Having A Hard Time Getting Bites. 2024
SFL BassHunter reply :
Hey guys so I've been out bass fishing a ton of times and only caught some a very small number of times. I'm hoping to post what I've used and what gear I have to see if maybe I am doing something wrong. Obviously you wouldn't know if I am doing something wrong with the movements of my rod but if I can rule out the gear I have then maybe its just technique. I've watched a ton of videos on how to use each lure so I think I'm doing what I should be doing. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm getting pretty frustrated. I've had at least 5 outings with 0 fish caught while being out there for at least 6 hours each time (which gives me plenty of time to try different baits).
Lakes and Canals I've fished -
Canal behind Homestead Speedway (Unsuccessfully)
Snapper Creek like 8 times (Caught 1 peacock)
8th st canal in the city and in the glades (0 fish)
Tropical Park 5 or 6 times (3 Largemouth same day)
Lake Osborne (1 Largemouth)
Vista View (1 Largemouth and lost him bringing him in)
Amelia Earhart Park (0 Fish)
Rod - Shimano Sojourn Spinning
7'0" Heavy Fast Mono Line Rating12-25' Power Pro Line Rating15-40 Lure Rating 1/2-3oz
Line - Spiderwire Stealth Braid 15 lb (Moss Green)
Leader - Fluorocarbon 15 lb (Clear)
Reel - Shimano Sienna 2500
Line Retrieve Per Crank (in.) 29 Line Capacity (# Test/Yards) 6/200,8/140,10/120 Power Pro Line Capacity (# Test/Yards) 10/170,15/145,30/95 Max Drag (lbs.) 7.0 Ball Bearings 3 Roller Bearings 1 Gear Ratio 5.2:1 T Type Weight 9.0
Baits & Lures -
Lipless - Sinking - 2 3/4 inch - 2/3 oz - Tight Wiggle, Makes good Sound.
I also use the same rod for Saltwater Fishing and at that point I change my leader to mono 30 - 50 lbs (I am not having trouble catching fish in saltwater. LOL its those d**n bass that are tricky.)
To end it, I just want to say that I have tried fast retrieves, slow retrieves, and super slow (with the worms). Thanks in advanced for anyone who actually read all this and has some advice for me.
geo g reply :
Some places are better then others. I fished vista view twice last week and probably tomorrow. Been catching quality bass there and pretty good numbers. The alley this weekend two of us were there for 4 hours and had over 100+ bass. I fish quite different then you this time of year. I'm throwing plastics with a 1/32 or 1/16 weight and fishing very slow. Most of the fish I have been catching were down deep, and took the bait while at rest. Two or three small jerks and then let it sit. Ill let it sit 10 to 15 seconds and then repeat the process. You have to be a line watcher for any movement. Senkos, flukes, trick worms, zoom u tails. With the u tails ill slow roll it along the bottom and stop once in a while. Watermelon red, W/M glitter, Okeechobee, and black, are great colors for South Florida. With these real clear waters like vista view and the alley right now west of the river, I use 100% floro line and long casts. Good luck if you go, I hope this helps a little.
SnazzySenko reply :
I've been through this same problem so I know what you mean. One of the biggest problems I saw was fishing high pressured areas. In your case Amelia Earheart, Tropical Park, and Vista View are very high pressured lakes because they are parks. You will see that fishing hidden ponds, lakes, and canals in non pressured areas produce a lot more fish because the fish constantly see the same things. Most of the time being worms and white/green/grey/etc crankbaits. When you go out do you try every bait (literally)? If a worm isn't producing I'll switch to a small shad colored crankbait. If that doesn't work I will try a fluke in green then white. Then it just keeps going. It may be tiring but it's worth it when you figure out what the fish like. I also reccomend keeping a fishing log (there is one here) for every place you fish. Check the patterns and find out what works from that. Another big factor is time of fishing. Go out dawn and dusk. Fishing at noon will probably result in poor fishing. If I remember anything else I will post again.
SFL BassHunter reply :
That does help, I might be going way to fast. What I consider slow seems fast compared to what you are doing. I actually did Vista View on Monday. I caught a decent fish but I lost it. I was getting frustrated because I had been there all morning. I had a bass boil on my top water early but couldn't reproduce the bite. A group of guys showed up and one guy went to a spot I had just fished with a worm and less than 5 minutes in he caught a nice one. I was on the other side of the lake at the time and was cursing under my breath. I had just been there and then all the sudden I got my only bite. I set the hook and reeled it in, but lost him about a couple feet from me.
