How long to spend on one bait

ny7y3 · 06-15-10, 01:32 PM

How long do you spend per lure when your not getting any hits before you switch it for something else?

screwballl · 06-15-10, 01:41 PM

There are so many different variables that you cannot put a time on something like that.

Sometimes 5 minutes tells you all you need to know, other times an hour will get you a few stumpers and lead you to that double digit beast...

cassidyta · 06-15-10, 03:22 PM

Like screwball said, it is hard to put a time on it. If it is clear water and I can see them, then not too much. If I am working a rockpile or stickup, maybe more.
When you say per bait/lure it can mean a couple of different things. I may change bait color and keep the same presentation all day. (IE changing out drop shot colors) Or I may switch to an entirely different technique.

The only thing I will say is that my changes are less frequent as the day goes on. First thing in the morning when the bass are active, I may only give a bait 15-20 casts. By lunch time I am usually sticking to a single crank or plastic for an hour or so.

Raul · 06-15-10, 03:51 PM

I don´t fish by the clock.

Bryan · 06-15-10, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ny7y3

How long do you spend per lure when your not getting any hits before you switch it for something else?

I'll fish a lure until I lose confidence in it. Might be one cast, might be hundreds.

CamG · 06-15-10, 06:14 PM

Like was stated...too many variables.

I switch it up probably more often than I should. That's the benefit of having multiple rods strung out. I have a set 5 lures that I start with on every trip and have confidence in them all.

keithdog · 06-15-10, 06:32 PM

I usually have 8-9 rods rigged for various situations that I think I will probably be wanting to exploit that day. Depending on conditions I'll spend anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour if I really believe a certain lure is going to work. But as I move around the lake I'm switching rods rather quickly determined by what I'm casting to and how I want to work over an area. Each form of cover has a best application, and so I'm going to zero in with "that" application for "that" form of cover or structure.

bassinbob · 06-15-10, 06:39 PM

I might give it 15 or so casts and then switch. If I move to another spot I'll do the same.
The only time I don't switch is when I am fishing pads with a toad or using one bait I want to get some time with. I also have multiple rods set up and ready to go. The only time I switch with a toad is when I get a big blowup. I'll bring the toad over the same spot three times and if no hits I try something different over the blowup spot.

nofearengineer · 06-15-10, 08:02 PM

I'm with Keith.

I start my day with 8 rigs already set up, generally in a selection that will hopefully narrow it down; i.e, several colors, depths, sizes, etc.

I think there was some truth to what WTL said in another post, that is, the morning is when you are searching, and burning through different baits, looking for the flavor of the day. Hopefully, by lunch time, you've figured it out.

CMorg · 06-15-10, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nofearengineer

I'm with Keith.

I start my day with 8 rigs already set up, generally in a selection that will hopefully narrow it down; i.e, several colors, depths, sizes, etc.

I think there was some truth to what WTL said in another post, that is, the morning is when you are searching, and burning through different baits, looking for the flavor of the day. Hopefully, by lunch time, you've figured it out.

Sometimes the flavor of the day shuts down at 10am...

Rebbasser · 06-15-10, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keithdog

I usually have 8-9 rods rigged for various situations that I think I will probably be wanting to exploit that day. Depending on conditions I'll spend anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour if I really believe a certain lure is going to work. But as I move around the lake I'm switching rods rather quickly determined by what I'm casting to and how I want to work over an area. Each form of cover has a best application, and so I'm going to zero in with "that" application for "that" form of cover or structure.

Yep-start with what I think will work and then rotate through them. There really isn't a set time-like many said, way too many variables to have a set time.

BassFeverJohn · 06-16-10, 04:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rebbasser

Yep-start with what I think will work and then rotate through them. There really isn't a set time-like many said, way too many variables to have a set time.

This describes how I do it.

walkeraviator · 06-16-10, 06:33 AM

this is also where having a buddy in the boat is helpful... you should be working different depths of teh water column and different speed, colors, sizes, etc. It makes finding the flavor of the day faster...

