Ok!!!!! TIMES UP. I'm frustrated now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[BassChump]

Late last year I bought a bass boat on a whim. Got it cheap with plans to sell it to make some money. Took it out fishing, liked it, kept it.

It has all the stuff and it works well. When I bought the boat, I hadn't fished in several years due to the death of my wife. Long story for another time.

The only tackle I had was a small ultra-light rod that my wife had bought me for Christmas years ago. I had ONE lure. A Blue Fox spinner. Gold in color.

Took the boat out on a local lake and caught a lot of bass just casting to the shore around down logs. Not very big bass but it was tons of fun and fun is something I hadn't had near enough of in a long time.

During the winter I've fished several lakes here on the Oregon coast. All proven bass lakes. I chalked up my lack of catching on the cold weather and my inexperience. I didn't catch a thing all winter.

During the winter I've bought 9 poles, lots of gear. Senko's, Rattle Traps, Jigs, etc. I've put good line on them, studied the forums here so I can gain more knowledge about fishing for bass and I was all pumped up for when the water temps came up.

Well, the surface temps are now in the high 60's and I've been fishing for a week and I can't buy a bite. Nothing. Nada. We have had an unusually cold spring with the high air temps only in the low 50's and water temps about the same. This week we had high air temps in the high 80's and the water temps have risen very quickly. I don't know if that has anything to do with it but the water temps came up 12 degrees in less than 7 days.

I use 5 inch senko's a lot. Watermellon with flecks. The Rattle trap along weedlines, etc.

What am I doing so wrong that the fishing gods are against me???? I figured that even if I suck, just out of pure luck and the laws of averages I should get a fish once in a while.

I see all you guys that have a special day now and then when you catch bass in great numbers or get that big one you can brag about. I'm really looking forward to one of those days. Or even a day when I catch enough to tell a few stories.

I feel like the bass see me coming or just have a meeting so they can get all the bass in the lake to agree to stay as far away from my line as possible. It's like having repellent on my lures.

I can just picture the president bass making a law that states "no feeding when this guy is around". lol. A bass senate passes the law and so far, no self respecting bass will lower themself to take a glance at what I have to offer. Hmmm. Come to think of it, I have the same reaction from women. lol. Perhaps I should change deoderants.

Any thoughts or recomedations???????????

[-HAWK-]

Try a jig head with a wacky rigged style senko worm in 4'.  Toss that a few times and your bound to catch a few bass

[SnowBass23]

BassChump I feel your pain!  I myself have gone through the same fishing scenario: loved it on the rare occasion I could go as a kid (maybe 2 times a year if I was lucky!) so as an adult I jumped in, spent enough money to fill a boat with lures, poles, and the like, only to spend a good couple of years catching pretty much NOTHING except an occasional bluegill.

I also believed the fish gods were against me (still think that occasionally!).  If you are reading through the info here, then you are off to a great start.  My personal advice I'd give you is to texas rig a zoom finesse worm in either a dark green or plain brown color.  Then, take your boat and work along shorelines with relatively shallow water.  Maybe 5 feet at most.  Just throw that worm out there, and work it PAINFULLY S   L   O   W.  Even when you think you are going too slow, go slower!

Throw the lure out and let it sink to the bottom.  Then, with your rod tip pointed in the direction of your bait, lift the rod tip slowly, up about 6 - 8 inches total, then set it back down.  When you set it down, slowly reel in the slack.  Lift and repeat.  I started with this method and gradually began to catch fish.  I am sure others here on the board have many tips and much better methods to get you going but this was my start.

Once I started catching fish on a couple basic worm styles and colors, then I began to add to my arsenal.  As you gain confidence with the worms and start expanding you'll KNOW that there are fish, and you CAN catch them.  

SnowBass

[Bass XL]

Since the water temp. is in the 60's, start throwing a spinnerbait around docks, laydowns, and other cover.

[suede55bowtie]

Late last year I bought a bass boat on a whim. Got it cheap with plans to sell it to make some money. Took it out fishing, liked it, kept it.

It has all the stuff and it works well. When I bought the boat, I hadn't fished in several years due to the death of my wife. Long story for another time.

The only tackle I had was a small ultra-light rod that my wife had bought me for Christmas years ago. I had ONE lure. A Blue Fox spinner. Gold in color.

