Living Proof: Forward Facing Sonar Doesn't Catch Fish For You | Winter Bass Fishing SOS

They say, a bad day of fishing is better than a good day of work. But what if you like your job? And what if you just can't brush the skunk off? Against my better judgement, I'd have to admit, there are some good days at work that are better than bad days of fishing. Especially during the winter.
Winter is one of my favorite times of year to fish. There's minimal pressure, you don't sweat your a$$ off and I have more freedom from dad duties, work duties, etc. But, that doesn't mean the fishing is easy or even good for that matter. Despite having more tackle than I know what to do with, electronics that allow me to see fish eat my bait and multiple days on the water in December, I've come up empty handed in the past 4 outings. Barely a bite to speak of, but plenty of fish seen on livescope (for all the FFS haters, it doesn't catch the fish for you and I'm living proof)...
So, here it is, I'm asking for your help! If you're a bass fisherman that's also struggling with the winter fishing blues, let me know! If you're a bass fisherman that once struggle with the winter fishing blues, shoot over some tips. If you've NEVER been skunked and NEVER had the winter fishing blues, move along.
Enjoy the video and tune in again! We won't be letting the winter blues stop us from getting on the water.

[@SBD36]

We've all been there, we get in a rut and just stay on the gas pedal when we should be turning the steering wheel and fail to adapt. What stood out me is that it's winter and you showed 8 different rigs and only 2 of them is what I'd consider finesse. Consider going out on your next trip with only finesse setups on deck, maybe even step out of the box with a few rigs that don't get fished much; splitshot rig, slider rig, roadrunner, free-rig, micro jig, etc.

[@thekurrent]

I appreciate the tips and totally agree! While I’m stuck in this rut, I keep convincing myself I’m doing the right thing, just one piece of the puzzle is missing. In all likelihood, it’s multiple pieces, and like you said, I need to give a turn with the steering wheel! I’ll give some of those rigs you mentioned a shot and will keep the adapt mentality in mind. Thanks again for connecting and hope you’re catching them this winter!

[@midiowafishing]

Maybe a really slow suspending jerkbait or slow dragging a Carolina rig. It's cold sometimes you gotta run real slow.

[@marine1341]

I’m with ya Brother!! Moved to a new state. Bought a new boat. Had a great spring, summer lost it all summer for warranty…pretty good fall. Got way busy. Then they dropped the water 12+ft. Oh… and Georgia spotted bass are much different to largemouth in the Midwest. All the content, all local baits now, ffs, and low numbers in the boat. see 15lb bags at local 4 hour tournaments. Keep putting in the work. It will come.

[@thekurrent]

I appreciate the encouragement!! My story is pretty similar, so definitely know the struggle you’re in. Regardless of the catching, I’m gonna keep fishing! Hope you’re doing the same.
By the way, I’ve got plans for a few GA and SC trips this year. Between Lanier, Chatuge, Hartwell & Murray, I’m hoping the bite fires up during my time there!

[@marine1341]

@@thekurrent all good lakes. Allatoona is my home lake. Lanier, an hour away, has incredible fishing with size and numbers.

[@berniestewart1738]

Osborne Landing, I’m sure you have eaten at the Lily Pad. It’s a great place to watch people attempt to back a trailer in the summer.

[@thekurrent]

Yessir! Great place after hitting the water and no question on the hilarious sights at that boat ramp.
Thanks for connecting! Tight lines

[@Snoop12922]

Ok brother heres a little bit to help you out in the James out if Osborne in the winter. Now I can’t share a tremendous amount because I fish a lot of tournaments out of there (I will have to give you my email sometime) 1 Those conditions were tough. Post frontal with all of the washout from the city is brutal, typically that means I am going to not fish the main river because of the color, and floating trees. 2 when you leave Osborne and go left (down) the main river the first pit you get tto on the right is good in the winter. Just go in and side scan you will see what I mean. 3. The creek in front of the power station (Dutch Gap) would have normally been good but you had a lot of cold dirty water flowing. 4. The Barge Pits!!!! (Dutch Gap Conservation Area) thats the best area in the winter time. The water is probably 15 degrees warmer in there because that is where the hit water from the power plant is discharged. Now if you go in there BECAREFUL! The barge pits are no joke! When you turn in and start seeing barges, shut your motor off and use your trolling motor until you get to know the area in there, even better if you can follow someone else in there.
5 You were throwing some good baits but.... down size your jig to 1/4oz black with a chunk style trailer, your jerkbait was right but the wrong color (dark back like black or purple) that fades into silver or clear sides. Hope this helps. Overall the Pits are the way to go in the winter. See you on the water my friend.