Cavs1123 · 06-16-10, 08:58 AM

I spend 10 to 15 mnutes on each.

geezer1 · 06-17-10, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bryan

I'll fish a lure until I lose confidence in it. Might be one cast, might be hundreds.

I'm like Bryan on this one.

Snake2715 · 06-18-10, 10:27 AM

Here is the rule of thumb I am really starting to use.

in 15 minutes if I dont produce a fish, or some decent hits and misses...

I change. Now that doesnt mean I have to change the lure. Change the presention, speed, action, retreive, etc. Sometimes same lure different color.

I do that until I start to produce and then work that until I get a lull again. Then the process starts over.

15 minutes and adjust. That has really helped me get out of the lull of throwing alld ay and coming home with regrets.

HarveysMinnow · 06-27-10, 08:26 AM

As others have pointed out, there are so many variables to deal with. Maybe that in itself is part of what makes Bass fishing so enjoyable. We go to the water with the expectation that on the very next cast, we're going to tie into a winner. And most of us keep that expectation throughout the day, cast after cast, because we know that sooner or later something is going to work. We all probably have favorites - lures we have more faith in - and those are the ones I usually try first. If they don't bring results, there's plenty more alternatives in the tackle box.

Try looking at things from Mr. Bass' perspective. Does that 'thing' that just hit the surface look appetizing? Is he even hungry? If not, are you going to be able to make him mad enough to strike after 40 or 50 casts? Bass may not 'think' in the same complex terms as humans, but they have instincts and preferences, and who's to say that their preferences don't change from day to day. One thing is certain: Bass are a fickle lot, and if any one bait or technique was proven to consistently out-produce all others, then every fisherman would be using that exclusively. When you look at it that way, all the tackle manufacturers should be thanking the Bass for being so wary and unpredictible.

so, just remember...

bamabassman · 06-27-10, 09:03 AM

i will have to agree with just about everyones point of view.....too many variables really. favorite baits and presentations are what makes us change baits and also the way we present them. we might be using a certain bait and after a while, use another. but them we (well i do this sometimes)will look at what we were using and remember to try it differently. pick it bak up and try again, in a different way. like nofear and most others here, i have 7-9 rods rigged with things i think (or HOPE anyway,lol) will narrow things down a bit. time on the water will dictate what we have faith in using. and therefore what we rig up to start the day with.

Bassboss · 06-27-10, 09:18 AM

Well, most of time I'll change colors before I change lures completely. Usually, it'll take half hour or so, before I have the feeling to change. It's almost a learned gut feeling, you'll know when you need to change. If I don't get bit on a few colors, I'll change lures. For example if I'm catching them on worms, for a while, and then they stop, I'll change over to a creature bait, or a jig. If I start catching them on TW early in the morning, and than the sun gets a little and I stop getting hit on the TW, I'll change to a spinnerbait. It's not a drastic change, but sometimes it's enough to get hit!

The reason I only make gradual changes, if because I was doing something right before, so I don't wanna change my presentation all they way!

See what I'm saying?

Ebbetsguy · 07-03-10, 06:06 PM

Since on most days, on a given body of water there are usually a few patterns going on. Some of those patterns will produce better fish than others, then sunlight or weather changes and so do the patterns.
I find one of the most frustrating things about this sport is to have a few rigs set up, spend some time , nail the pattern I am comfortable with and then the fish change up

, which is why they call it fishing and not catching!

ted48 · 07-04-10, 01:09 PM

Give the bait a fair chance in cover it was designed for and then change. Alwasy remember the Bass dont read the atricles you read or see the Videos. Let the Bass tell you what they want and you will be more successful.

BassFeverJohn · 07-04-10, 01:24 PM

I tell ya, I have been getting very impatient lately. I have started going over an area twice then switching up retrieves, colors, and it that doesn't work I switch out baits. With three rods it is easy to go back and forth easily from worms to cranks etc..

