Change It Up
If the fish aren't biting, don't just wait it out—make a change. Fish can be picky, and sometimes even small adjustments can trigger a bite.
Try switching up one or more of these:
- Lure type: Go from a crankbait to a soft plastic, or from live bait to a spinner.
- Color: On cloudy days, darker lures work well; on sunny days, brighter colors often stand out.
- Depth: Fish may be hanging out higher or lower in the water column than you think. Adjust your float or use a weighted lure.
- Retrieve speed: Slow it down, speed it up, or add a twitch—sometimes an erratic movement triggers a reaction bite.
- Location: Even just moving 10–15 feet along the bank or shoreline can make a difference.
The key is to stay active and observant. Fish respond to environmental changes, and the more you adapt, the better your chances.