Skunkin

[matuka]

This is a takeoff of another thread, but If you were to go fishing and not catch fish, what methods or baits would take the sting out of getting skunked? For me, swimmers, all sizes and shapes.

[Ratherbfishing]

I don't understand the question.  Either you are skunked or you are not.  When I am skunked, nothing takes the sting out of it until the next time out when I am not skunked.

 

With regards to "swimmers", are we talking about mermaids?  That probably WOULD take the sting out of getting skunked.  I'm partial to blondes but I'll take brunettes or redheads without complaint. But not of all shapes and sizes.  I've seen far too many Walmart gals to be THAT non-discriminating.

[matuka]

Fair  enough LOL. Swimmers are swimbaits in my vernacular. If I'm not catching fish I'd rather be trying to still catch fish with a swimbait tied on.

[Ratherbfishing]

Oh, ah.  I see.  No mermaids.  Phooey.

 

If I am in the process of getting skunked, I'll try any technique (short of dynamite) to avoid said outcome.  But actually the method I use has less to do with how much I enjoy the day as do the conditions. Am I freezing half to death or roasting in my own juices? Is the wind making the boat impossible to control?  Extremes of any kind can put a major damper on the day-and especially on a fishless day. Ironically, some of the most comfortable weather (those post cold-front bluebird sky days) makes me "feel good to be alive" but usually puts the stink on the bite. And just as ironically, if the fish are biting, I can endure and enjoy almost any conditions without (much) complaint.

 

But to (possibly) answer your question directly, I think I like dragging or hopping a soft plastic in and around cover the most.  Crankbaits are probably my least favorite (if I am not catching).

[Sam]

Not catching = try for the big ones.

 

Trying for the big ones = jig and pig.

[ol salty]

Ive had several emegency baits and tactics in my bass fishing life. Most of the time, if I feel like I have no idea whats happening down there and the chances of getting skunked are pretty obvious ill put on a jig and start dragging it around steep breaks or drops. My thinking is, im not catching anything else so I might as well swing for the fences.

If Its the same scenario but in a tough tournament and I think 4 or 5 lil swimmers is a better bet ill put on either a "lil dipper" swimbait or a similar 3-4 inch swimbait.

...Or I go old school on em'! A Tiny single blade spinnerbait or rooster tail will get some action but on a sunny day with absolutely no activity, even those hot days that the lake seems void of life, my favorite old school, bet they havent seen this in a while lure is just steadily swimmin' a 3/8oz kastmaster. Plus they fly so far that they can be fun to cast even with no bites.

[geo g]

Not catching = not happy!

Catching anything = happy!

Catching big fish = call in a sick day at work, I'm going fishing again tomorrow!

[Ozark_Basser]

Reapers t rigged or on a split shot.

[bassguytom]

I keep trying to find a pattern while fishing so I like every technique I use and just don't stick to one. If I'm not catching fish on a certain technique I'm changing and changing again. I'm looking at my electronics and using the knowledge I've learned each time I go fishing, here, talking to other fisherman and reading on the net and in books. If at the end of the day I'm skunked I'm happy that I gave it the college try and in the knowledge that that God willing the sun will come up tomorrow so I can give it another try.