Getting Burned out

[stratoscaster]

As Avid said we fish year round in FL.  During the months of July, Aug and Dec, Jan I may only fish once a week as oppossed to two or three times a week.  After a week of no fishing I'm ready to go.

[Keithscatch]

I have to echo what George said. Take a break and get reaquainted with nature that God has blessed you with in your area. Take time out to notice things around you and be thankful for what you have. That is the key in my opinion. Complaining about the size of fish only compounds the problem. Giving thanks for what you have means your enjoyment comes from within and not from what is outside of you which you cannot control.

Personally I think tournament fishing is to blame for allot of the problems you are exhibiting. I used to suffer from that too and one day in particular I was fishing in the summer when it is hot in Texas. I was upset because I was snagging timber and having trouble with my reels backlashing and seemingly everything that could go wrong was. Wind was forcing my lure onto stumps and of course they were hopelessly snagged etc. While I was complaining and sweating and getting worked up here came 2 guys in a small plastic bass buster boat. They were making all sorts of racket and where laughing and having a ball. They were also catching fish on top water and as I starred at them the Lord spoke to me and said that is how fishing is suppossed to be.

I used to tournament fish back then and so I decided to stop "competing" in tournaments and to just enjoy myself and take the pressure off. Fishing became fun again for me.

I have been so blessed and I thank God all the time for what he has allowed me to do and where he has allowed me to fish. I have seen wondorous things while fishing and that part never gets old. I always have a good time when I fish regardless if I catch fish or not. I just like the solitude if I am alone and the company if I am with someone and of course always the nature and time with God.

Good luck to you and hopefully you will get the fun back in fishing.

[airborne_angler]

I have never fished in a tournament,I just dont think im that good. I was watching the Bassmasters Classic and my Girlfriend kept saying the fish were tiny. Yeah they were small but they were nice compared to what I have been catching. Thats why I said I would like to catch some "Keepers" based on tornament guidelines. I think if I could get into a bunch of fish like that for a while I would be much happier. Ill try alot of the different things you all posted. Im gonna start fishing the opposite side of the lake and see how I do there.

[Koikus]

Back in the days when I was limited to bank fishing, if I was consistantly not doing any good, I would try other lures, even some I had no confidence in whatsoever. I've found when I get locked into only a few certain baits, I am limiting myself in good catches. By expanding my horizons and talking with other fishermen, I was amazed at what I learned....and still continue to. Granted, I have my favorite lures (confidence factor is high), but the only way I've been able to catch more fish during slow times (we ALL have them) is to start trying new and different baits...and don't be shy about asking others what's been working for them lately.

[burleytog]

If you are not having fun fishing, then by all means take a break. Fishing shouldn't be something you have to struggle to get up and do.

Exactly.  I find myself getting a little too hopped up if I spend more than 2 or 3 days straight on the water at a time.  Have to take a break and mellow out every now and then.

Plus the fish need their rest.  

[Windknot51]

Good Advise Ernl, Just keep fishing! Night fishing is alot better in my opionion as the cooler waters create activity. Nothing worse in my opinion than the sun on the water.

Recently on a fly fishing forum the I asked opinions of carrying a cell phone..... boy did I ever catch some flack!

My phone is with me for emergencies only and I have the numbers for local and state police and DEC for the areas I fish programed in, not to mention if I am needed at home. Those of you who can completely shut out the world....... you have my blessings! There will always be some of us that need to maintain contact.

For me, it's my 17 year old daughter that is and will always be paramount, therefore my cell phone will be along with me.... be it fishing, hiking, camping etc.

[dwhite]

I wish the fish I was catching were at least 1 lb. Atleast a "keeper" in tournament standards,but these fish are tiny. Mostly no bigger than 8 inches. Its not much a challenge anymore catching those. Im fishing the deepest part of the lake . Its hot so Im under the impression thats where the biguns are gonna be. In the last 2 weeks I have only hooked into 2 decent fish(between 1.5 and 3 lbs each). Just wish things were more consistent and I could catch more that size. I guess I just want more of a fight. I was pumped when I finally caught those. But they werent caught on the same day.

I was in the same boat about  june last year..

I saved up got a small canoe, trolling motor, fish finder and the required other stuff,

I slap the canoe on top of my car and away I go

It is not huge bass boat

but it took my spell ( same as you are having)  right away all for under 700$

I can get into places the big boats cant and we have landed  loads of nice fish

I have  been taking time off tournaments and  just learning to use my own fish finder and finding fish, areas on lakes i never knew were there ( because i was always on someone elese boat  and they chose the spots) and it has been a blast

I do not know what your budget is but let me say it has opened up a whole new world for myself and my son

and we enjoy the heck out of it

here is a small gallery i tossed up

http://www.handgunplace.com/images/2005_canoe_trips/index.htm

believe me it beats shore fishing