Over the last several years I have had the opportunity to participate in multiple different fishing seminars, most of them sponsored by our website. Topics of discussion have ranged from fishing structure for trout to blue water trolling and presenters have ranged from mature anglers (in their late sixties) that have been fishing the lowcountry for the past 60 or so years to young (in their twenties) inshore guides that make a living putting customers on fish 300 plus days a year. No matter the topic nor the presenter one question that always seems to come up is, “How long do you fish a spot, without a bite before moving?” Surprisingly from the most patient to the antsy, almost all respond “depending on the situation, but usually about 30-minutes.”
Keeping in mind that fish, their locations, and their feeding habits are controlled by literally thousands of different factors therefore; even the experts have trouble judging how long to remain in a location before or between bites. Catching fish is a science and therefore you must be analytical in your approach. Consider these factors when fishing a spot and weather to move. Note: The factors listed below are vast. The purpose of this article is simply to be thought provoking and to assist you in better analyzing where you fish.
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Why are you fishing where you are fishing? The ocean and coastal areas are vast, but only a few areas actually hold fish. Have you picked a spot for a reason (i.e., structure, depth change, temperature change?)
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Confidence in a spot? Have you caught fish, seen fish caught or at least heard of fish being caught there recently? Fish are always on the move, just because they were there 2-weeks ago does not mean that they are still going to be in that location again.
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Are you fishing a spot for the first time? Does it at least have 2-things in common with others spots where you catch fish? What kind of influence may the tide have on the spot? I usually fish a new location at least 5 times around the different tides to find th