What am I doing wrong?!

[brosef_broseidon]

Just got back from a trip and this will be my 9th or 10th skunk in a row. I have to be doing something wrong any advice yall can give a poor man?

First 4 or so all from the bank the last 4 have been from a float tube but no success. Tried everything from drop shot with a robo worm, fuzz nug yamamoto drop shot, , flex gills, senkos with w/o weight Texas rigged, wacky rigged, white paddle tails, flukes, jigs, chatterbaits, spinner baits, lipless cranks and etc but haven't gotten a bite.

Any tips on what I should be looking for on the water? Should I be moving alot to cover water or should I stay in a spot hoping there is fish? Trying to avoid using a fish finder since electronics on the tube are very limited. Just looking for advice any will help

[TaBASSco]

Don't know where you are fishing, but generally when shore or tube fishing, or even from a boat, you look for cover and structure that will attract baitfish and bass. Stickups, deadfalls, rock piles, aquatic vegetation, tulies, points, drop-offs, docks. These are all features that attract fish. And when you find these features, then it it is better to stick around for a little while and hone your presentation.

[tomnilll]

If you mention where you are fishing, there are lots of folks on here with specific knowledge...and some will even share it!

[Gotfish?]

1st mistake is not fishing with someone more experienced so you can learn from them, start by copying them, from lures to rod/reel, line, technique, etcetera. I am mostly a bay and Barrett fisherman but there will be others that fish where you fish.

Don't waste time fishing with someone who tells you they like to fish whether they catch fish or not. Go with the guys who catch lots of fish and get upset when they don't.

You might be getting bit and not knowing it. Watch the line closely and put the line between your forefinger and thumb to better feel the bites. You might be fishing too fast, try dead sticking for a minute or so before moving the lure. With the float tube, be sure your fins don't break the surface as this will spook fish. With drop shot, you want a semi slack line; a taut line moves the sinker that seems to sometimes turn fish off. Barely shake the bait with a drop shot, maybe not at all. Light line gets bit more than heavy line, I usually use 6-10 lb line.

A fish finder on the tube helps a lot, not so much for spotting fish but for spotting structure and knowing the depth. The one I use is discontinued but others can make a recommendation. My rig for the tube holds 5 rods, a depth finder and 2 water bottles.

You did not mention the Ned rig, sometimes that is very good.

Beginner fishermen sometimes avoid stickups and weeds. Go weedless (Texas rig usually the best) and fish the snaggy spots. Bass will usually head to deeper water when hooked so you don't need as heavy line as some think.

There are so many things you could be doing wrong that it is hard to tell without being there.

[VinnyBass]

Again......if you say where you are fishing then someone may be able to offer some pointers.

[Gotfish?]

I suggest you go to Barrett with an experienced fisherman. Use your float tube. I have had 40+ fish days there, even 50, anything <20 is a slow day. Buy a ticket and then request a fishing buddy on this site. Barrett is a great place to learn as the fish are much more cooperative there.

Unless you are an absolute bonehead that won't follow directions from someone who is catching fish, you will catch fish there.

[Carpkiller]

"Unless you are an absolute bonehead that won't follow directions from someone who is catching fish...."

On behalf of boneheads everywhere, I'd say get your tube into the bay. Rather than use the same lures other guys are using...I stick with lures that I make, and try to copy other guys' presentations.

The upshot is that I still catch SOME fish, even if a lot fewer than the other guys. Like yesterday, I got 9 spotties, and some of the other guys got 40+ fish.

If you have a float tube and haven't fished San Diego Bay yet...THAT's what you're doing wrong.

[Spektrum]

"Unless you are an absolute bonehead that won't follow directions from someone who is catching fish...."

On behalf of boneheads everywhere, I'd say get your tube into the bay. Rather than use the same lures other guys are using...I stick with lures that I make, and try to copy other guys' presentations.

The upshot is that I still catch SOME fish, even if a lot fewer than the other guys. Like yesterday, I got 9 spotties, and some of the other guys got 40+ fish.

If you have a float tube and haven't fished San Diego Bay yet...THAT's what you're doing wrong.

Always a great time on the water with these folks. No need to try and float on your own.

[Gotfish?]

I'll second that. I assumed the original poster was primarily interested in lake fishing. The bay is a great place to fish. The same tactics that work for largemouth bass work there and the fish are much less cautious. I fish bay, lakes, kelp, offshore and Eastern Sierras. Many people only fish one of those.

[Spektrum]

I'll second that. I assumed the original poster was primarily interested in lake fishing. The bay is a great place to fish. The same tactics that work for largemouth bass work there and the fish are much less cautious. I fish bay, lakes, kelp, offshore and Eastern Sierras. Many people only fish one of those.

Oh we’ve got no idea where he tried fishing.