Probably Going To Just Give Up!

[Big Bay Outdoors]

So, I went to Springfield lake this morning. Went under the 65 bridge at Evans road, got there about 4:45 am. Put the canoe in and started with spook jr (bass color). Switched back and forth between frogs, plastic worms (every color EVER MADE!!), drop shot, carolina rig, texas rig, Gulp alive minnows, crank baits, and deep divers! Not only did I not get 1 single hit on any of those costly baits I also fought the wind and the canoe that wanted to keep drifting completely in the wrong direction! On top of all of that my seat back broke! (I had back surgery in 2011, so you can imagine a seat back is something I could not live without) I decided to turn and head home at 8:30 am. After feeling 100% wore out I made it back to the ramp all the way from the main lake by 9:30 am. Yes it took me an hour to paddle back up to the ramp. NON STOP!

I believe I have said all of that to say this...... It may be time to hang the fishing up for a while!!

My wife would love it if I never went again, I think! The simple solution to this whole ordeal would be to just sit back relax and just wait until next year when the crappie fishing is good and its not so hot and we're not right in the middle of a drought!

I may just say FORGET IT and sell everything I have that has to do with fishing!!

I mean I've tried fishing the Finley for smallmouth and Table Rock for bass of all kinds and Stockton for crappie and bass but never have I ever caught fish on a consistent basis or in good numbers!!

What should I do??

Concerned and at one time avid fisherman......

[fishinwrench]

If quitting altogether is an option for you then maybe fishing isn't your thing..... after all, it's not for everyone.

I could quit smoking, sex, and food easier myself.

I have been frustrated before, similar to what I think you are. But the enthusiasm returns quickly.

[Wayne SW/MO]

It's tough this year with the exceptionally high temps and the lack of fresh water, but if the past is any example then cooler temps and hopefully some rain this fall will turn things around. Fall has always been my best time for fishing.

I'm sure they are deep and with the James coming into the lake and probably driving cooler water down in what isn't a big lake they can move where they want.

We also aren't getting overnight temps that will cool the surface water. Bass don't like 80 degrees and won't stay if they have a choice.

[mic]

You could do like me, grab some bait, beer, and rods and take up catfishing until the heat is up. Then hit it in the fall or spring.

[Big Bay Outdoors]

I don't WANT to give it all up, but man am I tired of putting so much time into it and not seeing the fruits of my labor!!

AND no I could not give up SEX OR FOOD!! Craziness!!

[jbtiwns30]

Im going to try tonight at the ozark park while the wife and the kids are playing at the park. I normally catch a few bass there we will see what happens tonight this time Im going to bring y cam with so what ever I catch Ill have pics of. The way I see it you cant catch fish in your house sitting on the couch, you might as well be out there throwing something at them. You get a bite or catch fish great but at least you have your freedom to be outside and do these things.

[Big Bay Outdoors]

I know that it seems as though I am complaining about one of the greatest outdoor hobbies in the world, but I guess it was just a bad day....... I don't work right now because I was medically retired from the Army (back surgery in above rant) and so I guess I'm just trying to keep myself busy with things I enjoy. It seems as though I can't even enjoy "catching" fish right now.

I know, I know gloom, despair and agony on me. Not going for the pity party at all, just hoping to get the right advice for catching some fish.

Like smallmouth in the Finley- what are you using? (I saw the post on the forum about Eakins rigs and others)

What about Crappie- how, what and when are the best times?

Largemouth- Do those spray attracters really work or am I wasting my money ?

If I post on here enough will my sub name change from bleeding shiner to something else?

What is the meaning of life....... Sorry got overwhelmed there

Does anyone know of a Christian outdoor group that meets like once a month to exchange stories and eat, maybe plan trips or something? Does anyone go to JRA?

[Wayne SW/MO]

I think Mic might have the best idea, at least he's getting his string pulled.

[dbaltz]

I went and pulled the sein net out and converted to live bait when times got tough.

[Jerry Rapp]

don't give up BBO. I have seen this so many times, and in a month or so, most regretted getting rid of all their stuff and had to go buy more. Take a break, even if for a month or until mid Sept when it starts cooling off some. Then try it again and maybe go to an ultra light with 6 lb line and a good old beetle spin. Catch some good panfish(you will catch several bass as well). When they are biting good, try to some other stuff. If they don't bite good, chalk up as experience but remember where you saw the most fish activity. Keep it simple and try to fish the better spots.