[@thekurrent]

Man! Excellent feedback-really appreciate the tips and words of wisdom. The spots you mentioned are places I’ve been frequenting (the pits, Dutch gap, barge pit) and while others are finding them in there, I just can’t seem to crack the code. Conditions are definitely not great, but I’m still fishing with guys that are finding them. In fact, I fished a little derb out of Osborne on Saturday and blanked again while others caught a few (no one had a 5 fish limit and a few others were skunked too).
I’m still taking it all in as a newbie to the area and am enjoying the ride, just trying to learn. But when I can’t even catch a clue, it gets tough! It’s not gonna stop me though. Hope to see ya out there-holler if you do.

[@gslang3489]

When all else fails, go to ned rig or stroll a shakey head. Also dead stick a weightless fluke.

[@thekurrent]

Ned and shakey head are always on the deck. Love the fluke for spring - fall but haven’t tried it in the winter. Will give it a go. Thanks for the tip-hope you’ve got them dialed in this winter!

[@gslang3489]

@thekurrent my pb was dead sticking a 5 inch fluke in December. I'd cast it, let it sit for about 15 seconds then give it a twitch. Let it sit for 10-15 seconds. Do that 3 or 4 times then reel back and cast again.

[@MrGitzet]

Sometimes when it’s not going according to plan, you need to just forget about all the cool stuff you bought from watching TH-cam videos and just simplify. Just throw tiny jigs, Ned rigs, 5” shakeys and even a drop shot. Forget what you think is supposed to work. Just fish! Yes! At this point, the problem is between your ears. I know! I’ve made it way harder than it needs to be too 😂😂
Or, you could watch more TH-cam videos. Just kidding 😂😂😂

[@thekurrent]

1000% spot on! The funny thing is I’m throwing all those things too. Shakey head, Ned and drop shot are on the deck 24/7, but like you said, I’m getting too stuck on: 1) whats worked for me in the past 2) what I think is supposed to work. Next trip I’m committing to those three and hopefully my next fishing video will be of me breaking the skunk. Appreciate the feedback!

[@mikemunny]

Put the fluke on a shakeyhead and leave the rest of your rods at the house lol... skip it at EVERYTHING... esp deeper docks in the 10-18ft range and down absolutely do-nothing plain looking banks and bluff walls... and even if you dont choose to fish that, whatever you pick up, stick with it, simplify the process and limit second guessing yourself.. it will get better bro

[@mikemunny]

And to provide a little bit of context to my understanding of your situation, lol, I've fished my whole life.. and in 2015 I decided to start fishing the BFL's as a co... I went into it all extremely confident .. steep learning curve lol.. I blanked the first 4, and 8 out of the first 10 events I fished.. and the 2 events I did weigh in, was 1 fish.. it was extremely frustrating and disheartening and expensive without any sort of ROI lol... but I finally figured it out, made back to back top 10's the next two events I fished, qualified for regionals in 2 separate divisions the following year and made 2 more top 10's.
I simplified the process, kept faith in my abilities, and everything got easier. and while the advice I gave you may not put you on the winning fish, sometimes the first one is the hardest one to catch... and if they aint eating a shakeyhead, they aint eating NOTHIN LOL...
Just trust your gut and keep it simple... and trust me, when it IS your time to shine, you couldn't get out of the way of it no matter how hard you tried..I havent been able to tournament fish the past couple of years, but am gonna try to get back at it this year if all goes well.. and planning to start a YT channel of my own to give what advice and encouragement and entertainment I can to anyone fishing or wanting to fish, whether its for fun, or tournaments, or what.. and best of luck on your channel too bro I just found ya, got my sub 👍 lol sorry for the novel 😂

[@thekurrent]

@@mikemunny big time appreciate the words of encouragement and sharing your story and knowledge.
Definitely agree with your consensus… if they ain’t on the shakey head, you know it’s gonna be a hard day!! The frustrating part is I’m fishing some local derbs with hammers that know the river: they catch em no matter what. And the worst part: those dudes aren’t relying on the shakey head, dropshot, etc.
Either, way, head down, still fishing! This is my year!

[@jiggaweat]

Bro..... Muddy water , climate change, under currents changes causing what is been said " cautious bites with sonar pings and trolling motor noise ...all this happening this time of year is common... Find a good time being on the water in a nice boat with a good friend and obviously a good wife. Tomorrow might be the PB or another skunk but either way YOU OUT THERE HOMIE...

[@thekurrent]

I hear you boss. Like I say, the skunk won’t get me off the water, but I damn sure would like to figure them out and find a bit more of a consistent bite. Even if it’s 1 or 2 bites. Feels like I’m doing everything right, minus getting them to bite!
Regardless, thanks for the note! I totally agree with you and that’s what keeps me coming back and keeps me casting. Next cast could be a PB and the next trip could be the best I’ve had.