I texas rig my worms, lizards, creatures. That is the other thing I forgot to mention.
SFL BassHunter reply :
On 2/19/2014 at 10:33 AM, SnazzySenko said:I've been through this same problem so I know what you mean. One of the biggest problems I saw was fishing high pressured areas. In your case Amelia Earheart, Tropical Park, and Vista View are very high pressured lakes because they are parks. You will see that fishing hidden ponds, lakes, and canals in non pressured areas produce a lot more fish because the fish constantly see the same things. Most of the time being worms and white/green/grey/etc crankbaits. When you go out do you try every bait (literally)? If a worm isn't producing I'll switch to a small shad colored crankbait. If that doesn't work I will try a fluke in green then white. Then it just keeps going. It may be tiring but it's worth it when you figure out what the fish like. I also reccomend keeping a fishing log (there is one here) for every place you fish. Check the patterns and find out what works from that. Another big factor is time of fishing. Go out dawn and dusk. Fishing at noon will probably result in poor fishing. If I remember anything else I will post again.
Hey Snazzy thanks for the info. Yes I do fish at high pressure places and I can see how that makes it harder to catch fish. I have tried Holiday Park, 75 rest areas, and after going to Vista View I went to Holey Land and got into some canals there. Holiday Park and 75 rest area are high pressure too but I hear guys catching fish on these canals left and right. To answer your question, yes. I try every lure, ever color, every soft plastic in my arsenal every time I go out there.
I normally head out before the sun comes up to get that first light bite. I usually start top water early. I don't finish fishing till the sun sets. Sometimes I am out there for 4 to 8 hours. Depends on the day. Monday I got out there at 8 am and finished up at 6pm. So you can imagine I tried everything in my tackle box.
SnazzySenko reply :
On 2/19/2014 at 10:53 AM, dickdelprado said:Hey Snazzy thanks for the info. Yes I do fish at high pressure places and I can see how that makes it harder to catch fish. I have tried Holiday Park, 75 rest areas, and after going to Vista View I went to Holey Land and got into some canals there. Holiday Park and 75 rest area are high pressure too but I hear guys catching fish on these canals left and right. To answer your question, yes. I try every lure, ever color, every soft plastic in my arsenal every time I go out there.
I normally head out before the sun comes up to get that first light bite. I usually start top water early. I don't finish fishing till the sun sets. Sometimes I am out there for 4 to 8 hours. Depends on the day. Monday I got out there at 8 am and finished up at 6pm. So you can imagine I tried everything in my tackle box.
I've never had any luck fishing at Holiday Park. Normally fish there for about 4-6 hours and catch maybe 5 bass. Alligator Alley which is along I-75 is high pressured but somehow it just keeps producing 100+ fish a day. Try fishing slow like geo said. By slow I mean VERY SLOW like not touching your reel for 20-30 seconds then a few jerks and a little reel then let it sit again. It improved my fishing a lot. Patience is what it takes. You will start to learn the patterns of each place you fish. It's tough this time fishing the canals of Holiday because most of the fish are in the flats. Post-spawn will make it better.
Pz3 reply :
I don't know if you are having the same issues I have been having. Im land locked meaning I can only fish canals and shallow areas. I did see fish spawning a few weeks ago but since then after a few of the cold fronts that came through no fish are to be seen anywhere in their beds. Making me think they all moved to drop offs near the shallows. I have no way to test this theory though until I get a boat! How ever I did manage to catch a few small bass in small holes I found in the canals (est avg depth = 3-4ft and holes were 8-10ft deep). I managed to get them on a Jig and later on lost that jig trying to explore some submerged crypress tree roots.
Haven't had a bite since lol.
SFL BassHunter reply :
On 2/19/2014 at 11:23 AM, Pz3 said:I don't know if you are having the same issues I have been having. Im land locked meaning I can only fish canals and shallow areas. I did see fish spawning a few weeks ago but since then after a few of the cold fronts that came through no fish are to be seen anywhere in their beds. Making me think they all moved to drop offs near the shallows. I have no way to test this theory though until I get a boat! How ever I did manage to catch a few small bass in small holes I found in the canals (est avg depth = 3-4ft and holes were 8-10ft deep). I managed to get them on a Jig and later on lost that jig trying to explore some submerged crypress tree roots.
Haven't had a bite since lol.
