bass fishing trouble

[mahdi]

I was fishing in San Pablo Reservoir in California. I was fishing Northeast of the reservoir. There were lots of trees in the water near the shoreline. I fished there. First, I was fishing a texas rigged red c tail worm. No bites. Then, I tried my rattlin rapala. Still no bites. I was so frustrated. I played around with the rigged worm well. The rapala had plenty of vibration. I'm sure it didn't scare the bass away because I was fishing in murky water. Also, I tried 2 or 3 trees. When am I going to get my first bass? I've done lots and lots of researching in the winter about them. Is there anything I did wrong?

[LgMouthGambler]

With the murky water you should try a 3/8oz jig. Something that gives a good "thump" when it hits the bottom. They may want it very slow as they may be bedding and not be very aggressive. You have to cover all angles and options of attack. Im sure there are bass in those trees, you just have to see what tickles their fancy.

[jocko]

First - don't get frustrated.  It's not golf,  fishing is fun whether your catching or not.

Second - might be many factors involved.  The bass could be on beds and the bite can be shut off as a result.  Murky water - and you may not notice the bedding activity.  Could be a cold front shut them down and you need to fish out alittle deeper.

I agree with LMBambler.  I would throw a chatterbait (black blue) with a paca craw trailer - something that is going to thump and make it easy for the bass to locate.  Perahps a square bill. 

I agree the rattling Rap should have also provided something for them to hone in on.  Perhaps they are spawning or moved out deeper due to a cold snap.  Let the water clear and warm and get back on them! 

[mahdi]

Thanks for the tips. The problem is I think I'm not going to be able to buy anymore lures. I need to make the lures that I have more useful.

[jocko]

The rattling rap - I take is a rattle trap type bait? 

Fish it out deeper.  Let it sink to the bottom and just make slight or little lifts to cause it to flutter instead of a steady retrieve.

What other lures do you have?

[mahdi]

I have a Strike king pro model crankbait series IXS extra shallow, a buzzbait, a Booyah spinnerbait, and a weedless jig.

[Loop_Dad]

I've never fished San Pablo, but many waters around here are in pre-spawn.

Like others said, many different factors. It could be as simple as someone fished there just before you showed up. 

I would just cover more area and search the fish. The fish might be there at the next point, you know.

[jocko]

Fish the jig.  Put a trailer on it.  If you are fishing from shore - throw it out as far as you can and get it down to the bottom and bring it back slow.  Take 10 minutes per cast.  1 inch crawls and then pause.  Watch your line and set on anything that feels different.

[mahdi]

I'll try that.

[SHEPHERD]

IS THIS YOUR LURE?



In muddy water make sure it has a rattle (which this one does) in it and you want this color (this one is citrus but as much Chartreuse as possible aka yellow)...the rattle will bring them close and the color will give them a target to strike at. Problem is it is so shallow...but, if you start casting right before sunrise in shallow water it should work. I like a lipped chartreuse crankbait with plenty rattle n' wobble in muddy water over a jig if you are on the bank...you can cover more water. Just cast until your arm falls off, put it back on and cast again lol. Being on the bank limits your options so you have to make up for it by casting more. Also, if you cannot get more lures modify the ones you have so you can do different things with them. For this crank i would keep a small wire handy so you can wrap it around the front hook to get it deeper...test it out at home to see how much wire you need for the desired depth.

[mahdi]

Thats my lure but in a different color. :)Also, you gave me a great tip about the wire. Thanks.