Hey, i just signed up to this sight about 10 minutes ago. Im 19 years old and have only been fishing a few years. I recently just started fishing a new privately owned, stream fed pond by my town. The first few days i went out there, i caught a bunch of bass ranging in size from 1 to 5 pounds. I also caught crappie, sunfish, bluegill, catfish, and to my surprise, a gar. what's strange is i had all of this good fishing only 2 weeks ago and i only used rapala original floating F-7 lures. Yes, even the catfish and gar were caught with these lures. The time of day i caught the most fish was strange too. In middle to late afternoon, sunny, and hot temperatures 80 degrees up to 90-95. Now, the past few days, ive went out there for about 3-4 hours a day and have not had a single bite. Not even a nibble. After the first day of no bites, i switched to spinnerbaits and still no luck. I've continued experimenting and today have tried powerbait worms, shorter curly tailed grubs, minnow shaped soft plastics and different rapala lures such as the shad rap, and jointed shad rap. Its like all of the fish just figured out whats fake and wont bite anymore. I know there are still fish in it because today i saw 3 gar each over 35 inches long swim by and a bunch of other fish jumping all over. I'm just wondering if there are any suggestions.
[signature]
Welcome aboard and thanks for taking the time to register.
Each fish will learn the patterns and colors of the baits that you are using.
There is a difference in the way that you use a rapala and another crank bait. There is a difference in the presentation of the worms and the spinners. Each type has its tricks and techniques.
Please fee free to browse through this board as well as the "Tips and Tricks. You will find advice and techniques for most of the different types of baits.
Please feel free to come back here and ask more questions.
When you are in a lake or pond that has very little fishing pressure, everything will bite well for a short time. The more often that you are there with the same technique, the smarter the fish will get.
It is important to change up on colors, style and presentation as you go back each time.
You will also start doing better in the morning and in the late afternoon since the fish are already on to you.[cool]
[signature]
Ok thanks. I'll have to admit, i'm not the best fisherman. I have never really used anything other than hard crankbaits. I am unsure what else to use and how to use them
[signature]
Just take a look at some of the past threads on this board. Many of them are explained in good detail.
It would take half the night to go back and explain each and every one of them all over again. That is why we leave past posts here.
We all have a lot to learn from each other.[cool]
[signature]
beleive it or not
Fish get PMS, PIS,. "Post Moon Syndrom" "Post Ice Syndrom"
during the new moon fish tend to get what is called "Loc Jaw" the closer you get to it the worse it gets.
not to fret, because a couple days past their jaws loosen up and start bitting again, and the further away from the new moon the lippier them fish will get.
walleye and dowg fish "bowfin" will hit during a new moon, they are not on a feeding schedual, the feed when they get hungry. turtles are active during new moons as well, you may want to switch to dogh ball and fish for snappers... they are a riot to catch... watch your size limit and seasons on them. they are taisty too...
TubN2 has offered some great info, you may want to think about what you are wearing when on the water, Fish can also associate your color with the lure or bait. You have heard of match the hatch? well you will want to match the day, meaning if it is a drabby day wear clothes that will match the clouds, if you are sitting in the brush, wear camo.. ect..... "STAY AWAY FROM REFLECTIVE CLOTHING"
sounds weird, but it realy makes a differance... ask any fly fisherman who treds streams attempting to sneek up on a trout.
During loc jaw days, I tend to use set lines pack a grill and a beer or two and a couple buddies to help pass the time...
[signature]