Fishing is a simple yet fun activity. But it’s not as simple as grabbing a fishing rod and setting sail. It can go wrong in so many ways. More likely than not, you will return with barely anything to show.
If you are not getting any fish, you are not alone. Here are a few possible reasons and potential solutions.
The most common reason for not getting the expected number of fish is using the wrong hooks and lures. Shortly followed by fishing at the wrong place or at the wrong time.
Simply doing some research about the fish will solve most of these issues. Other than that, impatience, lack of experience, spooking the fish, or simply being unlucky can be the cause for not getting fish or even bites.
Most of the issues can be resolved simply by doing some research about the fish and the fishing spot. Besides that, being patient and sneaky is also key to success. Remember, fish aren’t sitting out there eagerly waiting for your bait.
You are the one eagerly waiting for them. So, you will have to convince them to bite.
Reasons Why You Are Not Catching Fish
Here is a more detailed guide about the potential issues and how to get around them-
1. You Are Not Using The Right Lure
Each fish has a different diet and prefers different food items. Hence, you will also need to be specific with your lure choice. The same lure that works like magic for bass won’t get you any bite if you are from gar. Okay, the bass goes for anything, I know. But you get the point. Some fish are picky.
So, if you see others getting fish while none is biting your rig, chances are you are using the wrong lure. You might either be using the wrong lure type or the wrong lure size. Small fish genuinely aren’t interested in prey, they aren’t confident enough to be able to swallow, and big fish are too lazy to go for a puny bit of food.
Solution
Switching the lure with a different one should get you better luck. Hey, while you are at it, do some research about the type of lure the fish you are going after likes.
2. You Are Using The Wrong Hook
Like the lure, using the wrong hook can also be a problem. If you use a hook too big for the fish, the fish won’t be able to swallow and burp it out prematurely. As a result, it won’t hook. You might even lose the bait.
On the other hand, using too small of a hook can’t pierce the fish deep enough to hold it. Either the hook will barely pierce through any flesh at all, and eventually, the fish will break free, or the hook will simply break, letting the fish loose.
Additionally, too big, or too flashy of a hook might spook the fish, especially in the clear water, thus preventing you from getting any bite at all.
Solution
Do some research and find the right hook type for your fish species. Also, get to know about the size of fish you will be expecting. Local bait shops are a good spot to start. And use the most optimal rig.
3. You Might Be Baiting At The Wrong Spot (Or Depth)
Fish, in their natural habitat, are free, and they like to roam. Usually, they tend to hang around near obstacles or shade, but there is no absolute fish law about it. So, the same place that seemed like a golden spot yesterday might not be the same today.
Even before that, you will need to be aware of the geography of the underwater. You will need to know about the underwater vegetation, hiding grounds, depth of the water, and an overall layout. You can’t just cast the bait willy nilly and hope to fill your bucket.
As a general rule, fish likes to hang around near shades, hiding spots, and ample food supply. But they tend to swim around and switch places.
Solution
Be sure to switch your camping ground as well. Either get to know the pattern the fish move around or try out new spots. Don’t be shy to explore, and don’t waste more than 30-40 minutes at a spot without bites.
4. You Might Be Fishing At The Wrong Time
There are several things you might be doing wrong regarding time. First of all, different fish have different habits. Most fish species are diurnal, while some are nocturnal.
It’s easy to see why going for largemouth bass on your night fishing trip is not going to yield you the result you expect. They simply won’t see the lure. However, striped bass will.
Anyway, the point is, some fish are light-shy, and some depend on it. So, pick your fishing time according to the fish you want. Also, at different times, fish prefer to hang around at different depths.
Usually, they float closer to the surface in the early morning and late afternoon than midday. Another factor is the season that you are trying to fish. Fish are cold-blooded animals and rely on the environment to regulate their body temperature.
During the winter, the majority of the fish species slow down their metabolism and go into a kind of hibernating state. Neither do they eat much, nor do they swim much. Some fish even migrate, evacuating the area altogether, especially the river fish and the saltwater fish.
Solution
Again, do some research and get to know the habit of the fish. Local bait shops will provide the most up-to-date info about this.
5. Spooking The Fish
If you are new to fishing or not experienced enough, chances are, you are spooking the fish even before hooking them. It could be caused by you using motorboats that are too loud, moving your lure constantly, or yanking the rod before the fish swallowed the lure properly.
Using too loud of a boat can easily spook the fish in the area just as you arrived. When spooked, most fish cower back to their hiding spot and tend to stay there until they feel safe again. You never know when that will be.
Besides that, some fish are spooked very easily. For example, the big muskies and snakeheads are too cautious and always alert. They will bail at first sight of potential danger.
While these fish are at the extreme sight, all fish are moderately careful. No one is particularly in a feasting mood when they feel threatened or endangered, simple as that.
Solution
Try to be sneaky. Use kayaks or canoes for fishing. If you have to use a boat or motor, cut off engine power before reaching the spot to make the minimum sound and interference possible.
Also, be patient at yanking the rig, let the fish take the bait, and run back home. That is when you will have the highest chance of hooking them anyway.
Conclusion
If you pay attention, most of the solutions relate to experience and knowing the fish more or less because that is the essence of this guide. Know thy enemy and thyself, and fear not the outcome, as Sun Tzu said. In our case, it’s, knows thy fish and thy rig. Anyway, be knowledgeable and notable.
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