O.K. -- I've been fishing since I was 12. I'm now just shy of 70. Originally from Long Island N.Y., I've fished salt water all my life -- mostly inshore but some limited offshore experience.

I've not only fished, I've CAUGHT. Striped Bass, Bluefish, Fluke (what you call Flounder), Flounder, Sea Bass, Porgy, Lots and lots of Blackfish, etc., etc.

When we moved to Texas, we settled in Rowlett. Went to Texoma a number of times and was amazed at the fishery -- Striped Bass galore. Just amazing.

Finally got a boat. Rigged it to my liking - good fishfinder, trolling motor, etc. It's a 18 foot Lowe with dual consoles, and a 90hp Optimax.

Last year I had some success with Sand Bass, Hybrids, and even some Stripers (even though they don't stock Ray Hubbard with them).

Of late, I can't seem to catch a cold. Nothing, nada, zilch! That's not exactly true -- little fish, tiny fish, itty-bitty sand bass, with the occasional barely legal one. I no longer troll. Use the graph, look for boats, vary my retrieve, etc. I use slabs, jigs, tried spinner baits, etc.

Just can't seem to get out of my own way.

I'm not accustomed to this. In fact, I thought my Salt Water experience would be directly transferable to Sand Bass, Stripers, and Hybrids. It seems that it isnt.

I've also noticed other folks who catch - and seem to keep - the little "microfish". Have not noticed any large fish being landed.

Any suggestions (about fishing)?

I'm asking for help simply because trying harder while doing something wrong only makes it worse.

I too just started fishing Texoma. I have had mixed luck-my personal best is a 12 pounder. I was told to hire a guide once during each season so I could learn how to fish year round. I do love fishing for LMB at Texoma, I have better luck with them.

Thats the best advice, if you have experience but are having trouble, hire a guide.

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I'm sorry I was not clear -- I fish Ray Hubbard. Boat is at Ray Hubbard.

Last year, when I first went out -- I had reasonable success.

Figured it would only get better with more experience. It seems I have not learned enough.

Yesterday I told someone it's just my punishment for making fun of old people who couldn't catch fish, back when I was young.

I realize hiring a guide would be the way to go -- but, right now, I just can't afford it.

Oh well, I guess I'll just have to keep plugging along until something clicks -- or, the pattern changes, and the fish are willing to hit my lures.

Since I fish alone 99% of the time, I'm not under any pressure to catch lots and lots of fish. It's just a blow to my ego. I've been fishing for over 55 years, and have had quite a bit of success.

Right now, i'm disappointed in my ability to adapt to new conditions.

eleanor , Once late August gets here the fishing gets tough on Hubbard. It will pick up mid October. I have been catching good fish they last couple of times. Today I had to pick thru them for keeper and only fished for 3 hours. If I would have stayed longer today we would have caught more fish and better. They are starting to stack up again. We also found them in 19 ft water roaming. Just find the fish on the graph and reel up through them. You will start catching better fish here shortly.

I think that it's a little tough for everyone this time of year. Change is everywhere and fish are moving because so. Weather, temps, water temps, lake turning over in some cases, lake levels, wind, etc.

Fish can be scattered and catching keepers can be tough. Give it a little time. Let things settle down and once they do, the fish will gather at the usual spots for that time of year and the "catching" will be back on.

Just my opinion.

Hey, I'm right there with you. I HATE getting skunked. I only get to fish every other week or so, and I really try hard to have a successful trip (in some manner) each time - often to no avail.

My answer to this is to always have a "plan B". If I can't find sand bass, I'm putting my juglines out. Worst case, I'm coming home with a few nice blues for the freezer.

I'm still learning to fish lakes, having grown up fishing the river by my dad's place in Oklahoma. It's way different, and often really tough. You buy the right gear, go to the right spots, and work really hard, and sometimes it's not enough.

Ain't it fun though?

Ya gotta be flexible. If your target fish are not cooperating go for something else. I suggest trying your hand at crappie. Find some trees and brushpiles, find their depth and jerk some lip. If you want the thrill of some larger fish, go for carp. Ugly fish but 30#'s is still something to have fun with. For crappie check out Wally Marshalls #2 video as well as Mr. Paty's here on the TFF. I joined the CAT (Crappie Anglers of Texas) club and I have picked up more knowledge from these pros than most people ever dream of. This knowledge is also applicable to other species as well. A lot of bass records were set from crappie fishers.

Thanks for all the tips and feedback. Last week I picked up a really nice Crappie on a SLAB. I was casting along the rip-rap on the 30 -- on the lee side, just to get out of the wind. Slowed down and had a rap-rap - set the hook -- after a nice tussle, there was a nice sized Crappie. Must admit they really are good to eat.

Since I'm retired, have all my stuff at the boat, I tend to go out rather often. Stayed home today to do some chores -- might get out there tomorrow or Sunday - if the wind isn't too bad.

Aiming for a decent sized Hybrid -- they really are fun .

Again, thanks for the feedback and encouragement.

Listen to BigMack