a question for Bass Master Pro's

[Bergen Angler]

I started bass fishing last year. I can count more days when I caught nothing than the days I caught a bass or two except on my b-day when I caught over 10+ basses between 2-4 lbs in 2 hours.

I try all different lures so I become familiar with different lures. When I caught over 10+ bass, it was just one lure - lipless crank bait, though I caught many basses using Texas rigging or wacky style as well as tube for SMB.

Is it common to be skunked when you go after bass? or is it because I am a beginner?

[ChaosStarter]

I've gone to small lakes where I've had 20+ bass days (good size too) or big lakes where I've had 50+ fish days and have gotten skunked everywhere in between. So yes, it happens. Sometimes you just need to figure out what they want, and the color they want it in.

[bulletbob]

I am NOT a "bass master pro"... However I catch a lot of bass, mostly Smallmouth these days, because they are the most abundant bass in my area... On any given day, you can " hit it big" if you find the right lure, color, temperature,retrieve, area, etc, etc.. It is highly variable,,,
You are gaining experience, and here's what happens with experiencce.. You will learn how to rule out quickly what isn't working depending on the day you are fishing and conditions on that day.. You will also start to find patterns as to what works best in general terms,,
You KNOW that the lipless crankbait you used is a good lure correct?.. At least it was on the day you scored big.. So, now it can be assumed that given similar conditions, in similar water, similar temps,for similar fish, this bait might be a good starting point.. See how that works???

Some days it won't matter.. They won't hit much of anything.. Then you try tiny lures, oddball lures, trying to find a successful pattern for that day...

Other days the only pattern will be that the fish are taking a whack at anything you throw, spinnerbaits, top water, plasics, jigs, plugs etc... Doesn't happen a lot, but it does happen... Keep fishing, try and go with guys with experience, and you will be fine... You KNOW that you can have a good day. There wil be plenty of them, have confidence.. However, we ALL have days where we just can't get it together, and think that we now suck, and have lost our skill... That only lasts as long as the time it takes for another nice bass to latch on to one of the lures you are throwing.. Just keep fishing as often as you can, and you will catch plenty of bass... As well as any other fish you target.... bob

[AndrewT]

There are soo many factors as to why you're not having the success you may want. Being a beginner is part of it because no matter how long you've been fishing, it's still a learning experience. You learn new things all the time. Having only been bass fishing for a year, you don't have the experience and knowledge of someone who has been fishing all of their life. Fishing shows and articles will help give you some good information that you can apply when you're fishing, esp when it comes to finding bass. Knowing where the bass should be on a given day is crucial.

[AndrewT]

I was writing my response when bob posted his. I couldn't agree more.

[Lard Almighty]

If you want to gain a lot of knowledge quickly, I would recommend subscribing to a bass fishing publication, and watching bass fishing shows and televised tournaments. And, as was previously mentioned, nothing beats on-the-water experience.

Don't worry too much about getting skunked, as long as you learn something each time you go out. Being bad at something is the first step toward being good at something.

[lunkertaker]

Originally Posted by Lard Almighty

Don't worry too much about getting skunked, as long as you learn something each time you go out. Being bad at something is the first step toward being good at something.

Pick a few favorite lures and continue to toss'em. See the "If you could pick 5" post i put up on this page. Man these guys here on this site know how to pick 25 so narrow down your presentations that include conditions, weather, and retrieve and trust your instincts.

[Bergen Angler]

Originally Posted by lunkertaker

Pick a few favorite lures and continue to toss'em. See the "If you could pick 5" post i put up on this page. Man these guys here on this site know how to pick 25 so narrow down your presentations that include conditions, weather, and retrieve and trust your instincts.

I try all different lures so I can learn. Thank you for all your wonderful advice.

I subscribe to over 10 fishing magazines and watch WFN constantly.

[Moz]

I think a lot has to do with how much fishing pressure there is where you're fishing. Since this is NJ there is probably a lot unless you have an in at a private lake/pond.

Getting out on the water before daybreak during the summer months I find really helps. Bass being on the move and feeding that time of day and there's hardly anyone else out there fishing (and I fish mostly at RVR which is the primo example of fishing pressure in NJ).

Skunks stink but it makes catching a nice one the next time out on the water that much better!