It happens to the best of them. Sometimes, things just aren't going right on the water, and it seems like you can't catch a cold. There are usually no defined reasons why it may happen, but it does, and it seems like others are succeeding on the water everywhere you look. If you ever find yourself in this situation, here are a few ways to bust out of your fishing slump.
Get back to the basics
Bass fishing at its roots is pretty simple, and it's easy to realize that when you look at old vintage fishing tackle. It doesn't take much to fool a hungry or curious bass, but we often complicate things with the latest and greatest lures and gear. They work and have their place, but sometimes, it makes sense to return to the basics and stick with what's worked for you for years. Returning to your favorite lures and techniques from the past can help.
When you first started bass fishing, it may have been with simple lures like a spinnerbait or Texas-rigged plastic worm. Those techniques still work great, and it can pay big dividends to return to the simple things and go with the tried-and-true lures that have worked for decades. It's worth a shot, and you might rediscover an old favorite way of catching bass.
Another way to get back to the basics might be to go fishing where you know you will catch fish. It sounds obvious, but it could be fishing a farm pond, canal, or somewhere the bass are not as picky. It may be a great way to get back into the swing of things and reignite the passion for fishing, as this is where many of us started our bass fishing journey.
Take a break from social media
If you are into fishing, you likely have a good network of fishing buddies on social media and follow all the popular fishing pages. It's great to stay connected and see what's happening, but it can hurt sometimes. When you are in a bass fishing slump, it can seem like everyone is catching fish, and big ones are everywhere you look. Even in the often over-glorified realm of social media, it can hurt your confidence to see others posting about their successes.
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A simple Texas Rig and other classic techniques will help you return to fishing your best. While you find yourself in a fishing slump, it can pay to avoid the distractions for a little while. It won't be forever, but giving yourself a break from social media can help to keep you focused and work your way back into fishing like yourself.
Chase other species
Chances are you started your fishing journey going after anything that would bite. Many of us started chasing bluegill and other fish that always seemed to be biting. If you find yourself in a bass fishing slump, switching gears and targeting those other species will ensure that you catch something and may be just what you need to find your 'slump buster' and get you back to feeling confident bass fishing. If nothing else, it's fun and can remind you why you started fishing in the first place.
Another option if you live close to saltwater is fishing for something new in the salt. It's difficult, but something is always willing to bite in saltwater environments. Going after these fish can significantly help your chances of working yourself out of a bass fishing slump.
Take someone new to fishing
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Taking a kid fishing is a great way to reset, take things less seriously, and get out of your bass fishing slump. Like chasing other species, fishing with anglers who don't fish often or ever can help rekindle your love of fishing. It might be what you need to start fishing well again. Taking a kid fishing is one way to do this. You will remember the simple joys of being on the water and experiencing things through their eyes, which might be just what you need. The little things you often overlook because you've seen them so many times are unique and special to kids and can bring up your memories of being that age and yearning to know more about fishing.
Even if it's not a young angler, taking someone who doesn't fish much can also help change your view of fishing. The simple questions asked to you and how you are forced to explain things at a basic level can spur your thinking and remind you to get back to the basics and focus on the little details that make you successful on the water.
Fish your way out of it
This one is pretty simple, but sometimes, you must stick with it and keep fishing until things click. Using the above strategies and fishing as much as possible helps you start to cure your fishing slump. Even if things aren't working out, fishing as much as possible is fun and a passion if you are reading this.
Instead of taking things seriously and overthinking them, try fishing a brand new body of water or challenge yourself to look for new fishing spots on your home lake. This change of regimen and not going to the same old fishing spots may become the adventure you need to break out of that fishing slump.
Finding yourself in a fishing slump is no fun, and even if it is short-lived, it seems to drag on forever. These things can help change the slump's course and remind you of the joys of bass fishing and why you were drawn to it in the first place.
