FS Digest

Went fishing for four hours today. Didn't get a single bite. When I'm leaving, an old man throws in his first cast and catches a bass like clockwork. What am I doing wrong?

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by red-hot-wings

FS Digest

Fish vertical structure and shadow lines. Flip/punch soft plastic baits in reeds,toleys, lilly pads etc. Look for laydowns/ fallen trees along the shoreline.

Don't be afraid to try everything

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by MentyMutanto

FS Digest

It could be something like you are throwing the wrong lure, wrong size lure, or working it the wrong way or it could be just as simple as you were fishing in the wrong spot.

Fishing isn't always easy. And generally the older people that come to fish will outfish you every time. There's a bunch of retired folks that just fish every day at my local lake. They'll show most people up every time, just due to the time they've put into fishing there they know what the fish what.

There's been several times I go out and everyones all "its a slow day" and I have something hooked in the first few casts. Just learn from the times out and you'll be fine. There are plenty of youtube video tips on fishing. Normally the easiest thing to do is downsize your lures. Drop shot is a solid technique that is pretty good for numbers and some nice ones. Wacky rigged senkos should be solid as well. Don't give up, keep learning and keep fishing and you'll get it.

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by DarkRyok

FS Digest

I feel like thats my problem. I tried being more versatile today. I used a spinner. Fished the lilly pads with a frog. Used a bass jig.

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by red-hot-wings

FS Digest

Hang out and watch that old man

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by smokin9mm

FS Digest

When I was leaving I asked him what he was using. He was just using a plastic night crawler. And I'm over here trying everything.

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by red-hot-wings

FS Digest

Always start with the Texas rigged rubber worm whenever possible, it catches more bass per cast on more days than anything

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by LilPuuuma

FS Digest

Will do!

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by red-hot-wings

FS Digest

He's had umpteen years to figure out exactly what the fish there like, want, and will respond to. It's like you knowing the layout of your home better than an outsider. He may be a localite who has fished in that particular spot a couple times a week since WWII. Some people play golf, some play cards with the boys, but some guys fish and fish a lot.

One trick I've found is simple; ask the old man what he's doing different. If nothing else, he gets his ego stroked and gets to feel like he was superior for a while, and there's a chance you might learn something you didn't know. Yes, he could be a jerk, but that's always the risk.

In a local hole here, I was having dismal efforts, averaging over the course of a year about one fish per 35 hours of fishing. 'Bout ready to hang it up and get a little more exciting hobby, like origami or an extreme sport like watching paint dry. This old guy rolls up and within five minutes is hooked up. In the span of time it'd take me to tie on a different lure, he was fighting the first catch of the day.

So I explained the situation; I had no dad to teach me to fish, I don't know what I'm doing, thinking about ebaying my gear and quitting, a few tips would be much appreciated. From him I learned three individual tips/techniques in the span of twenty minutes that have been universally useful. (I'd share them here but they're so subtle that there's really no easy way to communicate them via text.)

When in doubt, embrace the knowledge he has to offer. Worst case scenario, the guy is a jerk. Best case scenario, you learn something you'd never have found on your own in a circle of futility. At worst, you meet one more old person with an attitude issue.

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by 4AcidRayne

Catfish hunter Loc: Riggins idaho (Paradise)

Don’t go till the old man does. 😂

Jeremy Loc: America

Get old then go.

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Red Hot Wings: Don't get discouraged. That old fisherman is likely, (high percentage) to be willing to help you understand the nuances of what he's doing.

I have had the benefit of fishing with some expert fishermen. Two were owners of Bomber Bait company, and were excellent fishermen before they ever started their company. Believe me, it was hard to keep up with them, but even they could not keep up with a mutual friend. This guy, no matter where he was in a boat, would be catching fish when on both sides, other expert fishermen would be sucking wind. I guess that there are some folks who have a "magic" touch, or spit on their bait, or something, but will always come out on top.

If you have an opportunity to be around someone like this, don't expect you will become one, but try to learn as much as you can. Being good is not the point, trying to always becoming better is the point! There is no 32 degree awarded, there is no top, but always more to learn! Just Sayin...RJS

Ronniejw Loc: West Point MS

Never give up. Couldn't get live minnows last week so cast out my shad bass lure, let it sink then reeled it in slowly,ended up with 9 crappie. Take a variety of lures and keep trying

Graywulff Loc: Cortez,Co.

Maybe should have asked the old man or at least stayed around long enuff to watch!

Jer Loc: N. Illinois 🇺🇸

Did you ask him what he is doing? Did you watch and learn?