What to do on hard fishing days when the tiddlers won’t stop biting?
We had this exact scenario slow pitch jigging around Lizard Island during the monsoon.
Typically falling tides on the neaps after the moon are not the best for fishing offshore.
However, we did manage some good fish including an incredible catch (scroll down to the video for that!)
Hard Fishing Days
Of course! Catching good fish can be challenging on slow days, but here are some helpful bullet points on what to do when you’re not catching much:
- Change Locations: Move to different spots like reefs, deeper waters, or shallower areas. Explore new fishing grounds to increase your chances of finding active fish.
- Adjust Depth and Bait: Experiment with different depths and bait types to match the fish’s preferences. Sometimes a simple change in presentation can make a big difference. You’ll see Ryan changing things up throughout the video.
- Try Different Techniques: Switch fishing techniques such as trolling, jigging, or using live bait. Varying your approach can entice hesitant fish to bite.
- Use Smaller Lures: Downsizing your lures or bait can be effective, especially if the fish are being finicky or feeding on smaller prey.
- Slow down your retrieval: If using lures, try a slower retrieve to imitate wounded prey, which can be enticing to cautious fish.
- Stay Patient and Persistent: Fishing requires patience. Don’t get discouraged, and keep trying. The next catch could be just around the corner.
- Observe Wildlife: Pay attention to birds or other wildlife. They can indicate the presence of baitfish and potentially larger fish nearby.
- Fish During Low-Light Periods: Early morning and late evening are often productive times when fish are more active. Take advantage of low-light conditions.
- Relax and Enjoy Nature: Remember that fishing is not only about catching fish but also enjoying the outdoors and the peacefulness of the water.
Implementing some of these tips worked for us!
Of course, moving around and being persistent is the key.
On hard fishing days, find new spots holding good fish with our Sounder Skills 1 course.
Photo Highlights
LURES
On this trip, we used our own lures almost exclusively because after years of testing, they have been found to be so effective.
You can purchase using the following links.
Ryan’s custom rod was made by Ron Farren of Salty Dog Custom Rods in Townsville. You can contact him via his Facebook page.
Salty Dog Custom Rods Townsville
Turning Spots Into a System (Not Guesswork)
Catching fish like these offshore isn’t just about bait or gear… it’s about understanding why fish are sitting there in the first place.
Most anglers can find a bit of structure and drop a bait, but the difference is knowing how to read that ground properly, what your sounder is actually showing you and when an area is worth your time.
If you want to build that into a repeatable system, this is exactly what I cover in a few of my programs:
👉 Offshore Opportunities – my full offshore framework for finding productive ground inside the shelf and consistently locating better class demersals
👉 Sounder Skills 2 – learn how to interpret your sounder properly so you’re not fishing blind or second guessing what you’re seeing
👉 Wonky Holes – how to find less pressured offshore areas that can hold quality fish closer than most people think
And if your sounder still feels a bit hit-and-miss, start here first:
👉 Sounder Skills: The Big Picture (Free Training) – a simple way to understand what’s really under your boat and use your electronics with confidence
Once you start putting these pieces together, you stop relying on luck… and start making decisions that consistently put you onto better fish!
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