If there is a stretch of river that other people have had success on but you haven’t, do you keep at it until you figure it out or stick to your comfort water?

[Ohioguy25]

I’ve had this conundrum for the last few years.  As my skill level progresses I find myself tiring of the same routine, and have begun attempting to force myself to grow in my mastery of presentations as well as conquering new territory.

 

The river I float only has so many good stretches that hold a large number of quality fish, and so naturally I find myself rotating the same 2-3 floats week after week.  This gets repetitive, although every time I try to branch out I seem to be disappointed and return to the places I always catch fish.  
 

How do you handle this, specifically as far as changing techniques? My buddy has always said, never try to catch fish how other people do, and I’ve generally found this to be true.  Confidence is everything in this sport and you have to find your own way, I just can’t seem to find it on a few of these sections and I see it as a challenge.

[flyfisher]

All depends on what your end goal is.  Are you to catch quality fish or are you trying to catch quality fish any place you go?  There are times I go with the comfort spots but uncomfortable spots don't become comfortable ones without putting the time in.  It allows me to hone my techniques and read new water better and have more success.  
 

If you aren't failing, you aren't improving.

[Susky River Rat]

I haven’t put a ton of time in at this one area I know people crush it. Everytime I go there I catch fish but, not like others. I do not go there often though. A lot of it is I think why waste my time here? 
 

I think a lot of it comes down to we are creatures of habit. We stay in our comfort zones. If you fish an area a lot you will catch a lot of fish there. It’s just the way it happens. So put in the time in new areas. It won’t always be glamorous but, you will learn it and catch fish.

[Bazoo]

If I know others are doing well in a spot, that gives me all the confidence I need to try there and stick with it. Even if I get skunked, I know it's just part of fishing, and likely not to be the case the next time. I say focus on those new spots until they too are comfortable.

 

As far as doing what other anglers are doing... nothing wrong with taking a little advice from those who know what works. If a lure/color/presentation works there... use it... then branch off from that and experiment with other colors/lures/presentations until you find your own groove. Besides, no two anglers will present identical lures the same. Even identical lures will sound and look different slightly.