When To Move?

[5 Dollar Fishing Game]

I have a question about my location on the water in my boat. Let's say I am out in the morning for 5 hours. If I am not catching anything within "?" hours, when should I "move" to another location, or should I try to alternatively change my lure? For example, if I catch nothing from 8am-9am, should I try a different lure or find another spot. This may be one of those million dollar questions, but I just would like some opinions of what you all do to help me out. If I am in a spot where I am catching fish I will stay there, it just gets frustrating and aggravating when I don't. Not really the fact I am getting no hits, but not sure what to do to improve it. Thanks!

- Joe

[Floridalargemouth]

I would give any body of water more than an hour before completely switching locations, but unless I'm fishing in an area that I know is holding fish, I'm usually throwing a reaction bait. I don't spend very long on one particular spot until I get some activity: either a strike on the reaction bait (I usually use topwater, but spinners and cranks are deadly as well) or bass busting on baitfish or dragonflies. Once I get that, I'll fish the area as I see fit, using whatever lure I'm confident will catch fish there.

To sum it up, don't give up on a spot too quickly, but don't miss anything either. An excellent resource to learn this from is Bassmaster's Day on the Lake series. These pros fish entire banks in 10 minutes or less when they're trying to dial in on a pattern. As soon as they get a bite, however, they typically slow it down and develop a pattern for the rest of the day.

Hope this helps,

Capt. Dalton

 

 

[5 Dollar Fishing Game]

I would give any body of water more than an hour before completely switching locations, but unless I'm fishing in an area that I know is holding fish, I'm usually throwing a reaction bait. I don't spend very long on one particular spot until I get some activity: either a strike on the reaction bait (I usually use topwater, but spinners and cranks are deadly as well) or bass busting on baitfish or dragonflies. Once I get that, I'll fish the area as I see fit, using whatever lure I'm confident will catch fish there.

To sum it up, don't give up on a spot too quickly, but don't miss anything either. An excellent resource to learn this from is Bassmaster's Day on the Lake series. These pros fish entire banks in 10 minutes or less when they're trying to dial in on a pattern. As soon as they get a bite, however, they typically slow it down and develop a pattern for the rest of the day.

Hope this helps,

Capt. Dalton

Thanks Capt! I will plan on giving an area about 1-2 hours to give it some time. As for the lure, how often should I be "trying something different" within those couple hours if no hits? Obviously if something hits on a certain crank or spinner I will stay with it or very close to it's design. What do you suggest?

- Joe

[Floridalargemouth]

Well, it depends. Like you said, I wouldn't change if what you have tied on is working. Usually, If I don't get a bite in an area I know has fish, I'll change after I feel as though I've worked the area thoroughly with one bait and it hasn't produced. It's kinda hard to describe it in terms of time, just go until you feel you've worked the area and haven't gotten hits. Before you change lures, however, make sure there are fish there. You might have the right lure tied on, but the wrong spot.

Capt. Dalton

[Fishmaster10]

I definitely agree with Pondfreak. Another thing thoug, if you fish a particular spot with reaction baits for a while and stop getting bites, it's not a bad idea to slow down and fish that spot with a plastic or jig. Just my two cents.

[5 Dollar Fishing Game]

Thanks for the tips guys. Makes sense to take a little more time in the spots and also to "sense" when the lure needs I be changed. A soft plastic worm is a good lure to try in between making life decisions. I'm learning this game and enjoying doing it with my family too. Met some friends from church who fish too. Nobody on this site warned me of the addictiveness of the sport. :-/

[FD.]

If you are thinking about moving - you should have moved already.

Same with lures, change up as soon as it enters your mind.

It is all about confidence. You will be more successful in a different place or a different bait than if you try to force yourself to do something you have lost confidence in.

[Mike L]

As a tourn co -angler I'm usually at the mercy of the boater as to where, when and for how long we fish an area. Some boaters will ask if I want to stay a little longer or even ask if I had any suggestions. Then there are a few who won't move for nothing! One boater will stay in an area for 5 hours not moving more than 20 yds in any direction. When i bring up about maybe we should try somewhere else his answer is allways the same..." Nah, we'll wait a little longer, they'll be here".

Mike