I was trying to free yet another Ned rig from a snag when the pole snapped. Right after this I switched to my other pole and lost a top water frog in the branches on the other side of the river. I don’t know how many lures I’ve lost since I’ve picked this up a couple years ago, but I do know how many fish I’ve caught: 4. 4 fish in 2 years. 3 bass and one chain pickerel. I’ve thrown every kind of lure and worked them like the pros recommended. I know the spots near me are said to be bad, but I can’t take this anymore. Even when I’ve been to great spots in other states I manage to get skunked. All I wanted out of this hobby was to get outdoors and catch one here and there. I’m thoroughly discouraged from trying anymore. Is anyone else doing this badly?
Posted by BagOfLazers
2 Comments
All I can think of is a couple things. You’re using Lurs too big for the fish where you are at. Sometimes in waterways, they’re just not great for fish and not every body of water has 2+ pound Bass. Start with a small hook and half a worm. See what eats it, see the size fish. Then expand off that. Another thing could be things you’re doing during fishing, and what clothing you wear to scare the fish off. Honestly no clue, just giving my 2 cents here. Go small, then bigger.
That water is chocolate milk. I’m not surprised a ned rig not getting bit… they fish can’t see/find it. Assuming you’re targeting bass based on your mention of ned rig and frog, you’re going to want to use loud lures that vibrate or thump hard (rattle trap, colorado blade spinnerbait, chatterbait, etc) in dark colors (I’d honestly just use solid black) that will stand out in that murky water and the vibrations will help the fish track the lure. A little ned rig sitting still on the bottom in that muddy water will go unnoticed. And topwater frogs are usually not great picks for open water like that… they work better over weeds, matted vegetation, lily pads, etc.
And yeah, losing lure sucks but breaking rods sucks worse. I’d rather lose the lure than break a $200 trying to free a $5 lure. See if you can pop the lure free by pulling on the rod no harder than a normal hookset. If that doesn’t work, point your rod directly at the snag, grip your spool, and pull back to snap the line.