in a long time.
During the winter I've fished several lakes here on the Oregon coast. All proven bass lakes. I chalked up my lack of catching on the cold weather and my inexperience. I didn't catch a thing all winter.
During the winter I've bought 9 poles, lots of gear. Senko's, Rattle Traps, Jigs, etc. I've put good line on them, studied the forums here so I can gain more knowledge about fishing for bass and I was all pumped up for when the water temps came up.
Well, the surface temps are now in the high 60's and I've been fishing for a week and I can't buy a bite. Nothing. Nada. We have had an unusually cold spring with the high air temps only in the low 50's and water temps about the same. This week we had high air temps in the high 80's and the water temps have risen very quickly. I don't know if that has anything to do with it but the water temps came up 12 degrees in less than 7 days.
I use 5 inch senko's a lot. Watermellon with flecks. The Rattle trap along weedlines, etc.
What am I doing so wrong that the fishing gods are against me???? I figured that even if I suck, just out of pure luck and the laws of averages I should get a fish once in a while.
I see all you guys that have a special day now and then when you catch bass in great numbers or get that big one you can brag about. I'm really looking forward to one of those days. Or even a day when I catch enough to tell a few stories.
I feel like the bass see me coming or just have a meeting so they can get all the bass in the lake to agree to stay as far away from my line as possible. It's like having repellent on my lures.
I can just picture the president bass making a law that states "no feeding when this guy is around". lol. A bass senate passes the law and so far, no self respecting bass will lower themself to take a glance at what I have to offer. Hmmm. Come to think of it, I have the same reaction from women. lol. Perhaps I should change deoderants.
Any thoughts or recomedations???????????
There is nothing wrong with your tackle. It's your head.
Mindset has everything to do with it. Get your head on straight and you will catch more. Look at yourself. you are beat before you arrive. Come on,
rfrazier reply :
Tenmile is supposed to be pretty hot right now, if you work the docks you should be able to get some.
BassChump reply :
Well, in the last 3 days I've fished 3 different lakes HARD. Senko's, Flukes, Rattle traps were used.
I don't feel like I'm fishing them wrong at all. Perhaps I cold be fishing in the wrong places but I don't think I'm using the lures incorrectly.
Actually my mindset is usually pretty good. I get excited about going out and I actually expect to catch a few every time I go out. I do get frustrated by the end of the day if I don't get a bite or two but I still have fun and enjoy the time on the lake.
Anyway, I still haven't been able to put anything on the boat. I do have a guy that used to work for me that is going to go out on one of the lakes with me next weekend so hopefully, he can show me a few things as well. I'm hoping to go to Tenmile lake. I haven't fished that yet but it's right down the road and it's supposed to be pretty hot there. I figure I can't strike out there with an ex-professional bass pro on board.
Well, that's my story. Keep the info coming. I can use it.
roadwarrior reply :
Well, I suspect you new partner will be able to put you on some fish and point out a few things you should look for in the future. A few tips on technique and things should work out. It's almost impossible to be out this time of year and not catch a couple of fish.
Good luck!
8-)
Davis reply :
Dealing with the same exact conditions and water temps up here in the North East just south of Buffalo.
Jig bite has been HUGE lately. This coming from someone who couldn't catch crap last year on jigs.
Maybe give that whirl. Short hops. Go with a 1/4 ounce or 3/8 ounce. The 1/2 ounce are doing crap for me so start small. Go with browns, greens, and blacks for jig and trailer colors. Fish shallow.
BirdNestBen reply :
well I don't know if you have a graph or not, but it will help even a cheap one....
You can find drop-offs, sunken trees, etc.. it will show the big concentrations of baitfish... Even just a depth finder will help....
Look for points, etc... brush piles- you might even get a lake map and scout out new areas... An excellent fisherman once told me out of 100 percent of the lakes area, only 10 percent of the lake will hold fish!!!!!
Time spent on the water= bass in the boat!!!!!!!! Once I was fished down here in Texas at Lake Whitney out in the middle of the lake with this same guy....
