This is the 5th trip in my boat where I have struck out! I think I’m done… I bought a depth finder to locate structure and such, and still, nothing. Not a bite. My finder marked a total of 9 fish with 5 in one spot. I bottom rigged a minnow, floated a minnow, curled tail grub, trout trick, and STILL, NOTHING!
… Am I the ONLY one striking out? I’m having a pity party! Anyone wanna come? I’m also selling my boat. It’s a 14’ fiberglass, 1971 duncan craft w/ a 1999 Evinrude 6 horse-4 stroke motor that cranks everytime, 2 trolling motors (1 - 55lb thrust and 1- 35lb thrust) BRAND NEW PIRANHA MAX 170, DUAL BEAM DEPTH FINDER. I want $900 for all of it or I will take firearms for trade.
Don’t give up so quickly! I have been having much the same luck. One day I went so far as to take my kayak out to some known spots in the flats only to find that there was nobody home. I have been out about six times now, both freshwater and saltwater and have 3 trout, 2 blues and a croaker to show for it. Stay objective about it. Think about what you might be doing wrong and work to correct it. That is my problem. I get perhaps one weekend a month at the coast, two at best; so if I strke out, I have to think about it for 2-3 weeks.
Dude! Don’t give up! It was a tough day today. Do you have a trolling motor? That will help immensely to keep moving and find where the fish are. Today all the fish we found were schooled up in a few select spots if you didn’t find one - no fish. Keep at it and remember “what’s on your mind, goes down your line” so stay positive 
2000 SeaPro 180CC w/ Yammy 115 2 stroke
1966 13’ Boston Whaler w/ Merc 25 4 stroke “Flatty”
www.ralphphillipsinshore.com | www.summervillesaltwateranglers.com
Dustin when you want to fish, we will find some
experience noun \ik-#712;spir–#601;n(t)s
-
the fact or state of having been affected by or gained knowledge through direct observation or participation
-
that thing you get just moments after you needed it.
I am positive all day! LOL! So much so that my partner gets irritated! Every spot we hit… “I know there’s fish over there! That’s an awesome spot!” It’s only when I get home and rinse everything down and put my gear away that I realize I have the worst luck!..
quote:
Originally posted by OptikerDude! Don’t give up! It was a tough day today. Do you have a trolling motor? That will help immensely to keep moving and find where the fish are. Today all the fish we found were schooled up in a few select spots if you didn’t find one - no fish. Keep at it and remember “what’s on your mind, goes down your line” so stay positive
2000 SeaPro 180CC w/ Yammy 115 2 stroke
1966 13’ Boston Whaler w/ Merc 25 4 stroke “Flatty”
www.ralphphillipsinshore.com | www.summervillesaltwateranglers.com
That’s why they call it fishing, not catching…
We’re going soon then! If I don’t get a tight line soon I’m gonna be a regular at the fish market!! I’m addicted to tight lines like a junkie to a crack rock! Lmao! I’m slowly expanding my fishing zones, but just like learning your spots on a lake, I am trying to stick to a spot and learn the currents, drop offs, structure… It’s just not paying off. I thought for sure, by now, I would have had a semi successful trip! I have better luck off a dock.
quote:
Originally posted by Hurricane701Dustin when you want to fish, we will find some
experience noun \ik-#712;spir–#601;n(t)s
the fact or state of having been affected by or gained knowledge through direct observation or participation
that thing you get just moments after you needed it.
That’s why they call it fishing, not catching…
How many days have you actually been out in a boat in the waters in this area?
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Originally posted by RADDADDYHow many days have you actually been out in a boat in the waters in this area?
Good question. It takes a long time to notice patterns and whatnot. Persistence is key.
I didn’t catch anything today either. I tried some new lures and focused on putting my dad on some fish. Don’t give up. You’ll figure it out. It took me about a year to figure out saltwater as I made the switch from freshwater. It will pay off for you soon. The spring will be here before you know it, and things will pick up dramatically. You’ll also get more money for your boat if you wait until spring, so look at it that way too.
Semper Fi
18’ Sterling
115 Yamaha
Big Ugly Homemade Blue Push Pole
I don’t think you should have firearms
Vinman
“Every saint has a past, every sinner a future”
www.summervillesaltwateranglers.com
2011 Carolina Skiff 178DLV
90 HP Honda
Quite a bit, I think… Don’t laugh, but usually once a week. I usually launch around Remeley Point and fish the creeks or anything within a mile stretch or 2. Been to the jetties a few times, but that’s like cheating. I catch fish there every time I go. May not be what I want to catch, but I catch something. My boat is only capable of getting up in the creeks and such so I try to stay away from fast currents because it’s hard to maneuver my tiny boat and fish at the same time. I have fished the Ashley quite a few times and I have to say, even though a lot of people say the fishing sucks, I have better luck, but, again, the current makes it difficult to maneuver. Everyone says they did great on x and y, so when I go out I take x and y along with z to increase my odds. I carry 6 rods, all rigged for different methods. My grandfather uses nothing but shrimp (And I mean NOTHING BUT SHRIMP) and can catch any species he wants! It’s frustrating to see everyone using/swearing by the TT and slaying them, but no matter how fast or slow I fish it, nothing. I know I haven’t tried everything and saltwater fishing is a CONSTANTLY changing environment and is impossible to master in a lifetime. I’m usually really patient, but getting out on the water is too pricy to come up empty handed every time. I think I need to take advice given to me a while back and charter a boat and Captain to unlearn some bad techniques I may have learned. I love the saltwater because of the challenge, but, man!..
quote:
Originally posted by RADDADDYHow many days have you actually been out in a boat in the waters in this area?