Pz3,
I do have the same problem as you. I am landlocked and I have noticed that I have not seen any fish shallow. For example in Tropical Park before the cold fronts I could spot some bass, now I can't. Vista View had 2 or 3 small bass (I'm talking 5 or 6 inches) on the shallow part. That lake does seem to have a drop off and it is reachable. I figured some of the fish would be up against the drop off wall but I got the 1 bite. Oh and lost several hooks and worms and bullet weights on the rock wall.
BassinLou reply :
Dick pm sent.
BassinLou reply :
Fishing lately at least for me at Amelia, has been slow. I have caught some nice fish though. One of key things I am finding out, is many of you are going to many places to fish and thats great. It provides you variety. But how many of you really know the spots you are fishing? Can u id what seasonal pattern will work given certain situations. I will use Geo G in this example. I have had the good fortune to fish with him several times at his spots. He can tell you what will/ or will not work at any given point. He also knows just about every nook and cranny of each of his spots. That alone, is priceless info. I beleive to be a good bank fisherman you have to be very observant and establish sound game plans and really get know your spots.
MCS reply :
Good post Lou this is so true.
SFL BassHunter reply :
Lou that makes a ton of sense. I guess my theory was, find the fish. If they aren't at this lake, go to the other lake. Instead of there have to be fish here, I just need to learn this spot.
Bassintheweeds reply :
One thing I noticed just by your responses, just relax a little if you see a guy catch a fish don't get mad. Observe. Notice how he is fishing what he is throwing that info alone can help you determine what stage there fish are in (seems like its spring for you Florida folks) or what thrush are holding on.
Don't get me wrong I know how much it sucks to watch other peoples success and not know how they do it even though you are putting the time and effort in. Just slow down and have fun, the fishing will come.
Pz3 reply :
I go all over the nearby lakes, try tons of different areas and fish them very thoroughly. I have a set method to go through each and everyone of my baits, speeds, patterns, and watch weather patterns, water tempartures to get a better idea on how that all factors in. I've mastered the warm water, cold front, high pressure front. Now this high pressure with cold water im still adjusting to it. Fish seem like their just as bipolar as the weather. Real active one day and slugs the next. It just hasnt been working out at all as of late. So I've come to the conclusion that if this rutt im in now happens anytime in the future. I will just explore new lakes. Here is why......
For example, the past week frustrated me so much. I went out and found a new area to fish from shore on Lake Toho. Awesome new pier, not really deep but tons of grass and open water to play in. I spent all day going through my techniques. Starting with top water, green pumpkin, ultravibe. Then go through all my plastic colors. Changing speeds and patterns. Then I add a little weight and using the same worms go through them again. Then add some more weight.... blah blah so forth. If I can't find them on plastics I will switch to crankbaits, spinners, or jigs.
Sure enough out of everything I tried today. Using a beefy Muskrat (similare to a zoom Zhog) in a green pumpkin w/ red gold flake. A monster fish, looked to be over 10lbs came out of the grass rammed it but didn't even open up to get a taste (guessing he didn't like my muskrat very much). Suprisingly he hit it while I was reeling pretty dang fast. So I repeated the technique and tried finding him again. Sure enough same thing again (tried pausing this time and he took off). Then that was the end of bass fishing for me today. The rest of my day was spent exploring the area I was fishing. I even recovered a line with a nice Jig on the end of it from the abyss. Manage to catch a crapie (white bomber), 2 pickerals (black trick worms), and went home. But.....
All in all bass or no bass, I had a lot of fun playing around today. Was enjoyable, still got skunked though and frankly, I've caught more crappie and pickerals then bass the past two weeks. Have to admit, rather enjoy the pickerals. Fun fish to catch, makes me think I would enjoy catching snakeheads down south.
SFL BassHunter reply :
Trust me I don't get mad at others success. I was just mad that I had been fishing there just 2 minutes prior and didn't land a fish. More mad at myself lol.
I find it fun and relaxing which is why I go fishing. But after spending so many hours out there and nothing to show for it, you start getting concerned that you're doing something wrong.
Ultimately I go fishing to catch fish otherwise I would just take a lawn chair to the park and sit there watching the water lol.
Pz3 reply :
On 2/20/2014 at 1:17 PM, Pit Boss Rick said:Trust me I don't get mad at others success. I was just mad that I had been fishing there just 2 minutes prior and didn't land a fish. More mad at myself lol.
I find it fun and relaxing which is why I go fishing. But after spending so many hours out there and nothing to show for it, you start getting concerned that you're doing something wrong.