I was ready to go... no action!!!!! He was using a french fry carolina rigged and swings a 9 lb. bass up into the boat!!!!!!! when you least expect it- that's when it will happen....
He had a ton of time spent on this lake, and knew the area... he knew they were in there, so while I was all negative... bam he's got a lunker...
That 1 nice bass will increase your confidence... the main thing is to fish hard and not give up!!!!! keep hammering and eventually you will break through.......
Lures to use and other things to think about----- ambush point- think like a fish... where will he try to pick off his next meal??? along a laydown log??? off the edge of a dropoff on a point??? Back in a creek on the edge where the sunlight/shade meet??? Lures- flipping and pitching in tough to reach areas.....
Spinnerbaits along laydown logs.... parallel casting shorelines....
Early morning/ late evening bite- watch for surfacing baitfish/fish- use a topwater or buzz bait.... get a lure you can throw a long ways... back off the fish so not to spook them......
Last but not least.... fish the zoom super fluke.. and the senko...they will catch fish.. stick with it and see what I mean.... 
Good luck....
BassChump reply :
Yes, I figured the same thing. The bite should be on and I should be catching a few fish even if I suck at it. lol. The temps are right, the weather is right, the lakes I fish are right, and while I don't have tons of equipment, I do have some of the basics.
I do have a few jigs that I am going to throw the next time I go on the water. I do have a couple of questions about jigs though. I bought a few Booyah jigs. One is black, the other is orange and black. 3/8 ounce. I hear about pork trailers. What is that and is it just stuck on the hook or do I use the jig as it is out of the package??? I know that sounds like a dumb question but I haven't used a jig before other than a crappie jig.
So I toss the jig out around timber or docks and tap it across the bottom??? Is that right????
Davis reply :
QuoteSo I toss the jig out around timber or docks and tap it across the bottom??? Is that right????
Been either throwing it (pitching) it to downed trees or stumps and getting smacked pretty much after it hits the water (so be ready). Fishing my dads pond and I'm pretty much getting bit by chuckin it into the nastious places possible. Than raising the rod tip in short hops.
So pretty much find some objects and pitch to them man. Fishing jigs in open water has never given me a fish. All my success has been throwing them around the "crap". Using 30 lb Power Pro braid and man is that stuff sensitive on a mid range rod.
roadwarrior reply :
Stick with soft plastics for awhile, they are much easier to fish when you are trying to develope a feel. Although jigs produce very well for some, soft plastics are generally
much more productive in terms of numbers.
8-)
Davis reply :
QuoteStick with soft plastics for awhile, they are much easier to fish when you are trying to develope a feel. Although jigs produce very well for some, soft plastics are generally much more productive in terms of numbers.8-)
Agreed.
BassFishingMachine reply :
Imho I'd buy a few spinnerbaits, particularly in white/chart and a pack of trailer hooks to go with em. I'd focus as much cover as I could possibly find, if the shallow cover Isn't producing, focus the deeper cover etc.
I also believe what fishfordollars said. You have to think positive, if you truly believe your not going to catch jack, then thats whats going to happen. Be confident in yourself and feel as if your going to catch a fish every cast. I know its hard to do so when you don't pull anything in on a few casts, but keep tellin yourself "this cast ones going to hit, you watch and see!". If you have a positive mind set it should greatly help. As all experienced fisherman know, confidence has alot to do with fishing, so if your thinking in your head that nothings going to bite your bait, wheres the confidence? Be confident and stick to cover, I can almost guarantee you'll be rewarded.
Another strategy I'd recommend, even though its kind of "snotty", fish in the same general area as where other boats are fishing, or if you don't want to be too rude and fish there when they are there, then simply wait until they leave and fish the exact spot.
5bass reply :
Cover some water.....you will run into something sooner or later. That was Hank Parker's motto when he was on the Pro Tour.
BassChump reply :
I usually cover LOTS of water. I fully expect that very shortly everything will come together and I'll have a fun day with lots of fish.
I'm sure one of my problems might be that I'm missing the hookset with the plastic worms. I'm both not recognizing the bite and when I do, I probably am not setting the hook hard enough.