Jrob78 · 07-04-10, 01:37 PM

Like others have said, I normally get all my rods rigged up with the baits I want to start with on a given day. Those vary depending on the conditions and where I am fishing. I am definitely guilty of not having enough patience and not sticking with a given bait long enough.

06-15-10, 01:32 PM	#1
ny7y3 BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 6	How long to spend on one bait How long do you spend per lure when your not getting any hits before you switch it for something else?

06-15-10, 03:22 PM	#3
cassidyta BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 2,928	Like screwball said, it is hard to put a time on it. If it is clear water and I can see them, then not too much. If I am working a rockpile or stickup, maybe more. When you say per bait/lure it can mean a couple of different things. I may change bait color and keep the same presentation all day. (IE changing out drop shot colors) Or I may switch to an entirely different technique. The only thing I will say is that my changes are less frequent as the day goes on. First thing in the morning when the bass are active, I may only give a bait 15-20 casts. By lunch time I am usually sticking to a single crank or plastic for an hour or so. __________________ If you have ever wondered if you should retie, the answer is yes.

06-15-10, 06:39 PM	#8
bassinbob BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Pitts. Pa. Posts: 3,801	I might give it 15 or so casts and then switch. If I move to another spot I'll do the same. The only time I don't switch is when I am fishing pads with a toad or using one bait I want to get some time with. I also have multiple rods set up and ready to go. The only time I switch with a toad is when I get a big blowup. I'll bring the toad over the same spot three times and if no hits I try something different over the blowup spot. __________________ you can have my fishin rod when ya take it from my cold dead hands

06-15-10, 08:02 PM	#9
nofearengineer BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southwest IN Posts: 5,630	I'm with Keith. I start my day with 8 rigs already set up, generally in a selection that will hopefully narrow it down; i.e, several colors, depths, sizes, etc. I think there was some truth to what WTL said in another post, that is, the morning is when you are searching, and burning through different baits, looking for the flavor of the day. Hopefully, by lunch time, you've figured it out. __________________ Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing it is not fish they are after.

06-16-10, 08:58 AM	#14
Cavs1123 BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Bellevue, Ohio Posts: 1,398	I spend 10 to 15 mnutes on each. __________________ Tom

06-15-10, 01:41 PM	#2
screwballl BassFishin.Com Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: NWFL Posts: 654	There are so many different variables that you cannot put a time on something like that. Sometimes 5 minutes tells you all you need to know, other times an hour will get you a few stumpers and lead you to that double digit beast...

06-15-10, 03:51 PM	#4
Raul BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,030	I don´t fish by the clock.

06-15-10, 06:14 PM	#6
CamG BassFishin.Com Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Superior, NE Posts: 974	Like was stated...too many variables. I switch it up probably more often than I should. That's the benefit of having multiple rods strung out. I have a set 5 lures that I start with on every trip and have confidence in them all.

06-15-10, 06:32 PM	#7
keithdog BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: IN Posts: 8,308	I usually have 8-9 rods rigged for various situations that I think I will probably be wanting to exploit that day. Depending on conditions I'll spend anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour if I really believe a certain lure is going to work. But as I move around the lake I'm switching rods rather quickly determined by what I'm casting to and how I want to work over an area. Each form of cover has a best application, and so I'm going to zero in with "that" application for "that" form of cover or structure.

06-16-10, 06:33 AM	#13
walkeraviator BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 1,119	this is also where having a buddy in the boat is helpful... you should be working different depths of teh water column and different speed, colors, sizes, etc. It makes finding the flavor of the day faster...