Ultimately I go fishing to catch fish otherwise I would just take a lawn chair to the park and sit there watching the water lol.
Lawn chair + beer + lake. Im okay with that. Lets be realistic about it, Its harder fishing from the shore, period. If you are fishing from the shore you can only fish where you can and fish won't always be there. I do find that night fishing most of my spots yields better results and windy days do as well. Lowered visibility in the water tends to make the fish move around more. There is always exceptions to this, usually depending on the weather patterns.
BassinLou reply :
Bank fishing does have its limitations. Fortunately, for us down here in S. FL. we have miles and miles of canals that can be fished . If you are willing to cover a lot of water you will come across fish. Not all sections of canals are the same. Yes, they are all bowl shape, but the cover and contours change in many areas. Take the time to cover the different levels and you will find what the fish are after. What I mean by that and I think it was Bocabasser who said it best, cover the top water, middle depth, and the bottom. Whichever, level you have success in, you know where to concentrate your efforts.
Pz3 reply :
Thats one thing im jelous about... Couple canals here but they arent very long.
BassinLou reply :
On 2/21/2014 at 1:47 AM, Pz3 said:Thats one thing im jelous about... Couple canals here but they arent very long.
You will definitely go crazy down here. We have miles and miles of fishable canals with some pretty nice fish. 7 -8 lbr's
BassinLou reply :
On 2/21/2014 at 1:47 AM, Pz3 said:Thats one thing im jelous about... Couple canals here but they arent very long.
Check out this pig last year from a canal a block away from my house...
MCS reply :
It always sucks when you pull a nice one out and you have no way to get a good pic, or no scale. I had one I am sure over 7 just like that a pic of the stretch Armstrong. Did you get a weight on that Lou?
BassinLou reply :
On 2/21/2014 at 3:43 AM, MCS said:It always sucks when you pull a nice one out and you have no way to get a good pic, or no scale. I had one I am sure over 7 just like that a pic of the stretch Armstrong. Did you get a weight on that Lou?
Mike, that's the fish I beat you with for Big fish honors for one of the month's. I beat you out by a few ounces. Remember? That one went 7lbs 3 oz if i am not mistaken. The pic I think says the weight.
MCS reply :
Oh it's that one...you had to bring up that beat me...ouch! Lol
Pz3 reply :
No doubt. Finally landed a job that will allow me to be a little more stable paycheck to paycheck. Im going to start picking up canos, refurbishing them, and reselling them for a little extra $$$ so I can afford a nice boat and upgrade my tackle selection. Also started really analyzing what might be going on with my mistake fishing week. Keep hearing this over and over... shallow shallow shallow, spawning season, heavy heavy cover..... realised most places I fish don't really have "cover".... just structure. Went to my favorite location and tossed into the only cover there. Sure enough nailed a 3-4lb fish. Will have to explore new locations with better cover and just keep at it. These fish aren't roaming into my canals. I'll try this new spot tomorrow with a ton of cover and see how it goes!
Nice piggy by the way.
BassinLou reply :
On 2/21/2014 at 7:50 AM, Pz3 said:No doubt. Finally landed a job that will allow me to be a little more stable paycheck to paycheck. Im going to start picking up canos, refurbishing them, and reselling them for a little extra $$$ so I can afford a nice boat and upgrade my tackle selection. Also started really analyzing what might be going on with my mistake fishing week. Keep hearing this over and over... shallow shallow shallow, spawning season, heavy heavy cover..... realised most places I fish don't really have "cover".... just structure. Went to my favorite location and tossed into the only cover there. Sure enough nailed a 3-4lb fish. Will have to explore new locations with better cover and just keep at it. These fish aren't roaming into my canals. I'll try this new spot tomorrow with a ton of cover and see how it goes!
Nice piggy by the way.
Congrats!! What part of FL are you from Pz3?
BassinLou reply :
On 2/21/2014 at 7:38 AM, MCS said:Oh it's that one...you had to bring up that beat me...ouch! Lol
LOL... it's not like that.... that was the only way I could ID it quickly though. That was good month for both of us. It was in June.
Pz3 reply :
I'm right by East Lake Toho in south orlando.
BassinLou reply :
Several guys on here live around those parts. When the fishing is hot, that area produces well. You are close to the Jman.
MCS reply :
On 2/21/2014 at 7:57 AM, BassinLou said:LOL... it's not like that.... that was the only way I could ID it quickly though. That was good month for both of us. It was in June.