Took the boat out on a local lake and caught a lot of bass just casting to the shore around down logs. Not very big bass but it was tons of fun and fun is something I hadn't had near enough of in a long time.

During the winter I've fished several lakes here on the Oregon coast. All proven bass lakes. I chalked up my lack of catching on the cold weather and my inexperience. I didn't catch a thing all winter.

During the winter I've bought 9 poles, lots of gear. Senko's, Rattle Traps, Jigs, etc. I've put good line on them, studied the forums here so I can gain more knowledge about fishing for bass and I was all pumped up for when the water temps came up.

Well, the surface temps are now in the high 60's and I've been fishing for a week and I can't buy a bite. Nothing. Nada. We have had an unusually cold spring with the high air temps only in the low 50's and water temps about the same. This week we had high air temps in the high 80's and the water temps have risen very quickly. I don't know if that has anything to do with it but the water temps came up 12 degrees in less than 7 days.

I use 5 inch senko's a lot. Watermellon with flecks. The Rattle trap along weedlines, etc.

What am I doing so wrong that the fishing gods are against me???? I figured that even if I suck, just out of pure luck and the laws of averages I should get a fish once in a while.

I see all you guys that have a special day now and then when you catch bass in great numbers or get that big one you can brag about. I'm really looking forward to one of those days. Or even a day when I catch enough to tell a few stories.

I feel like the bass see me coming or just have a meeting so they can get all the bass in the lake to agree to stay as far away from my line as possible. It's like having repellent on my lures.

I can just picture the president bass making a law that states "no feeding when this guy is around". lol. A bass senate passes the law and so far, no self respecting bass will lower themself to take a glance at what I have to offer. Hmmm. Come to think of it, I have the same reaction from women. lol. Perhaps I should change deoderants.

Any thoughts or recomedations???????????

Been there done that, the main thing is to not be scared to try new techniques, even techniques youve never heard of before. Also, in times of doubt, dont hesitate to downsize and slow down. And try to throw your lure where you pretty much think your gonna get a snag haha I cant tell you the number of times Ive thrown in rediculous looking spots, spots where the waters not even a foot deep, or under some haggard tree and have pulled lots of nice bass out of.

[BassChump]

Thanks for all the replies. Yes, I'm getting pretty frustrated. I can't be THAT BAD of a fisherman. I've fished all my life for trout, salmon, crappie, etc. but bass have thrown me for a loop.

I'm trying out a new lake this afternoon. It's a shallow lake, no more than 25 feet deep at its deepest. Not a big lake, maybe 500 acres??? It's actually 2 lakes in one. Two lakes joined by a very narrow channel. Only one boat at a time can get through. Water is warm and it isn't fished heavy at all. It's a proven bass lake with lots of weedbeds, reeds, docks and fallen timber.

I'll let you know how it goes.

Even one fish would make me happy right now. I'm looking forward to it.

It's a beautiful day, in the 80's, little wind and the boat is ready to go. What more could a guy ask for????

8-)

A nice day, a cold beer, sounds almost perfect to me. A fish or two would only make it better.

[flip4i]

I totally understand what you mean. I've been to the local city park pond 6 times and have only caught 1 that didn't even break 1lb. I always hit the same spot because I always see bass breaking the surface there. I've thrown everything there and worked it for at least 2 hours at a time. But I don't care! I'm going to keep hitting that same spot until I catch that 3lbr that keeps taunting me!

Anyway, good luck and keep at it. I know we'll catch'em sooner or later.

[Gatorbassman]

When pro baseball players are in a slump they grab the batting tee and start all over. They go back to the basics of a swing and start from there. They spend time rebuilding their swing.

Fortunately for us we have a batting tee right here. They are the articles in the Beginners section?

I read them at the beginning of every year. They always help me get back to the basics and focus on where to start.

So start reading those articles and you will begin to see a big improvement.

[Big-O]

When pro baseball players are in a slump they grab the batting tee and start all over. They go back to the basics of a swing and start from there. They spend time rebuilding their swing.

Fortunately for us we have a batting tee right here. They are the articles in the Beginners section?

I read them at the beginning of every year. They always help me get back to the basics and focus on where to start.

So start reading those articles and you will begin to see a big improvement.