That’s why they call it fishing, not catching…
Lmao! 
Why’s that??? I’m a responsible gun owner/handler! Don’t be a hippy!
quote:
Originally posted by VinmanI don’t think you should have firearms
Vinman
“Every saint has a past, every sinner a future”
www.summervillesaltwateranglers.com
2011 Carolina Skiff 178DLV
90 HP Honda
That’s why they call it fishing, not catching…
It’s all in the wrist.
As my Dad would say, “you ain’t holdin’ your mouth right”.
Ranger Bay 2000
Yamaha F-150
Molon Labe!
Until you have loved a dog, part of your soul remains unawakened. - Anatole France (paraphrased)
Riley, you will always be in my heart, I will always love and remember you. Thanks for the 8 years.
RIP my Puppy Dog 10/15/2004 - 1/14/2013
You’re fishing for the wrong reason lol.
You are fishing in one of the slowest possible times of the year, and one of the most mentally challenging times of the year (when the fish are stacked up in nervous, tight schools). Striking out as a rookie is exactly what you expect this time of year.
Don’t sell your boat, man, what a mistake that would be.
Keep in mind, the roe shad will be showing up in a matter of weeks (in bigger numbers in about 5-6 weeks), and they are not terribly hard to find and catch, and tons of fun.
I have a 14’ Starcraft aluminum I just bought and a 6 horse that needs some work. Once I get it running such that I can trust it(in a month or so), I’d love to team up with you somewhere like in the Cooper for some roe shad or other inshore fun.
That still doesn’t exactly answer the question. Sounds like you have unrealistic expectations per the amount of time you have spent on the water paying your dues. The people who are consistently successful this time of year, (or anytime for that matter), have logged thousands of hours on the water per a certain stretch of area or have been helped by people who have similar experience. Do yourself a favor and hire a reputable guide to teach you patterns that you can take to any area and have success in a short amount of time. A good captain will save you countless hours (and dollars) flogging away in unproductive waters with unproductive techniques.
quote:
Originally posted by Dustin ColeQuite a bit, I think… Don’t laugh, but usually once a week. I usually launch around Remeley Point and fish the creeks or anything within a mile stretch or 2. Been to the jetties a few times, but that’s like cheating. I catch fish there every time I go. May not be what I want to catch, but I catch something. My boat is only capable of getting up in the creeks and such so I try to stay away from fast currents because it’s hard to maneuver my tiny boat and fish at the same time. I have fished the Ashley quite a few times and I have to say, even though a lot of people say the fishing sucks, I have better luck, but, again, the current makes it difficult to maneuver. Everyone says they did great on x and y, so when I go out I take x and y along with z to increase my odds. I carry 6 rods, all rigged for different methods. My grandfather uses nothing but shrimp (And I mean NOTHING BUT SHRIMP) and can catch any species he wants! It’s frustrating to see everyone using/swearing by the TT and slaying them, but no matter how fast or slow I fish it, nothing. I know I haven’t tried everything and saltwater fishing is a CONSTANTLY changing environment and is impossible to master in a lifetime. I’m usually really
You will regret selling your boat…and since you say it is dependable I’m sure you couldn’t replace it for what you have in it. Even when I don’t catch anything I still feel blessed to be out there. So many folks wish they had a boat and could go. I would be able to fish from a dock or bank too…but it’s. oohing like having a boat where you can go wherever you want to. We shouldn’t have to convince you not to give up though…if you really love to fish as you say…then you won’t quit. Besides…didn’t you say you do catch at the jetties? I’m confused.
Don’t give up.
miss’n fish’n
212 SEAHUNT CC
Sea Squirt 16
In retrospect, I think I was just wore out… definitely not giving up fishing. A hiatus until spring maybe? XD
That’s why they call it fishing, not catching…
Been there bubba! Stick with it, it will get better, this is definitely a slow time so I don’t think it’s you. After much stubbornness I finally started to fish docks and that made a big difference, structure is important but I think docks are more important!!!
Dustin love this one. " Been to the jetties a few times, but that’s like cheating. I catch fish there every time I go." So call me “Lance” if I catching fish every time at the jetty’s. Here is your first and biggest mistake. You called your depth finder correctly then went to say it was marking fish. Only use that thing inshore for what it is, a depth finder, not a fish finder. I have skunked the last 3 times out but it will all change once spring arrives. Hang in there the fish will find you. Also don’t get caught up on the next big thing. Remember this; most lures and baits are made to catch people not fish. Dont give up on the TT’s they seem to be catching trout.
A wise man once said “Do as I say not as I do” Good advice when I tell you that.