Hahahaha it was a good month
geo g reply :
On 2/19/2014 at 10:40 AM, Pit Boss Rick said:That does help, I might be going way to fast. What I consider slow seems fast compared to what you are doing. I actually did Vista View on Monday. I caught a decent fish but I lost it. I was getting frustrated because I had been there all morning. I had a bass boil on my top water early but couldn't reproduce the bite. A group of guys showed up and one guy went to a spot I had just fished with a worm and less than 5 minutes in he caught a nice one. I was on the other side of the lake at the time and was cursing under my breath. I had just been there and then all the sudden I got my only bite. I set the hook and reeled it in, but lost him about a couple feet from me.
I texas rig my worms, lizards, creatures. That is the other thing I forgot to mention.
I went to Vista View Tuesday afternoon and did quite well. Big fish was 5.5 and several 3 lbs. Only two hours and caught about 15. I usually fish the afternoons from 4:00 to 6:30. All caught on senko type baits. There is a 5 foot gator in there right now. I have not seen one there in 10 years. PM me next time you go and I'll meet you out there. Take care, George
SFL BassHunter reply :
On 2/21/2014 at 11:20 AM, geo g said:
On 2/19/2014 at 10:40 AM, Pit Boss Rick said:That does help, I might be going way to fast. What I consider slow seems fast compared to what you are doing. I actually did Vista View on Monday. I caught a decent fish but I lost it. I was getting frustrated because I had been there all morning. I had a bass boil on my top water early but couldn't reproduce the bite. A group of guys showed up and one guy went to a spot I had just fished with a worm and less than 5 minutes in he caught a nice one. I was on the other side of the lake at the time and was cursing under my breath. I had just been there and then all the sudden I got my only bite. I set the hook and reeled it in, but lost him about a couple feet from me.
I texas rig my worms, lizards, creatures. That is the other thing I forgot to mention.
I went to Vista View Tuesday afternoon and did quite well. Big fish was 5.5 and several 3 lbs. Only two hours and caught about 15. I usually fish the afternoons from 4:00 to 6:30. All caught on senko type baits. There is a 5 foot gator in there right now. I have not seen one there in 10 years. PM me next time you go and I'll meet you out there. Take care, George
Sure thing! Thanks George!
SFL BassHunter reply :
I struck out again at 2 different parks. I went to Mills Pond Park and caught nothing. Then went to quiet waters park and caught nothing. My friend caught 2 at quiet waters right next to me throwing the same crank bait he had been throwing all day lol. I guess they finally became interested in it.
I threw everything at them including the kitchen sink.
I even tried to slow down to the point where I was waiting 15 to 20 seconds between jerks on my worms and jigs.
BassinLou reply :
Pit Boss, I found fishing to be on the slow side on my neck of the woods too. Although, I managed to land a couple (pics on the Florida thread) using a spinnerbait again, they just seem to be off. Keep plugging away, you will get on them soon. 
hint... hint... even as early as next weekend.
SFL BassHunter reply :
I'm sure I will. I'm not one to quit so I'm going out there and eventually catch something even if it means jumping in the water and belly floppin' the finicky punks! That'll teach em. LOL.
Interestingly enough I've gotten them to boil on my top water poppers, so I know they are there. The sucky thing is I can't replicate it on the next cast. So I'm really considering getting that second rod and reel so I can drop the top water and hit em with something else on the nose lol.
Pz3 reply :
Yeah, I spent about 5 hours fishing again today. Talked to quiet a few boaters and they had nothing too. One guy got a 4lber using a mino spinner bait. Nice to see some one atleast catch something today. Fish were there and even pretty active. Crapie were feeding on stuff coming out of the weeds (looked like freshwater shrimp) and I swear some monster bass Ate 1 or two of them crapie. Never seen hits that big on the water... Thought pelicans were diving in!
SirSnookalot reply :
I've been giving this thread some thought the last few days. I was struggling a bit with my old stand by lures, a neighbor (snowbird) uses nothing but senkos and has been killing them, I was near him and I didn't do much. About 2-3 weeks I started fishing senkos almost exclusively, I have been doing pretty well as of late. I don't get a hit in 10-15 minutes I'm looking elsewhere, doing more canals that lakes or ponds. In 60 years of bass fishing I've yet to find anything more productive than a plastic worm, they flat out catch fish. Florida is a bass catchers dream, these canals are loaded with them and a boat is not needed, doesn't mean you will score every time but the odds should be in your favor. This canal fishing in comparison to having to find fish on a large body of water is much easier, 1 rod, pack of senkos and good pair of walking shoes is almost a guarantee of success.
