About to give up fishing... Any tips?
Nov 14, 2019 21:22:02 #
California (Saltwater)
Ive been fishing for two years now and have only ever caught four total fish (two SM-bass and two smelt). I've been doing it by myself since I don't know anyone who fishes. Ive been to 4 lakes(even rented a boat) and I fish around the California central bay. I've tried fishing throughout the year and every season and can't seem to catch anything. I've tried talking to people at the pier and most are pretty introvert or act like they don't want to help a noobie. I have a bunch of lures, hooks, and a bunch of other stuff but none has been useful. Do you guys have any tips?
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by wanderer6029
Ive been fishing for two years now and have only ever caught four total fish (two SM-bass and two smelt). I've been doing it by myself since I don't know anyone who fishes. Ive been to 4 lakes(even rented a boat) and I fish around the California central bay. I've tried fishing throughout the year and every season and can't seem to catch anything. I've tried talking to people at the pier and most are pretty introvert or act like they don't want to help a noobie. I have a bunch of lures, hooks, and a bunch of other stuff but none has been useful. Do you guys have any tips?
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by wanderer6029
Nov 14, 2019 21:22:07 #
Invest some time in YouTube there are amazing videos of all different styles of fishing and most have in depth video on exactly how to work and move your bait. I’ve learned a lot from watching pros fish.
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by slyguyomy
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by slyguyomy
Nov 14, 2019 21:22:11 #
Oh man I've spent hours watching people on YouTube, probably more than the average person lol. That's what got me into fishing.
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by wanderer6029
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by wanderer6029
Nov 14, 2019 21:22:18 #
Use app Fishbrain. This will let you know what kinds of fish people catch in what areas. Then learn about the fish you are going for. If you expect to catch fish like the people on YouTube videos, remember there is a lot of editing that happens (not catching fish). Another thing is to learn the patterns in your area. Being “good” at fishing means a lot of trial and error. I went a whole summer without catching anything larger than a bluegill in a lake where others were catching multiple trout and bass all around me.
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by Adnorob
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by Adnorob
Nov 14, 2019 21:22:24 #
I've been using the app for a while now, that's how I know whats in the nearby lakes. I've watched lots of videos on bluegills and bass, which is what the lakes around me have. What do you mean about patterns?
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by wanderer6029
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by wanderer6029
Nov 14, 2019 21:22:28 #
Nov 14, 2019 21:22:37 #
I would figure out what fish are around then focus on one species at a time. When I started fishing I picked trout and focused on that.
You don't catch fish every day you go. But when you learn. Once you learn to catch that fish it will translate into catching others.
We are in an age where we can freely and widely find information. So do some research.
What fish do you have in your area? Many I can answer some questions.
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by youtubesmart
You don't catch fish every day you go. But when you learn. Once you learn to catch that fish it will translate into catching others.
We are in an age where we can freely and widely find information. So do some research.
What fish do you have in your area? Many I can answer some questions.
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by youtubesmart
Nov 14, 2019 21:22:42 #
My local lake has Sm/Lm-bass and blue gill mostly, at least that's what I see people posting pictures of mainly. Sometimes I see people catching several bluegills in a single day. Then out by the bay I see people catching rockfish, striper bass and perch.
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by wanderer6029
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by wanderer6029
Nov 14, 2019 21:22:49 #
With blue gills I find time of year is the best way to catch them around here it's early spring. Sm/lm you will need to be in the right spot at the right time. They are every where but if they don't like what you are throwing they won't bite. Most of it is reaction. Unless it's cold. If the water temp has dropped because of rain or cold front. It can be hard to catch them.
When I fish for bass I keep moving. There might only be one under a log. But if they are schooling somewhere you can cast to then find what they are eating and cast something similar.
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by youtubesmart
When I fish for bass I keep moving. There might only be one under a log. But if they are schooling somewhere you can cast to then find what they are eating and cast something similar.
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by youtubesmart
Nov 14, 2019 21:22:57 #
Get the Fishbrain app. Focus on some smaller ponds and stuff.
Find structure (trees, rocks, weeds, lily pads)
Rig Texas rig.
Throw Texas rig.
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by space-magic-ooo
Find structure (trees, rocks, weeds, lily pads)
Rig Texas rig.
Throw Texas rig.
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by space-magic-ooo
Nov 14, 2019 21:23:04 #
Thats the app I've been using. There's not many small ponds where I live, most are on private property or hard to reach areas. I have to resort to state parks and reservoires. The only two bass I've caught have been off Texas rigs. Havnt been able to catch any more.
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by wanderer6029
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by wanderer6029
Nov 14, 2019 21:23:20 #
Different seasons (barometric pressure and temperatures) affect where the fish are in water. If you can find maps with depths and ridges you can also guess where predator fish like bass and trout will coral smaller fish in certain parts of the water. There is a real science to knowing the weather patterns and where the fish will be (and each area has its own random quirks).
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by Adnorob
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by Adnorob
Nov 14, 2019 22:26:43 #
I'm confused. First you say saltwater, then you talk about catching bass and smelt and lakes and piers. I'm not sure where you're fishing or for what? Well you've been at it for 2 years and you've caught 4 fish. Ask yourself this - did you enjoy yourself? Everybody on this forum has been through a dry spell where we couldn't catch a cold. And that's why it's called going fishing and not going catching. So my advice is if you had a good time, keep at it. Stop jumping around from lake to shore to pond to surf. Fishing one location does not neccesarity lend itself well to another location. Learn how to do one type well or at least well enough that you have confidence that your technique will be productive. Then you can take that knowledge and apply it to other applications. Now if you've been miserable for two years trying to catch fish with no luck and didn't enjoy yourself, maybe you should find another interest. All I can say is that if you enjoy it then you should stick to it and things will get better. If not? You have to make that call.
Nov 14, 2019 22:35:58 #
finschasers69
Loc: taylor co. w.v.
you should try & see about joining a local bass club as a non-boater try this it will give you on hands experience on freshwater fishing, these guys a lot of them are seasoned fisherman, you will truly be surprised on how much you can learn. don't be discouraged if you skunk out, thats why they call it fishing not catching . Just enjoy yourself and spend as much time on the water as possible.
Nov 14, 2019 22:46:03 #
Grandpa Knows How
Loc: OC, California
I think hiring a professional fishing guide for just one day would change your whole outlook. Try to find a highly rated individual.
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