How many of you like fishing jigs or other soft plastics too much(?) that sometimes it takes almost forever to find new productive water. I'm begining to think its time to do things a little different to become a little more efficient at finding productive water. Specifically when fishing deeper weedlines. (6' - 20')

 

If its water ive fished and found fish before then I feel confident I can go about methodically picking away- pitching jigs / senkos , however when its large sections of water where I don't know if there are any fish present it can take hours to find out there's nothing. Where as throwing a deep diving crank bait may help me figure that out sooner. Sometimes its hard to put down and put aside your favorite baits and techniques but it may be whats necessary to become a better fisherman.

 

What do you think?

I have the same problem with plastics (specifically a pearl weightless super fluke) and spinnerbaits. When i switch to crank or jig i have no idea whats going on. I need to get on my jig game though, I got a ton and don't even use them. I think everybody falls into their comfort zones and branching out and learning new techniques is part of becoming a better fisherman.

Scorcher214 nailed it imo.  I find myself throwing jigs when searching spots on a brand new lake.  Really not the most effective way to cover water. 

 

The challange is in remaining versatile.  Theres the thread right now on "how do you fish", well "how we like to" and "how we need to" are often different. 

 

I like how you can tell an interview is a good honest one with a fishing magazine or online.  They will ask the angler "strengths and weaknesses", its reassuring to know as a joe blow that I'm not the only one who dislikes drop shot lol.

That's exactly the problem, I do feel its necessary to spend the time learning a lure to point of "mastery" if you want to call it that, but in the same breath you need to be versatile.

 

As you said, this says it all - "how we like to" and "how we need to" are often different.

For a while i was the same way about being to caught up on one bait, jigs coincidentally. One day i decided i would commit to a lipless crankbait, which after taking some time to become efficient with became my go-to. It accomplishes so many different needs for all situations.

And as we all get better as fishermen, and more confident in all of the lures we have, hopefully we're learning when we need to switch.  When learning a new technique, or trying to become confident in one, I totally agree with focusing on that lure and presentation.   

 

What I hope to be able to do, is recognize conditions and factors, and feel confident throwing whats necessary to put the fish in the boat.  Whether or not its my favorite(jig or frog for me), or something I don't throw unless its whats called for (for me drop shot or weighless rigs).

If you do what you've always done...you will get what you've always got!

Are you happy with your results?

If not change

Limited time on the water plays a factor here as well. If you only get a few precious hours on the water a month, you don't want to waste that time with baits you have zero confidence in.

Thats true too, and thats a big reason I stick to with what I'm comfortable with