BassinLou reply :
I agree with Snook, putting on some sneakers and covering water will increase your chances of a hook up. Stickworms are effective baits, and for me they are in my arsenal, to add some spice and excitement I also carry other baits that I find effective in our canals down here.
Pz3 reply :
I would agree too in most cases. Not last week though. Wasn't a fish to be seen.
SFL BassHunter reply :
On 2/23/2014 at 3:50 PM, SirSnookalot said:I've been giving this thread some thought the last few days. I was struggling a bit with my old stand by lures, a neighbor (snowbird) uses nothing but senkos and has been killing them, I was near him and I didn't do much. About 2-3 weeks I started fishing senkos almost exclusively, I have been doing pretty well as of late. I don't get a hit in 10-15 minutes I'm looking elsewhere, doing more canals that lakes or ponds. In 60 years of bass fishing I've yet to find anything more productive than a plastic worm, they flat out catch fish. Florida is a bass catchers dream, these canals are loaded with them and a boat is not needed, doesn't mean you will score every time but the odds should be in your favor. This canal fishing in comparison to having to find fish on a large body of water is much easier, 1 rod, pack of senkos and good pair of walking shoes is almost a guarantee of success.
Seems senkos are a go to choice. Seen lots of posts about them.
BassinLou reply :
Stickbaits are a must. Sometimes that's all they want. Stickbaiting is not my preferred mode of fishing, but if that's what the fish want, what are you going to do? 
SFL BassHunter reply :
On 2/23/2014 at 10:43 PM, BassinLou said:Stickbaits are a must. Sometimes that's all they want. Stickbaiting is not my preferred mode of fishing, but if that's what the fish want, what are you going to do?
So I don't have senko's but I do have the Strike King Shim E Stick in a Red Shad color. It's the only color they had at walrmart one day I went to pick up some worms.
Perhaps they aren't quite as good as the Senko?
BassinLou reply :
On 2/23/2014 at 11:02 PM, Pit Boss Rick said:So I don't have senko's but I do have the Strike King Shim E Stick in a Red Shad color. It's the only color they had at walrmart one day I went to pick up some worms.
Perhaps they aren't quite as good as the Senko?
I will not spend the $$ on Senko's. They tear and rip very easily. BPS and DICKS have an assortment of stickbaits that are cheaper and more durable than Senko's. I like the WM seed and green pumpkin variety. Geo G, turned me to some other colors as well.
SirSnookalot reply :
I don't have any problem with the Strike Kings, mostly what I have, all color seem to work the same for me, including red. Don't over think this stuff, just fish, either the fish are on or off, that gives you a 50-50 chance.
SFL BassHunter reply :
Oh forgot I also have the Havoc Bottom Hopper in Shady Watermelon Candy. I like the color on this one cause its watermelon and has various glitter colors that make it look nice.
BassinLou reply :
Pit Boss, not all stickbaiting is the same either. Presentation, I believe play's a big role on your success. I was taught from a seasoned, bass stick many years ago, the lighter you go the more natural your presentation will be. Most of the time fishing the stickbait weightless is all you need. Sometimes just using a 1/32 or 1/16 will get you good strikes as well. Also, hook sizes can affect your presentation as well.
SFL BassHunter reply :
I may be putting to much weight on my worms. I feel they drop to fast but I put weight on em so I can get them close to cover that is farther away, or a location I can't reach from the bank with a short cast.
I also want to get me a better rod for worms. The sensitivity on my rod might not be the best because I've got a heavy power which is pretty darn stiff all around.
BassinLou reply :
On 2/23/2014 at 11:37 PM, Pit Boss Rick said:I may be putting to much weight on my worms. I feel they drop to fast but I put weight on em so I can get them close to cover that is farther away, or a location I can't reach from the bank with a short cast.
I also want to get me a better rod for worms. The sensitivity on my rod might not be the best because I've got a heavy power which is pretty darn stiff all around.
If you can't reach the bank with a stickworm, you have to seriously re-evaluate your set-up. For example, i noticed you like to use a spinner outfit. I use a 7ft Medium carbonlite on a 2500 size Shimano Stradic CI4. I have it spooled with 20lb braid and various leaders. When I cast, with a stickworm I have to control the distance because this kind of set up will fly off the reel. I am sharing this with you not to show how far I can cast, but to demonstrate how a different set up can yield you a different result.
