8 replies to this topic

[Shad_Master]

Most of my serious fishing for the last several years has been in club tournaments. I consistently finish in the Top 10 with an occasional 2nd, 3rd, and Big Bass of the day. However, in thinking back, I have noticed a trend that I seem to get most of my fish between "blast-off" (usually around 6:00 AM) and 10:00 AM. I may catch fish throughout the day but they usually don't cull anything for me. I have fished as both a boater and a non-boater and the results have been the same, even when my partner is pullin 'em in and upgrading.

Any thoughts on what could be the problem here?

[roadwarrior]

Most big bass are caught between 10:00 and 2:00. Generally, the midday bite is better on
"bottom baits", specifically soft plastics and jigs.

[Siebert Outdoors]

Most big bass are caught between 10:00 and 2:00. Generally, the midday bite is better on
"bottom baits", specifically soft plastics and jigs.

That and location may change.

[Lund Explorer]

Most of my serious fishing for the last several years has been in club tournaments. I consistently finish in the Top 10 with an occasional 2nd, 3rd, and Big Bass of the day. However, in thinking back, I have noticed a trend that I seem to get most of my fish between "blast-off" (usually around 6:00 AM) and 10:00 AM. I may catch fish throughout the day but they usually don't cull anything for me. I have fished as both a boater and a non-boater and the results have been the same, even when my partner is pullin 'em in and upgrading.

Any thoughts on what could be the problem here?

If you hadn't said that your partner keeps catching them, I would have said that you may need to change tactics. But that part makes it sound like you may either be losing your concentration or just getting tired.

Maybe you need to change your sleeping habits, your pre-trounament meals or what kind of snacks you take along for during the day. A lack of sleep on the few nights before a tournament can add up to less stamina when you need it the most. Also, what you eat the night before or for breakfast can also either pick you up or drag you down. You may even want to look into an exercise routine that could give you more energy towards the end of your day. It might be as simple as a few energy bars ate steadily throughout the day. Don't wait until you crach to try to bring yourself back, but try to keep that energy focused all day long.

[Shad_Master]

_{Thanks for the input guys - but I don't think we have hit on a solution yet. I do mostly "bottom baits" after the sun comes up. Siebert, can you elaborate on what you mean by "location may change"? Lund Explorer - you could be on to something, but I will have to think about it. Please everyone, keep the advice comming. Thanks.}

[Siebert Outdoors]

"even when my partner is pullin 'em in and upgrading." I missed this part. I was talking about changing the location of where you were fishing, but if this is happening its either speed/technique or like Lund said. Loss of concentration.

[jkarol24]

I have always found that as you get later into the day and the sun comes up high in the sky, the bass relate closer and closer to structure. It may be as simple as flipping that jig closer to the stump or into the prime area of that weedbed that your partner is doing but you are not.

[NCbassmaster4Life]

Most def, bass will bite better early morn and right before dark.

[K_Mac]

If your partner is upgrading, fishing the same baits you are and you're not, then you have to figure out what the difference is. Of course you already know that...what I'm saying is sometimes very subtle things can make the difference. jkarol24 may be on to something. Do you lose focus and get a little careless with accuracy or technique? Do you get impatient as the day wears on and work your baits too fast? I know some folks don't think line visibility, diameter or material makes any difference; in my experience it does, esp in clear water on bright days. Last week I broke off a beaver t-rigged with a 3/16 oz weight. I decided since I had a lot more 1/4 oz weights that would be OK. I did not catch another fish until I went back to 3/16. My advice (worth what you pay for it) is to pay close attention to all the details, and be confident doing what you're doing.