Feeling a bit defeated (skunked twice in a row)

[LetMeSeeThatBass]

I have been trout fishing a lot lately, but yesterday I decided to fish for bass again as I miss the feeling of my rod loading up and setting the hook. I usually would catch at least 1-2 every time I go out regardless of weather and conditions, but not the past 2 days.

 

I’ve tried everything and no bites at all. Weather is in low 70’s (California). I also moved around and just couldn’t find the fish. Feeling a bit defeated and would appreciate some tips. 

[MickD]

This isn't golf.  When you get a bad score in golf it's your fault.  

 

When you get skunked fishing, it's the fish's fault.  Jokingly stated, but there is a lot of truth in the statement.  Sometimes fish are just "off."  

[AlabamaSpothunter]

Downsize, and then when you think you've downsized, downsize a little more.

 

I spend half my time fishing for a DD, and the other half fishing for any Bass that will bite.

 

The lure size is dramatically different for both types of fishing.   

 

Don't be afraid to throw a Beetle Spin or something.    Finesse stuff is usually a good skunk killer.

 

Lastly, this is what actually makes Bass fishing so addictive, and exhilarating.....it's not easy catching Bass reliably

[scaleface]

How long did you fish ?

[Captain Phil]

22 minutes ago, AlabamaSpothunter said:

Downsize, and then when you think you've downsized, downsize a little more.

 

Excellent advice.   When the bite gets tough, nothing works better than downsizing.  This applies to line size as well as your bait.  Try a weightless worm or small Senko fished on light 6-8 pound line.   That presentation is more natural and it will slow you down.  Fish it like you would live bait and you will exorcise the skunk.  ?

[Bass Rutten]

[Catt]

3 hours ago, LetMeSeeThatBass said:

Feeling a bit defeated and would appreciate some tips. 

 

Get used to it!

 

Last 3 trips (12 hrs) was nothing but casting practice.

[Darth-Baiter]

Where in California?   I find I’m being more selective in which lake o visit.  W gas being where it’s at, I gotta fish better waters. 
 

abd I throw everything. 

[T-Billy]

3 hours ago, MickD said:

Sometimes fish are just "off."  

And sometimes when they're biting, they're still off. I caught 11 today, and lost almost as many more. Bites were super subtle and they just weren't eating it well. It was tough getting a hook in 'em.

[gim]

1 hour ago, T-Billy said:

I caught 11 today, and lost almost as many more.

Yesterday I started with a spinnerbait because they were chomping that the past couple weeks.  I had 5 fish either completely swipe and miss or briefly hook up and get off in the first 20 minutes yesterday, so I switched to a slower-moving chatterbait in a similar color.  I think I only missed 2 fish the rest of the time, and I caught 31 during that span.  The drop in water temperature during the week caused this result.

[ThatZX14Fella]

I have had two bass in probably three years. One being about three pounds, and the other being a pound. I still go out and fish, even though I know I probably won’t catch anything. It’s worth it to enjoy the outdoors.

[ScottW]

Skunked is fast becoming a theme at the pond here. I’m calling it casting practice to save face ?

[DitchPanda]

21 hours ago, T-Billy said:

And sometimes when they're biting, they're still off. I caught 11 today, and lost almost as many more. Bites were super subtle and they just weren't eating it well. It was tough getting a hook in 'em.

This just happened to me recently. Last week we stayed in a cabin at a local small lake that has pretty good bass fishing. In 2 days I caught 21 bass on a combo of Texas rig finesse worm and a swim jig. Bet I lost at least  a dozen if not more.

[T-Billy]

36 minutes ago, DitchPanda said:

This just happened to me recently. Last week we stayed in a cabin at a local small lake that has pretty good bass fishing. In 2 days I caught 21 bass on a combo of Texas rig finesse worm and a swim jig. Bet I lost at least  a dozen if not more.

Today was even worse. Second day into a cold front, with 15mph winds gusting 20+. Really limited where I could fish. Four bites in 5hrs. I put ONE in the boat. Little one pounder had my chatterbait choked. Missed another chatterbait bite. Had two come off with the Trigged sweet Craw. One came off when I let up pressure after wedging it's head up against a limb. It was about 2#. Dunno what happened with the other. Good hookset, it blew the bait clean off the hook. Big fish, the rod loaded up deep into the blank, then pop, back came my empty hook and 3/8 tungsten at 100mph. Sometimes you're the winshield, sometimes you're the bug. Today I went splat.

OP: Solid advice above about downsizing. Another option that works well for me when it gets tough is to get deep into the nastiest wood tangles I can find. The bigger, thicker and brushier the better. Heavy action rod, 40# braid minimum, and straight shank flippin hooks. Anything less will get your heart broke. Here's a couple examples of what I'm talking about.

Fishing the perimeter won't cut it. Ya gotta pitch deep into the thickest gnarliest parts. That's where the fish are. Right where most folks won't dare put their bait.

[PressuredFishing]

Keep an open mind in the fall I think people try to hold onto summer techniques.

[geo g]

Everyone has experienced a skunk once in a while.  It’s all part of the game.  That’s why the call it fishing, and not catching.  Just keep going, your luck will change.