This is my first time posting here, but I've been reading posts for a couple weeks before today. I need help. I've been fishing in DFW for the past two months, Lake Worth, Benbrook, Trinity River, Lewisville, and even a few places up in Oklahoma. I haven't even managed to get a nibble. I used to fish all the time when I was in Boy Scouts, now that I'm in college I'm attempting to return to the fishing world. I'm still motivated, but I think it's time I sought help. Has this ever happened to anyone, where they get in a rut and can't seem to catch anything?

If it helps any, I can tell you what I've been using. I have an Ugly Stik GX2 with 8 pound line, doing crankbaits/jigs/spinners, and then I have an Ugly Stik Catfish Combo with 17 pound test, usually with a 3-way swivel and a circle hook baited with dried shad I got from Academy. I typically fish for around 1-2 hours at a time, trying a few spots here and there. So far, nothing. I don't have access to a boat, so I'm stuck with fishing from the bank.
Is there anything I should try, or a place go to where I can end my skunk?


I'm sorry if this sounded like whining, that wasn't my intention. Really at the end of the day, I just need advice. Maybe a back to basics approach, what do you all do when you all fish from the bank? Where do you cast? What sort of area are you looking for?

Typically for catfish you need fresh bait. Invest in a cast net and use fresh shad and the fish will come. Also for catfish I like to use Dead Red spray on my bait to speed up the bite. As for bank fishing for bass I'm probably not the best for information.

I've been skunked a lot lately as well, until last Friday.
I caught my first bass in quite a while.

I sometimes think I cannot tell a bite from a lure hitting the ground or a a piece of cover.

Keep using different baits, move around and cast at angles until you end up hitting the shore from left to right, or right to left.

Also, "worm the corners."

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I have two cast nets, a 3-foot and a 5-foot. I'm not sure where to throw it though, with being stuck on the bank and all. The 3-foot net has a way longer rope compared to the 5-foot. So from the bank, where should I throw it? What sort of places I mean.

Docks and boat ramps are favorable places. Sandy beaches and tail races in rivers are productive. I primarily fish from the bank and usually catch something most every time out. I have had to wash the skunk off a few times as well. What area do you live in?

Fort Worth

Maybe we could go fishing sometime and I could help you out. I'm off work right now because of the COVID-19. Let me know if that's something you would like to do? I live in Hurst. Also add your location to your profile.

When fishing for catfish, how long do you let your bait stay in the water until you check? How far/deep should I be trying to put my bait? Same goes for bass too, how long do I stay in one spot before I move?

I did not think this topic was a "catfish" topic.

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Sorry if I messed up! I asked about bass too, if you noticed. Really I don't have a preference on specific types of fish, at this point I am willing to catch anything.

Bait may be your main problem. I would fish with earthworms to break your slump. A whole earthworm will catch sunfish, catfish, bass, drum, carp, etc. Fish in a spot for 15 to 30 minutes and if you don’t catch something, then move. If you catch a non-game fish, cut it up for cut-bait. Put out a couple of rods with bait, then throw a rattle trap or spinner to see if any bass are around.

If you had read his entire post you would have known it was a "multi-species" topic!

Hey Cat63,
Who are you calling a troll?
Here's what the topic stated... "I have an Ugly Stik GX2 with 8 pound line, doing crankbaits/jigs/spinners."

You turned it into a catfish topic, and maybe that's your addiction.

Do not lambaste other fishermen dude. IN65

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My kind of fishing!

Once again you only read part of his post! Read the entire post then you can apologize to me and Andrew 32198. He posted an apology because you made him feel like he made a mistake posting about both bass and catfish. He is new on here and you're making people feel unwelcome! That's why there are fewer and fewer members these days. If you feel lambasted that's on you but your attitude is less than likeable. As for the troll comment I called it as I saw it.