Any suggestions???
Davis reply :
QuoteI'm both not recognizing the bite and when I do, I probably am not setting the hook hard enough.Any suggestions???
Well that is something that will have to be corrected so practice practice practice. That was a hurdle I had to overcome as well when getting bites farther out.
But if you want to get back into the grove maybe try wacky riggin some senkos with a circle hook. You don't really set the hook hard with these. Just let the rod load and reel. The fish basically hook themselves. Maybe start here?
roadwarrior reply :
Here is another thread for you:
http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1180501296/10
Regarding the hook-up for soft plastics:
When you detect a bite, lower your rod tip while reeling downquickly. When you have eliminated slack or feel the fish, snap your wrists forcefully as you raise the rod tip to 11 or 12 o'clock. This is called a "quick-set" or "snap-set". Keep the position of your hands relative to your body constant. All of the leverage and energy is transferred by the rod.
Good luck!
8-)
jaystraw reply :
I was pretty new to bass fishing last year, and I found the color of the senko really mattered. I almost always, unless I'm in stained water, t-rig a 4'' green pumpkin with black flake senko. It's a proven fish catcher.
As far a s the hook-set goes, I usually cast, and let my senko fall to the bottom. If I see the line stop falling before I think it should have hit the bottom, I slowly raise my rod tip and see if there is any resistance at the other end of the line. If there is, I dr0p my rod tip, reel a few times, and raise the tip again sharply, setting the hook.
You may catch some trees too, but it's worth the 6 pounder you will soon catch.
Another go-to bait for me is the Rapala F-11 in silver. You can just cast it out under an overhanging tree or near wood cover in the water, and just twitch the line while it rests on the water's surface. Maybe reel it in a few feet, and pause for a few seconds, repeat.
Just wait for the strike, and it will come
I hope you have luck soon! Lot's of good advice, and it will click eventually.
roadwarrior reply :
Quote...I drop my rod tip, reel a few times, and raise the tip again sharply, setting the hook.
...snap-set/ quick-set...
This will improve your hook-up percentage dramatically.
8-)
BassChump reply :
I'll work on my hookset and I'll try a wacky rig. Sounds good to me. I'm going to one of the lakes in the next couple of days as soon as the weather clears. It's been very hot and dry this last week and now it has cooled off just a bit and is drizzling. I'd go out today but I came down with a cold or something. As soon as I'm up to it, I'll be on the water.
I'll keep you informed on how I do............
Any more info is greatly appreciated.
farmpond1 reply :
Basschump,
If I may, and this is only one opinion, worry less about which lure to use and concentrate more on where the fish are likely to be. Then, once you think you've got that down, ask yourself which lures can cover that area most thoroughly or effectively and what mood the fish are in. It's all a big puzzle. Some of the time we successfully put the pieces together and some of the time we're left staring at a mass of pieces that all look like sky.
Early spring, cold temperatures, and rapidly changing weather/conditions can be really rough times to fish so don't be too hard on yourself. Normally this time of year wouldn't be considered "early spring" but the weather has been goofy. I'm sure you're asking yourself if you've made a good investment. It would be cheaper, of course, to just go to the fish market to buy fish, if that's your goal. But then how would you get sleep deprived, bug bitten, and sun burned all on the same day? Just hang in there and expect some victories and some defeats.
roadwarrior reply :
QuoteBasschump,If I may, and this is only one opinion, worry less about which lure to use and concentrate more on where the fish are likely to be. Then, once you think you've got that down, ask yourself which lures can cover that area most thoroughly or effectively and what mood the fish are in. It's all a big puzzle. Some of the time we successfully put the pieces together and some of the time we're left staring at a mass of pieces that all look like sky.
Early spring, cold temperatures, and rapidly changing weather/conditions can be really rough times to fish so don't be too hard on yourself. Normally this time of year would be considered "early spring" but the weather has been goofy. I'm sure you're asking yourself if you've made a good investment. It would be cheaper, of course, to just go to the fish market to buy fish, if that's your goal. But then how would you get sleep deprived, bug bitten, and sun burned all on the same day? Just hang in there and expect some victories and some defeats.
