01-27-2019, 09:29 PM
I've never fished back East when smaller fish were not biting, although I've rarely fish there in the Winter. My theory is that there are many fish in the lakes and ponds there that you can always find something biting. In our lakes and ponds here that does not seem to be the case, I believe there are fewer fish per lake here. The white bass here can be caught at any time, if you can find them but our crappie, bass can be closed mouth even when there number are up and perch you just never know when they are going to be active. Because of the fewer fish, the best approach is to cover water until you find those active fish, for me that mean trolling. Certain times of the year, like during the crappie spawn, it's better to go to the locations they are known to hang out at and fish the slower methods that you have mentioned. I think we all learn to fish our home waters with the best method that works for us and what works for one person might not work for another. I feel that in part, that is because of the confidence we have in what we are using. If you tried fishing the way I do and had no luck, you would likely go back to fishing with the method that worked better for you. Once you fish with someone and learn the methods that work for them, your confidences grows and your knowledge of what things you need to do to be successful. I have watched bass guys fish the same spot as I'm fishing and pull in bass after bass, I'll go out and buy the exact same lure they are using and have little to no luck but I think that's because of the finesse part of the presentation or just getting the feel for what you are doing. Very good info that you are talking about, I guess for me it's just a matter of getting out of my comfort zone and trying something new.
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