Great lead Fluke, You do have a knack for teaching!

Big O

www.ragetail.com

[Gatorbassman]

8-) Thanks. 8-)

[BassChump]

Actually I've never been off the "tee" yet. I have bought some "stuff" to fish with but I'm still very much a newbie. I'm sticking to the basics and trying to learn just one or two techniques at a time. Once those are mastered, I'll move on to something else.

I really appreciate everyones imput. I know I sound negative and yes, it's frustrating but I still enjoy my hours on the lake. Fish or no fish.

                   Thanks again

[CFFF 1.5]

I"m not sure what kind of fishing you enjoy but to me Power Fishing is way more fun than fishing s l o w. Try throwing some topwater lures (zara spook), crankbaits, spinnerbaits, rattletraps, hard jerk bats, soft jerk baits (texas rigged with no weight) and senkos fished like a jerkbait.

[5bass]

With water in the low 60's, I'd have two rods on deck. One with a spinnerbait, one with a jig. I would look for some rocky bank and go up and down the bank pitching that jig up shallow and drag it out to maybe 10 ft, then repeat. If you come across a flat or a point or some laydowns, grab the spinnerbait and go to work.

The fish should be shallow right now and when the big fish quit biting with temps in the low - mid 60's, around here that usually means they are on beds. Look around for bedded fish.

Good luck and dont get discouraged.....bass are hard to catch sometimes, thats just the way it is.

[Daiwa]

Sorry about your wife man.

Are you fishing in clear water? Send me a PM and I'll share some knowledge of rigs I created for plastics that I have not told anyone about.

[burleytog]

You haven't been anywhere near me, have you?  I know I haven't been to Oregon, therefore I cannot be blamed for bad fishing.

[Paul Roberts]

Some good advice here on lures and confidence.

As to bass location (a big part of things) I think five-bass-limit is right. Get shallow, some gravel/cobble substrate in a cove somewhere and find 'em. Then follow them back out after they finish (probably two to three weeks).

Try some topwaters (if you have clouds or wind rippled surface) -a fun way to locate shallow bass. If there's cover try swimming a jig-n-trailer through those cobbled shallows, or a spinnerbait -try bulging a tandem just under the surface.

Stay with it. Enjoy the reading and it'll come together more and more.

[roadwarrior]

Having a boat makes this even easier, so here you go:

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1158577137

8-)

[Catt]

Every piece of advice offered is excellent follow them to the letter  

Slumps are something we all deal with; I've found through the years the best way to handle them is to get back to basics. I know what my strengths are and fish towards them; I suggest you should do the same. If you are good at Flipping/Pitching, Texas Rigs, Cranks, Spinners, or what ever concentrate on those techniques. If you are good at shallow water, deep water, or grass concentrate on those areas.

[jiggerpole]

Go with someone who does catch fish. Let them show you some things and pass it own.

[fishfordollars]

Late last year I bought a bass boat on a whim. Got it cheap with plans to sell it to make some money. Took it out fishing, liked it, kept it.

It has all the stuff and it works well. When I bought the boat, I hadn't fished in several years due to the death of my wife. Long story for another time.

The only tackle I had was a small ultra-light rod that my wife had bought me for Christmas years ago. I had ONE lure. A Blue Fox spinner. Gold in color.

Took the boat out on a local lake and caught a lot of bass just casting to the shore around down logs. Not very big bass but it was tons of fun and fun is something I hadn't had near enough of in a long time.

During the winter I've fished several lakes here on the Oregon coast. All proven bass lakes. I chalked up my lack of catching on the cold weather and my inexperience. I didn't catch a thing all winter.

During the winter I've bought 9 poles, lots of gear. Senko's, Rattle Traps, Jigs, etc. I've put good line on them, studied the forums here so I can gain more knowledge about fishing for bass and I was all pumped up for when the water temps came up.

Well, the surface temps are now in the high 60's and I've been fishing for a week and I can't buy a bite. Nothing. Nada. We have had an unusually cold spring with the high air temps only in the low 50's and water temps about the same. This week we had high air temps in the high 80's and the water temps have risen very quickly. I don't know if that has anything to do with it but the water temps came up 12 degrees in less than 7 days.