The three most important considerations:
#1 Location
#2 Location
#3 Location
With the best lure and presentation, you won't
catch a thing if there are no fish. On the other
hand, the wrong bait in the right place often
works just fine!
8-)
1fast68 reply :
Get a map of the lake you are going to most and find as many people as you can to mark spots that they have caught fish. I have some good friends that have done this for me cause I was having the same problem. Fish all day with no bites. I think my main problem was I wasn't fishing my worms slow enough. I now put my trolling motor as low as I can and still turn the blades and sometimes that's a little to fast to fish a wacky style worm. Also learned from a friend, they were watching their line. I could never see mine because I used green line. I have switched every thing from green to clear. You'll be suprised how many times your line will go sideways and you don't feel pressure yet. Just some things I have tried and learned. Still learning cause last trip I only got two in the boat. Lost one trying to lip it at the boat....another thing, even if by yourself, use a net to pick your fish out of the water....you won't stop thinking about that 4 punder you got to the boat and not in it.
BassChump reply :
It IS actually early spring here in Oregon. We haven't seen anything above 60 until last week and the temps are going back down again for a few days. The water temps were in the mid 50's last week and came up about 10 degrees in just a few days. That's how it is on the Oregon coast. We usually don't have much of a summer right on the coast. It stays pretty cool around here.
My favorite lake is called Munsel Lake and it's right down the street from my office. I have caught lots of smaller bass there late last year just after I bought my boat so I know there are bass in there.
I have looked around on the net and I can't find a map of the lake. Where would I look????
I almost always use a net so that isn't a problem.
I know that VERY soon I'll have the best fishing day of my life. Some of the locals I've talked to have told me that even though the temps are up, it's still a week or two away from the really good bass fishing although one guy I met at Munsel Lake caught 4 bass in a few hours so it's just a combination of luck, bad presentation and/or not recognizing when they bite on a worm.
As far as an investment???? That isn't why I kept the boat. It's purely for pleasure and while I can't spend a fortune on boats and tackle, I'll spend what I need to. Being able to relax and enjoy life is just as important as work and financial gain if you ask me. Balance, balance.
I'm going to Tenmile Lake sometime in the next week or so and give that a try also. Definately a well known and proven bass lake. That will give me an indication of what the problem is. If I catch nothing there, I can't catch anything anywhere and I'll figure it out from there.
Again, thanks for everybodys imput and keep it coming. It's a big learning curve for me and even though I complain a little bit now and then, I enjoy it immensly.
jaystraw reply :
QuoteQuote...I drop my rod tip, reel a few times, and raise the tip again sharply, setting the hook....snap-set/ quick-set...
This will improve your hook-up percentage dramatically.
8-)
Unknownwaters reply :
i just wanna say i thought this thread is very helpful, i have the same problem all the time. Ive fished Lake Lanier for years with my dad and the only time we catch anything is on live bait, nomatter what lure i try. Im going to take some of this advice for my next trip and see what i can do
peidy_p reply :
try this lure try that lure just throw what u have confidece in and what the conditions call for. You just need to try different patterns. Read magazines and watch videos to learn the different patterns during the defferent seasons.
GO GETTEM
clipper reply :
In your first post you said you caught bass last fall on a lightweight outfit with a blue fox spinner. I'll bet that lightweight outfit had 4,6, or at the most 8lb test line on it? If the water is very clear and you put heavier line on your new rigs that may be your problem.
When I first started fishing Lake Allatoona in Georgia I was using 12 and 14 lb line which is what I used to use on other lakes. I didn't catch a thing until some local guys told me to use light line that the fish couldn't see so well. I also used smaller lures. I started catching fish. If your water is clear, try some 6 lb line and a smaller lure, preferably a soft plastic without exposed treble hooks. Also try to fish where there is at least a ripple on the water as it cuts down on the light penetrating the water and the fish can't see as well, so I'm told. One more thing, most bass winter in deep water. They may not have moved shallow yet.
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