I've fished off and on for a few years. In the last 6 months I've been going like once a week. I've caught like 2.5 fish in 6 months. My 3 lakes are Casitas, Cachuma, and just recently started trying Castaic. I've tried everything from night crawlers to drop shotting robo worms to crank baits and swim baits. I don't own a boat so most of my fishing is off the bank.

What's my problem? Even a noob should be at least getting a few lucky/random bites right?

Any spots, tips, or advice is greatly appreciated.

You need to fish where the fish are located, and ,that isnt everywhere......Normally fish are around some kind of cover, weeds, lily pads, reeds, wood ,docks , rocks, etc....Changes in depth(breaks)are holding areas for bass.....Look for the thickest cover you can find, in it,around it, next to it....Once you locate bass, fish slowly and deliberately , and try to determine if the fish will shallow, deep, or in between depths.....If your not catching fish , then move to another spot...Start out with a top water lure, then a shallow running crankbait, and then a plastic such as a senko or trick worm rigged texas style...If you don't catch something , move or go home....LOL...Make long casts and try to be quiet....Have at it......Good Luck.

I agree, your in the wrong places. Show us a topo map and the locations you've been fishing and maybe some of us can help you find more lucrative options. Fishing reports claim that lake Casitas is still getting bit heavily on nightcrawlers and plastic worms in <20ft.

Thanks for the reply's. I actually do just that, I start with top water and move my way down. After I've thrown just about the whole tackle box I move spots lol

It may not hurt to try and stick with a lake until you get the feel for it. As far as detecting the bite, try keeping your finger on your line, and watch for a line jump. I hadn't known that stupid sounding trick (finger) until about last year. since then my outings have increased. If your fishing from the bank, I feel you. I was in the same position you are in last year. In your position, I would throw a spinner bait and a rip bait as my search baits and fish every visible piece of cover I could see. If I started getting bit, Id slow down and switch to a weightless senko or drag a Carolina rig. This time of year, points are amazing. Id start there, and move after about 20-25 casts without success. 

The SoCal lakes are down about 35 vertical feet, the shoreline are very accessible, however provide little cover with a few bushes here and there.

The marina areas of all 3 lakes is generally a good place to start. Casitas has 2 launch ramps, the main ramp and the coyote ramp, both are good areas. The coyote ramp around to the model airplane strip where deep cat canyon starts, there is an old dam, fish that area. The main ramp up towards orchard point is all good with isolated brush, fish the brush and ditches. Fish orchard point.

Let's keep this real simple; finesse slip shot rig, 6-8# spinning tackle, 31/6 oz mojo weight, size 1/0 Gamakatsu light wire worm hook, Roboworm oxbool w/ light red flake and peoples worm, both 6"curl tail. Fan cast the areas slowly dragging the weight along the bottom.

Castiac is a little more difficult to shore fish, the marina areas, both west and main ramp areas are good. Same exact presentation and worms should work.

Pyramid lake is a better choice than Cachuma now, again limited shore access around the marina and bozos areas. Same tackle and presentation.

Casitas is very good now!

Tom

My spinning rod got stolen over the weekend so I'm down to my baitcaster with 20lb line on it haha. I dono how well a drop shot would work with that set up. I'll have to go grab another spinning reel.

My spinning rod got stolen over the weekend so I'm down to my baitcaster with 20lb line on it haha. I dono how well a drop shot would work with that set up. I'll have to go grab another spinning reel.

Not talking about drop shot. With the bait caster go to a C-rig.

Respool your bait caster with 12 lb FC. Use a 1/4-3/8 oz mojo style weight, glass bead and small black swivel with 24" 6-8 lb FC leader, same hook and worms. Not ideal but should work OK.

Tom

Thanks I'll give it a shot

C rig didn't work but jerkbait did!

Nice. I'm glad one of my sujestions worked for you.

I fish lake casitas about 4 or 5 times a week (red bass tracker pro team, jeep grand cherokee).  I can tell you that i only started fishing there this past october (moved from Washington DC 7 years ago) .  i went 35 days before i caught my first fish.  I'd be more than happy to take you out on my boat provided you pay for gas ($20)  and bring me a soda.  even if you can only go a half day or what not it's no problem.  I hate to fish alone , so i'd have no problem taking you out.  if you want to know the best shore spots or best baits to use you ca hit me up. 

I fish lake casitas about 4 or 5 times a week (red bass tracker pro team, jeep grand cherokee).  I can tell you that i only started fishing there this past october (moved from Washington DC 7 years ago) .  i went 35 days before i caught my first fish.  I'd be more than happy to take you out on my boat provided you pay for gas ($20)  and bring me a soda.  even if you can only go a half day or what not it's no problem.  I hate to fish alone , so i'd have no problem taking you out.  if you want to know the best shore spots or best baits to use you ca hit me up.

PM sent!

You got the skunk off your back. Nice offer from Slade House, hope you both get together and will look for the red tracker. Don't give up on the finesse C-rig at Casitas. The bass are on a shad bite for the next few weeks, reaction lures work during low light, the soft plastics during the day.

Tom

PM replied!! Tom is dead on about the spots to fish from shore at Casitas.  and its hard to go wrong c-rigging it.  How can you miss the red tracker? I've been there 5 to 7 days a week since october, hell if you go on google earth and look at casitas my boat is on the lake.  everyone knows my boat even before i know them cause I'm there too much. I have to add that I have fallen in love with the stand up shaky head , so versatile and I'm finding soft baits that i'd never think to put on a shaky head working.