I use 5 inch senko's a lot. Watermellon with flecks. The Rattle trap along weedlines, etc.

What am I doing so wrong that the fishing gods are against me???? I figured that even if I suck, just out of pure luck and the laws of averages I should get a fish once in a while.

I see all you guys that have a special day now and then when you catch bass in great numbers or get that big one you can brag about. I'm really looking forward to one of those days. Or even a day when I catch enough to tell a few stories.

I feel like the bass see me coming or just have a meeting so they can get all the bass in the lake to agree to stay as far away from my line as possible. It's like having repellent on my lures.

I can just picture the president bass making a law that states "no feeding when this guy is around". lol. A bass senate passes the law and so far, no self respecting bass will lower themself to take a glance at what I have to offer. Hmmm. Come to think of it, I have the same reaction from women. lol. Perhaps I should change deoderants.

Any thoughts or recomedations???????????

There is nothing wrong with your tackle. It's your head.

Mindset has everything to do with it. Get your head on straight and you will catch more. Look at yourself. you are beat before you arrive. Come on,

[rfrazier]

Tenmile is supposed to be pretty hot right now, if you work the docks you should be able to get some.

[BassChump]

Well, in the last 3 days I've fished 3 different lakes HARD. Senko's, Flukes, Rattle traps were used.

I don't feel like I'm fishing them wrong at all. Perhaps I cold be fishing in the wrong places but I don't think I'm using the lures incorrectly.

Actually my mindset is usually pretty good. I get excited about going out and I actually expect to catch a few every time I go out. I do get frustrated by the end of the day if I don't get a bite or two but I still have fun and enjoy the time on the lake.

Anyway, I still haven't been able to put anything on the boat. I do have a guy that used to work for me that is going to go out on one of the lakes with me next weekend so hopefully, he can show me a few things as well. I'm hoping to go to Tenmile lake. I haven't fished that yet but it's right down the road and it's supposed to be pretty hot there. I figure I can't strike out there with an ex-professional bass pro on board.

Well, that's my story. Keep the info coming. I can use it.

[roadwarrior]

Well, I suspect you new partner will be able to put you on some fish and point out a few things you should look for in the future. A few tips on technique and things should work out. It's almost impossible to be out this time of year and not catch a couple of fish.

Good luck!

8-)

[Davis]

Dealing with the same exact conditions and water temps up here in the North East just south of Buffalo.

Jig bite has been HUGE lately. This coming from someone who couldn't catch crap last year on jigs.

Maybe give that whirl. Short hops. Go with a 1/4 ounce or 3/8 ounce. The 1/2 ounce are doing crap for me so start small. Go with browns, greens, and blacks for jig and trailer colors. Fish shallow.

[BirdNestBen]

well I don't know if you have a graph or not, but it will help even a cheap one....

You can find drop-offs, sunken trees, etc.. it will show the big concentrations of baitfish...  Even just a depth finder will help....

Look for points, etc... brush piles- you might even get a lake map and scout out new areas... An excellent fisherman once told me out of 100 percent of the lakes area, only 10 percent of the lake will hold fish!!!!!

Time spent on the water= bass in the boat!!!!!!!! Once I was fished down here in Texas at Lake Whitney out in the middle of the lake with this same guy....

I was ready to go... no action!!!!!  He was using a french fry carolina rigged and swings a 9 lb. bass up into the boat!!!!!!!  when you least expect it- that's when it will happen....

He had a ton of time spent on this lake, and knew the area... he knew they were in there, so while I was all negative... bam he's got a lunker...

That 1 nice bass will increase your confidence... the main thing is to fish hard and not give up!!!!! keep hammering and eventually you will break through.......

Lures to use and other things to think about-----  ambush point- think like a fish... where will he try to pick off his next meal??? along a laydown log???  off the edge of a dropoff on a point???  Back in a creek on the edge where the sunlight/shade meet???    Lures- flipping and pitching in tough to reach areas.....

Spinnerbaits along laydown logs.... parallel casting shorelines....

Early morning/ late evening bite- watch for surfacing baitfish/fish- use a topwater or buzz bait.... get a lure you can throw a long ways... back off the fish so not to spook them......

Last but not least.... fish the zoom super fluke..  and the senko...they  will catch fish.. stick with it and see what I mean....

Good luck....