Whether you are a beginner to the sport or a seasoned veteran, there is always something new to learn in fishing. Catching fish is the point but a great day out with friends is what it’s all about.
A few good photos and a safe release are what the modern angler strives for. If you are partaking in fishing tournaments, you want to catch as many fish as you can, and this is when you need to be on your A-game. Regardless of your skill as an angler, everyone blanks from time to time, and these days are often what make us relook and rethink how we approached the day and the water, trying to figure out where we possibly went wrong?
Hoping to improve before the next trip, the below information will run you through possible reasons for not catching fish and how to improve on them with a few fishing tips. Hopefully, this will get you to catch fish effectively and lead to more fishing success.
Reasons why you won’t catch fish.
Wrong flies
It sounds like a basic thing, but many anglers use the wrong flies at the wrong time and scenarios. This will result in getting very little to no action or interest in your drift or cast. Firstly make sure you have the correct flies for the fish species you intend to fish for. If you target trout, a good selection of brown and black stonefly nymph, their dry fly imitation, and a few streamers will do the trick.
To catch bass, you want to have a few brighter, bigger flies to attract the bass and provoke it to eat. Both smallmouth and largemouth bass love the bigger and brighter flies.
Secondly, check the water ecosystem that you are fishing in, especially if you’re fly fishing high water, or even still water fly fishing. You don’t have to be a qualified aquatic entomologist or anything, but a general understanding and knowledge will help. For trout, turn over a few rocks to see what type of nymph it is you need to imitate.
Seeing their size and color is also very helpful. This will also help identify the dry fly to use when the hatch starts. For smallmouth and largemouth bass, look at the grass beds for frogs and baitfish. Focus your efforts on overhanging trees with nests and birdlife.
You scared them
When catching fish with the fly, you often need to get close to the water to make the cast. This can often lead to the fish ‘spooking’ of moving off slowly. The best way to approach the targeted water is to assume that the fish are everywhere! Then break the water into sections and work the nearest section outwards.
It is often very tempting to throw a long cast to the head of a pool, try-catch anything, but what you don’t realize is the fished ‘spook’ at your feet swim upstream and scare the rest, resulting in a flushed pool.
Too much noise
Too much noise can lower your chances when trying to catch fish.
- Lighten your footsteps and watch what you walk on or over.
- Talk in a lower, lighter voice.
- Mute all cellphones.
- If fishing from a boat, limit movement and bashing around.
Rod position
The way you hold your rod when fighting a fish can help a lot. As kids, we are taught to hold the rod up high when fighting, and yes, this is true at certain times, but this applies the least amount of pressure. A 45° angle gives you the best purchase and pressure on the fish.
The rod up high encourages the fish to jump, which is when the fly is often spat out. The angled rod exerts the full pressure on the fish while absorbing the force of those big fish runs to deeper waters.
Setting the hook
You do everything right and get eaten, only to miss the strike. It’s soul-destroying!
Trout Set – generally done on all eats to set the hook when the fish eats. On the visual eat or sign of the indicator moving, a gentle, swift lift of the fly rod will set the hook. This is effective on all of the Salmonid family.
Strip Strike- the strip strike is generally used on fish with hardier mouths, so the hook penetrates properly and for a faster strike.
Landing your fish
The last task before you can celebrate the beautiful catch is to make sure you net it. Many fish have been lost at the net because the concentration is lost, and things go wrong. Don’t try to bring the fish in before it’s ready, often the tippet will snap, and the fish will swim away.
When the fish is ready, it will turn on its broadside, and you will be able to lift its head and pull it over the surface into the net. With more time fishing, you will learn to feel the fish and its strengths.
Too hot
The weather can slow the biting fish down, especially when it is too hot. Yes, fish are cold-blooded species, and the warmer weather and water usually make them more active, but on the other hand, ‘too hot’ can also slow things down.
It’s best to wait for the heat of the day to pass before you continue to fish. You can try switching things up and changing fishing spots to focus on the deeper water with the lower water temperature—fish deeper with smaller lures or flies.
Too windy
The wind can cause major issues when fishing. An incoming cold front brought in by a prevailing wind can make a big difference to your success. As fly anglers, it is up to us to try and use the wind to the best of our advantage, using it to cast with and not into and to read the way it blows on still waters.
Always fish the bank the wind is blowing onto. The theory is that the wind will blow all the aquatics and food in that direction. You can often find fish patrolling the stained water or ledges for food. Skipping this section of the water can be a big mistake!
Water has been fished.
If you fish a popular river or section of it, it’s always handy to know who fished it before you, and recently it was fished. This helps to provide intel as to how skittish the targeted fish or other species will be.
Certain types of fish recovery quickly from being fished, but others need some time to be rested. You can have a tough time on the water if the beat hasn’t been properly rested, and this will fluence your catch rate. Even experienced anglers will struggle.
Things to work on to improve your chances.
Gear
You don’t have to have the most expensive equipment to catch fish when it comes to gear. As long as you have the correct type of gear for the intended application, you should catch fish. A 5/6 wt 9ft fly rod with a basic reel, and a floating line will get you going.
Leaders, indicators, and flies are all equally important to catch more fish. Sunglasses are a must! Polaroid sunglasses will help take the glare off the water, so you have a better chance of seeing and hopefully catching the fish.