Pz3 reply :
Went out for an hour, tossed some worms around, didn't see a fish.... until 10 minutes before I had to leave (stupid work). Sure enough they are going nuts right now and I can't go get em!
BassinLou reply :
On 2/23/2014 at 11:59 PM, Pz3 said:Went out for an hour, tossed some worms around, didn't see a fish.... until 10 minutes before I had to leave (stupid work). Sure enough they are going nuts right now and I can't go get em!
LOL... don't you hate it when the fish are not on your schedule.
SFL BassHunter reply :
On 2/23/2014 at 11:43 PM, BassinLou said:If you can't reach the bank with a stickworm, you have to seriously re-evaluate your set-up. For example, i noticed you like to use a spinner outfit. I use a 7ft Medium carbonlite on a 2500 size Shimano Stradic CI4. I have it spooled with 20lb braid and various leaders. When I cast, with a stickworm I have to control the distance because this kind of set up will fly off the reel. I am sharing this with you not to show how far I can cast, but to demonstrate how a different set up can yield you a different result.
Spinning outfit is just the only one I know how to use. But I do want a baitcaster. So If I were to go to bass pro today what am I looking for in order to have my first baitcaster that would be good for worms/jigs.
The outfit I currently have seems to be pretty good for Topwater so I think my spinning gear I will use for that and cranks for now.
MCS reply :
On 2/23/2014 at 11:59 PM, Pz3 said:Went out for an hour, tossed some worms around, didn't see a fish.... until 10 minutes before I had to leave (stupid work). Sure enough they are going nuts right now and I can't go get em!
Happens to me all the time. It is the breaks, but days when the early bit is on makes up for it.
BassinLou reply :
On 2/24/2014 at 12:12 AM, Pit Boss Rick said:Spinning outfit is just the only one I know how to use. But I do want a baitcaster. So If I were to go to bass pro today what am I looking for in order to have my first baitcaster that would be good for worms/jigs.
The outfit I currently have seems to be pretty good for Topwater so I think my spinning gear I will use for that and cranks for now.
You are faced with an interesting dilemma. A B/C is a great piece of hardware to have in your arsenal. However, you have no experience with them. There is a learning curve with them, and it may take you a while to effectively use one. You are having frustrations catching fish as of late, and I personally attribute it to your current set up. I feel a heavy spinning rod is not ideal for many situations. I would lean toward another spinning outfit. Down grade the rod to medium/medium heavy and get a 2500 size of reel if you don't have one already. That way, the set up will be within your current expertise.
Going the B/C route, in my opinion requires a little bit more time and research. Don't rush into something today. The choices can be overwhelming if you don't know what your looking for. If you decide on another spinner, depending on your budget, shimano's are great reels. I would lean toward a 3000 Saro's. They are cheaper than the stradics and tad bit heavier but none the less great reels. Now... this is my humble opinion, others will chime in with other recommendations. You pick what feels right for you.
SFL BassHunter reply :
On 2/24/2014 at 1:05 AM, BassinLou said:You are faced with an interesting dilemma. A B/C is a great piece of hardware to have in your arsenal. However, you have no experience with them. There is a learning curve with them, and it may take you a while to effectively use one. You are having frustrations catching fish as of late, and I personally attribute it to your current set up. I feel a heavy spinning rod is not ideal for many situations. I would lean toward another spinning outfit. Down grade the rod to medium/medium heavy and get a 2500 size of reel if you don't have one already. That way, the set up will be within your current expertise.
Going the B/C route, in my opinion requires a little bit more time and research. Don't rush into something today. The choices can be overwhelming if you don't know what your looking for. If you decide on another spinner, depending on your budget, shimano's are great reels. I would lean toward a 3000 Saro's. They are cheaper than the stradics and tad bit heavier but none the less great reels. Now... this is my humble opinion, others will chime in with other recommendations. You pick what feels right for you.
Yeah I considered the fact I should stick with a setup I know how to use. The dilemma is, I do want to learn a baitcaster. So maybe I should get a budget spinning set up and wait on the bait caster.
I like Shimano's. I have the Sienna 4000FD reel on my shimano rod. I think they are great. My budget is kind of low, so perhaps I can get a 2500RD.
The Solstace and the Sienna are a bit more in my price range. Maybe even the Sedona series.
What gear ratio should I be looking for? Ball bearings?
