Skunked and defeated

[aleph_550]

I am having the worst freshwater experience EVER here in Tampa. I have been to several spots in the area and have not seen anyone catch a fish. I have tried different lures, plastics, live baits and techniques and never get bit. I don't have a boat or kayak so I bank fish and maybe that is the fault but i feel concerned when no one is catching fish. Any advice or options?
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[wiperhunter2]

Did you check out the Fl board, that I gave you a link to, in your first post? or send a PM to the moderator there? Here is a link to his profile: http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/com...me=Paulpro
Paul fishes mainly small ponds and lakes there in Fl and should be able to help you. Go to this link and check on where it says, "Send Private Message".
Let me know if you have any question about contacting him.
WH2
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[aleph_550]

Very much obliged sir. I will follow the link and contact shortly. I believe you can see I need all the help I can get.
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[albinotrout]

Welcome to BFT! Paulpro is definitely the one to talk to down there in Florida. He is constantly catching fish from shore.
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[CoyoteSpinner]

Or when he goes floating, takes out "the twins".
He takes a lot of videos too.

[tubeN2]

Welcome aboard aleph 550. There are so many techniques and presentations that the fish have seen. Some are enticing and appealing to them while others may seem old and boring.

We do have a thread for tricks and techniques here.

One of my favorite technique from shore, when I just can't seem to cast out into the "Zone", is to use a casting bubble which can fill or partially fill with water for added weight.

It is important to know what colors or patterns a fish is accustomed to chasing too. Some fish will go for something new and others will go for what they are used to seeing.

Are you fishing the freshwater only areas or are you fishing into some of the brackish waters? Largemouth Bass are generally good in your area and some of the brackish waters zones can bring in some nice Snook.

We are all here to help each other and learn from each other too.
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[aleph_550]

I have been fishing up and down the Hillsborough river for the past month and it is mostly places that are freshwater but I have tried brackish spots. I have been doing so research on what the food sources and temperatures have been so I can better gauge what strategy to use but I must say, this is unreal and discouraging. It may be time to try a charter and see a more professional approach.

Another thing, I am not sure why, but it is extremely difficult to find any recent post or reports in my area other than saltwater which is a burden in and of itself.

At any rate, I am going to use your advice and practice my techniques. Thank you.
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[wiperhunter2]

Here is some good info that might also be of some help:
http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gfo...ead#unread
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[tubeN2]

A few hours with a good guide can be worth it's weight in gold. They can show you some of the good areas, baits that are tried and proven as well as techniques for getting your target species.

Pay close attention to water clarity, tides, temperature and the barometer.

While fisihing brackish water, tides will be your best friend. It would be a good idea to keep your eyes on the daily tide charts so that you will also know when the prime fishing times are. Incoming tides bring in bait fish for the others to feed on.

It also controls when the fish know what time it is to eat. [cool]
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