How do you experiment to find what works best?

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cptenn94

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 20, 2014
Messages
77
Location
N Chickamauga creek.
So I have a simple question today.

What method do you use to experiment and find what the (fish you are targeting) are going to go after?

The reason I am asking this question, is I really dont have a clue how to even go and try things to test what works.
I have no clue when to be patient and persistent, and when to let it go, and try something else, somewhere else.

To me right now, it can feel like im blindfolded, and trying to run a race based on the sounds I hear. I understand the general direction a little bit, but ultimately have no clue if I am really headed in the right direction or not. I am not yet confident enough in my techniques, and I do not have the mind set to even really know if my technique is good or not. I do not have the mindset to determine what technique to use. Most of the time I literally just wing it, and hope I get lucky, while trying something that is suggested.

I really just want to get confident in my technique, and have a good thought process so I can go fish and have success. And if I dont have success I can confidently say that the fish just are not biting. Right now I dont know if the fish are just not biting for me, or if it is something in my presentation and technique and lure choice.

Ultimately thought the thing I need to work on first, is developing a good thought process and learning how the fish think.

So that leads me to these questions. I realize everyone has different things that work for them, and I am eager to hear all the different methods.

So I will break this question down into a few smaller questions. I realize that you use different methods for different conditions, and that none of what you do may be set in stone. However I am looking for generally what you do. And I am interested in what you do for any conditions for any time of year.

No answer is too long.

1. How long do you spend at a particular spot before you decide to move to some where else? When is there exceptions to this general guideline you use?

2. How do you determine what kind of lure you are going to try? What conditions factor into that choice? When do you decide to try some other lure, and what factors influence that decision?

3. How do you determine where you cast, and how you retrieve? What factors have you change how you retrieve , and where you cast?

4. How do you determine what spot you are going to try?


Thanks for any help you can give!
 
My answer to your questions is instinct and experience from trial and error.There are no set patterns that will guarantee you will catch fish every time. Maybe you are too focused on catching fish. Try to just enjoy fishing with or without catching fish. Some of my most memorable and enjoyed trips I never got a bite. Maybe take a look around at God's beautiful creation while on the water. There is more to fishing than fish.
 
I've found that you will learn something new every time you go, no matter how long you have been fishing.
 
One way is to make a log.date Time location. And then keep going back a different time to the locations you don't catch fish and when you do catch fish make a note of the time the weather there might barometric pressure in the wind.I also know what kind a Leuer you were using in the retrieve you were using.
 
Always keep a worm on one of your rods and give it a try . Seasonal patterns are a good start to gain confidence so study bass magazines for info on those and how the bass move according to available food sources.. Keep in mind when your fishing an area what the bottom is like and what kind of bait might be drawn to that area such as rocky bottoms then think crawfish/worms/jigs but don't think other lures won't work also , Crankbaits & spinnerbaits are good choices when there is a lot of baitballs/shad in the area and a lot of times you have to change sizes to see what works. One other thing before I quit rambling especially if your just learning, tie a rattlebait on and sling it till your arm is sore it's one of the best shad imitating baits out there.. Maybe I need to try my own advice some too, lol , hope this helps... emoUSA
 
If I know or feel really strongly that there are fish in an area I will spend a long time trying to figure out what they want. The other day I spent 2 hours on a 30 yard long stretch of grass and never did figure out what turned them on. </p>

I stat out with my confidence baits (jig, spinner bait and top water) and try to get a few clues as to what the fish want.</p>

I will vary the retrieves until I find out what the fish are after. The conditions and presence of bait will help determine what mood the fish may be in.</p>

I normally start in an area that I thing is seasonally correct, ledges on the main channel in summer, bluffs in the winter and creeks in the spring and fall.</p>

Nothing will help you more than time on the water and experience. Most of all have fun! Figuring out the puzzle is the best part.</p>
 
cptenn94,

You are saying what a lot of people are only thinking. Everyone has those periods where they feel stumped. I know I certainly do... To me every lake seems a little different as well. Throw that in with all the other factors and it can be tough. One guy gave some good advise... just enjoy fishing and don't sweat the catching as much. I need to take that pill because I feel just like you most of the time.

However... I really believe experience is the best teacher. It does help when you have a mentor though. Whether we admit it or not all the knowledge any of us have is built on the knowledge and experience of someone before us. Those people who appear to be "fish whisperers" Like Jmax and others... have years of experience and most likely followed the instruction of some friends or other fisherman they were around... in a club or just at the weigh in getting there brains beat out... they learned from their mistakes and their successes.

Myself.. I just keep plugging along... dragging worms a lot of the time... experimenting with other lures and presentations... observing what other successful anglers are doing and trying to repeat it. One thing I always try to pay attention to..... if I am the only one fishing this lure or type of water I am either onto a secret or I am totally lost.... usually that means I am totally lost.

I read the magazines and watch the TV shows when I can but I pretty much always have a worm, jig, crank and a spook for those schooling fish tied on all the time. I play around with Carolina rigs, shakey heads and drop shots but I am pretty much clueless on when and how to use them.

You are asking the right questions... just not sure anyone can answer them but yourself with a lot of time on the water.
 
Ha! This is why we call it fishing and not catching. There really is NO substitute for time spent on the water.

But, I have to agree with Shovelbill.

" There are some men who will fish their entire lives . . . and never come to realize that it's not the fish they are after. "
 
cptenn94 - 9/28/2014 9:54 PM
Here is my attempt at answering you questions directly...

No answer is too long.

1. How long do you spend at a particular spot before you decide to move to some where else? When is there exceptions to this general guideline you use? Depends on the spot... if it is shallow I move pretty quickly... deeper I may spend more time.

2. How do you determine what kind of lure you are going to try? What conditions factor into that choice? When do you decide to try some other lure, and what factors influence that decision? Worms are good at about any depth. If fish are on the bottom hard... I use a big jig in deep water. When trying to cover a lot of water I use cranks.

3. How do you determine where you cast, and how you retrieve? What factors have you change how you retrieve , and where you cast? I try all sorts of retrieves... stop and go to just letting it sit. A few months ago a buddy made a random cast behind the boat into open water with no target. he was waiting on me to get a fish off and out of the shallow grass. He caught a 9-1 LM in the middle of nothing. Go figure....

4. How do you determine what spot you are going to try? I pretty much fish medium depth most of the time... only because I have had the most success there... to me that is 5 to 10 foot deep. I try to start near creek channels or rocky points. I suck so don't follow my lead.. :)


Thanks for any help you can give!
 
two things that have helped me tremendously if I am trying a new bait or presentation. 1. I watch and study pros on youtube and read up about that type of presentation. 2. I test those methods at the lake.
 
Study and read every chance you get and fish everyday you can. Eventually you will find little keys in areas and that key unlocks more fish. The best part of fishing is putting the pieces together. Another thing is if you ever see the guy Jmax fishing follow and watch him. Jump in the boat with Blue76 and you guys could follow him around all day and get some good video hahaha
 
join bass university for awhile alot of good videos on there about different baits and how to break down a lake or any body of water alot of great info from the pros i would offer more advice but i am learning my self
 
Another fantastic way to learn is to fish as a co angler in some tournies. I fished as a co in the FLW / BFL league and it was a tremendous learning experience. I'd do it again if I could
 
I feel your pain. It gets pretty aggravating when I go out and fish 6 or 8 hours without a bite. Then Jmax posts a report saying he caught 75 bass in 30 minutes with 68 keepers! lol I fish 1 or 2 days a month so I don't know why I can't catch em like he does. We're gonna have to put in the time if we ever wanna learn how to catch em.
 
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