BassinLou reply :
I think your making a good move. We can talk B/C's when we meet up. As far as ratio's go, I like 6:2 variety. I am not familiar with reels you are mentioning, but I will say again. Find one that's in your budget, and that feels great on your rod. I highly recommend pairing it with a rod at the store so you can really get a good feel of the weight and balance. Good luck!!
SirSnookalot reply :
WHOA......you are way over thinking this rod and reel bit. When I first moved to Florida I used a $20 Walmart combo, 8# mono that came with it, cheap straight shank hooks and any generic plastic worm and I caught the pisssss out of them, as many as I catch today. Don't mean to infer better equipment isn't nice to have. My worm set up for canals is a med inshore rod with a soron 20 reel, I don't use this in the ocean too much anymore as the reel has low line capacity but it's fine for bass fishing. I was out for about 90 minutes, caught a lot of fish and all on a senko. You will see by picture #1 why I even fish this heavy, pic #2 you will see the fish isn't too big, I'm fighting weeds out there not the fish(reason bass isn't my favorite beast out there). I'll give you a tip that works for me, I don't ever watch the line, my eyes are roving around looking at the water, I see a ripple and that's my next cast. I may look at lure to see if something is trailing it, sometimes a bad idea, easy to set the hook to quick.
Pz3 reply :
I've been using a Pen Pursuit II. It is a saltwater combo and it definitly isn't My favorite. That title would go to a 60$ Quantum that my mother broke when we went fishing together (dang mothers). I have a 20$ diawa combo, and 30$ okuma combo from walmart. Out of all of them. That Okuma was best bang for the buck could feel everything in that rod and it reeled in the fish nicely. This is the problem im having with the Okuma and Diawa though. The bell doesn't lock in place anymore. Haven't opened them up yet to see why.
SFL BassHunter reply :
nice fish!
Actually I got real lucky, my dad told me to check out all his fishing gear to see if he had anything I liked that he wasn't using. Turns out I found a brand new with tags, browning medallion spinning rod. Medium action 6' and a Penn Fierce 2000 reel. It's shorter than I'd like but it was free and that is a great price for me! LOL.
I looked up the prices just now and the rod is 79.00 and the reel is 59.00. Its super light and I already spooled it up and tested in the backyard. I really like the weight and feel of it. So I've got my set up for worms and jigs! Next step is to test on the water.
SirSnookAlot I actually already do what you do. I barely ever watch my line. I'm always looking around for a fish to break, or if I see a small ripple. Even then I'm having trouble catching bass lol.
geo g reply :
If your fishing plastics like senkos, worms, and flukes you have to be a line watcher for the slightest movement. Then take up the slack and then set the hook. Line watching is extremely important.
SFL BassHunter reply :
Well ladies and gents, I finally broke that slump! Tried out the rod my dad gave me and caught 3 fish in about an hour. Went out to the park after work and used my new Strike King Bitsy Bug Jig in Okeechobee Craw color with a Netbait Tiny Paca Craw in blue as a trailer to match the Okechobee Craw color. 2 Casts in I pulled in this dude:
Then it got hung up and I lost the darn jig. So I switched to a Cotton Cordell Super Spot Lipless which btw looks great in the water, it swims real nice and best of all only costs 2.47 at bass pro. On my 3rd or 4th cast I hooked a small little guy maybe about 7 inches long. I felt bad for him, he got hooked in the mouth and the stomach. So I let him go real quick. No picture.
Then I lost the darn crank, lots of tree trunks I think where I was fishing.
Lucky for me I had bought more jigs so I switched back to the Bitsy Bug with the Craw trailer and moved over to the other side of the lake where I hooked another 10oncer. Unfortunately I got a phone call right before that and was juggling my rod and phone with a fish hooked on it. Reeled him in and the bank was a bit high, half way up in the air he flopped around and dropped right back into the water.
But the point is, I caught fish! I am very happy with this medium rod, the sensitivity is great and even a 10 once fish is fun to catch. I could feel all the bites, something I'm sure I was lacking on the heavy rod.
BassinLou reply :
Nice job PitBoss. Those baits are great, they cannot be thrown everywhere in the park however. There is un-seen debris in there that love to hang up those baits.
SFL BassHunter reply :
I want to thank everyone who gave me some advice and helped me out. I do think I was using the wrong rod and it seems I've found a bait that I like to use. I've been able to catch bass 2 days in a row in a short time frame each day.
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