Flies and sizes
This is a whole boom on its own, but the best way to think of it when catching fish is to match the hatch or insect. Look what is around you on the banks, river bed, or id on a boat in the foam lines. Look for any clues that nature will provide you with.
Tie on a fly that looks the same as what is in the water and go from there. Using small lures that imitate small fish is a great way to start in still waters, while finding the right water depth in a river is a high priority, and the correct fly should be used to achieve this.
Casting
Casting correctly while fishing is important no matter what style of fishing you are doing. This is particularly true in fly fishing. You are using a very thick PVC line to get your fly out. The fish can see this line if it isn’t presented correctly. The most important thing to remember is not to let your line cause any drag.
Drag is when the line moves faster or slower to that of the water, causing the fly to swim differently to say live bait or an emerger. So this is something to focus on continuously thought out your fishing day. Most fish will shy away from a drug-induced fly, but it sometimes does provoke a eat, which is great, especially when the fish aren’t biting.
When you are starting, practice your casting on a field without a fly. Here you can perfect the various casts needed on the river or a boat, like the double haul cast.
Smash the Hatch
Matching the hatch is the singular most important thing you need to get right in fishing. It will only be up to your chances of catching fish. Take notice of what’s about and tie on something that looks similar.
When to fish
When to get out on the water is also important. The early mornings are ideal in the summer months, while the later evenings are better in the winter months, especially for bass. After cold fronts is also a good time to head out once the weather and pressure stabilize slightly.
An incoming cold front is generally the wrong time to fish, but with that said, the rapid change in pressure can cause a feeding frenzy.
Wardrobe
Wearing the correct colour when out fishing can help increase your catch rate. It isn’t entirely known as to what trout can actually see; refracting light and colors do play a role, but we will never know for sure.
A good general rule to follow is always to wear clothing that will match the background and skyline of your fishing surroundings. You want to blend into your background when trying to catch. Different fish react differently to seeing colors, and the least amount of color they see, the better.
Best way to approach your waters
Stillwater
When tackling Stillwater, take care in your approach to the bank. Take your time to scan the nearest water from the crest of the bank. Make sure there aren’t any fish that you may scare close to the water’s edge.
Always throw a few casts and stillwater fly patterns next to the bank to see if you don’t pick up any fish. Once you have cleared the bank, then proceed with your approach. When fishing, still waters always start closest to you and move outwards.
River
When walking up to your chosen section, approach carefully and quietly. Use any shrub or vegetation you can to break your silhouette. Always climb into the water lower down from where you want to start. Working your way upwards fishing every little run and eddie you see. Don’t fish the same spot over and over; if no fish are caught within the first 5-8 drifts, then move.
It’s always very tempting to cast rising fish at the head of the pool but DONT! Work the tail out first and slowly move up. There could be a few fish holding, fish tight, short drifts whilst slowly moving up to your desired run.
Boat
Fishing from a boat can be hugely beneficial, especially when you need to fish deeper water. There is nothing more beautiful than being on a boat in calm conditions catching fish. When fishing in these conditions, be sure to drift onto your spot with extreme stealth; an electric motor is recommended.
Limit your movement on the deck, reducing the amount of noise that would echo down to the fish. This small tip may sound silly but can be the difference between a good or bad fishing trip.
FAQs
What is the trick to fly fishing?
The trick to fly fishing is to practice and perfect your cast. Proper technique and timing is key to successfully catching fish with a fly rod. Additionally, it is important to use the right type of fly for the species of fish you are targeting and to choose the right type of fly line and leader for the conditions.
How do you catch more fish in fly fishing?
There are several ways to increase your chances of catching more fish when fly fishing.
First, make sure to do research on the type of fish you are targeting and the type of flies they typically feed on.
Second, use the right type of fly line and leader for the conditions.
Third, cast accurately and precisely to the spot you think the fish are located.
Fourth, use a variety of flies and experiment with different retrieves until you find one that works.
Fifth, pay close attention to the current and wind direction to ensure that your flies are drifting in the most effective way.
Finally, practice and hone your casting technique.
Is it hard to fly fish?
Fly fishing can be challenging to learn, but with practice and patience, it can become second nature. It takes time to learn the basics and to perfect your cast, but once you do, you will find it much easier to catch fish. Additionally, it is important to research the type of fish you are targeting and to use the right type of fly and gear for the conditions.
Is it easier to catch fish fly fishing?
Fly fishing can be more effective than other types of fishing, depending on the type of fish you are targeting and the conditions. Proper technique and the right type of fly and gear can make it easier to catch fish.
Additionally, fly fishing is often more rewarding because you can target more specific types of fish and areas, and you can use a variety of flies and retrieves to catch them.
What attracts trout the most?
Trout are attracted to a variety of food sources, including insects, crustaceans, and baitfish. The type of food source they are most attracted to will depend on the time of year and the type of water they are in. Additionally, trout are attracted to movement and can be caught with a variety of flies, lures, and presentations.
Conclusion
Not catching fish while out fishing can be a result of numerous things. A windy, cold front, low pressure, or fishing with the wrong flies. This is what makes fishing so addictive, the process and thought put into improving your chances.
If it were easy, everyone would be doing it. So the next time you are out on the water and don’t catch anything, take a few minutes and consider the above. We can all learn something new.
Tight Lines!