06-18-10, 10:27 AM	#16
Snake2715 BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Mid Michigan Posts: 249	Here is the rule of thumb I am really starting to use. in 15 minutes if I dont produce a fish, or some decent hits and misses... I change. Now that doesnt mean I have to change the lure. Change the presention, speed, action, retreive, etc. Sometimes same lure different color. I do that until I start to produce and then work that until I get a lull again. Then the process starts over. 15 minutes and adjust. That has really helped me get out of the lull of throwing alld ay and coming home with regrets. __________________ -Josh

06-27-10, 08:26 AM	#17
HarveysMinnow BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Central NC Posts: 224	As others have pointed out, there are so many variables to deal with. Maybe that in itself is part of what makes Bass fishing so enjoyable. We go to the water with the expectation that on the very next cast, we're going to tie into a winner. And most of us keep that expectation throughout the day, cast after cast, because we know that sooner or later something is going to work. We all probably have favorites - lures we have more faith in - and those are the ones I usually try first. If they don't bring results, there's plenty more alternatives in the tackle box. Try looking at things from Mr. Bass' perspective. Does that 'thing' that just hit the surface look appetizing? Is he even hungry? If not, are you going to be able to make him mad enough to strike after 40 or 50 casts? Bass may not 'think' in the same complex terms as humans, but they have instincts and preferences, and who's to say that their preferences don't change from day to day. One thing is certain: Bass are a fickle lot, and if any one bait or technique was proven to consistently out-produce all others, then every fisherman would be using that exclusively. When you look at it that way, all the tackle manufacturers should be thanking the Bass for being so wary and unpredictible. so, just remember... __________________ It's time for less talk and more fishing!

06-27-10, 09:03 AM	#18
bamabassman BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: cedar bluff, alabama Posts: 15,292	i will have to agree with just about everyones point of view.....too many variables really. favorite baits and presentations are what makes us change baits and also the way we present them. we might be using a certain bait and after a while, use another. but them we (well i do this sometimes)will look at what we were using and remember to try it differently. pick it bak up and try again, in a different way. like nofear and most others here, i have 7-9 rods rigged with things i think (or HOPE anyway,lol) will narrow things down a bit. time on the water will dictate what we have faith in using. and therefore what we rig up to start the day with. __________________ so many lures, so little time.

06-27-10, 09:18 AM	#19
Bassboss BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Shawano, WI Posts: 7,761	Well, most of time I'll change colors before I change lures completely. Usually, it'll take half hour or so, before I have the feeling to change. It's almost a learned gut feeling, you'll know when you need to change. If I don't get bit on a few colors, I'll change lures. For example if I'm catching them on worms, for a while, and then they stop, I'll change over to a creature bait, or a jig. If I start catching them on TW early in the morning, and than the sun gets a little and I stop getting hit on the TW, I'll change to a spinnerbait. It's not a drastic change, but sometimes it's enough to get hit! The reason I only make gradual changes, if because I was doing something right before, so I don't wanna change my presentation all they way! See what I'm saying? __________________ If you can't fix it with heavy squats or fish oil, you're probably going to die.

07-03-10, 06:06 PM	#20
Ebbetsguy BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Sacramento, California Posts: 483	Since on most days, on a given body of water there are usually a few patterns going on. Some of those patterns will produce better fish than others, then sunlight or weather changes and so do the patterns. I find one of the most frustrating things about this sport is to have a few rigs set up, spend some time , nail the pattern I am comfortable with and then the fish change up , which is why they call it fishing and not catching!

07-04-10, 01:09 PM	#21
ted48 BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Mooresville, indiana Posts: 32	Give the bait a fair chance in cover it was designed for and then change. Alwasy remember the Bass dont read the atricles you read or see the Videos. Let the Bass tell you what they want and you will be more successful.

07-04-10, 01:24 PM	#22
BassFeverJohn BassFishin.Com Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Middleburg, Flawda Posts: 548	I tell ya, I have been getting very impatient lately. I have started going over an area twice then switching up retrieves, colors, and it that doesn't work I switch out baits. With three rods it is easy to go back and forth easily from worms to cranks etc.. __________________ Ish?

07-04-10, 01:37 PM	#23
Jrob78 BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 4,671	Like others have said, I normally get all my rods rigged up with the baits I want to start with on a given day. Those vary depending on the conditions and where I am fishing. I am definitely guilty of not having enough patience and not sticking with a given bait long enough.

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