need some help, please!!

[gzbasser]

Im having a problem fishing the cold northeast waters. I feel Im doing everything right but still cant hook up. Im locating fish in depths of 16-20. I search the shallows on more sunny days. Dropshotting, tossing jerkbaits, Hair jigs, and just not getting bit. Im fishing really slow and of coarse changing speeds to see if thats possibly the difference. Im getting really frustrated with myself, especially when I see other people cathing fish around me. Am I doing something wrong. My confidence is falling apart. What tactics do some of you use to trigger the cold bite?

[Chuck D]

S-L-O-W D-O-W-N!!!!!!!!

Suspending jerkbaits on points, 3/8 or 1/2 oz jigs (black and blue, green pumpkin, brown) on points, structure, docks, wood, brush, etc. The fish are still deep, their metabolism is slow (it's freaking cold!!!!), so they'll eat but most likely won't chase fast moving baits quite yet. Pay close attention to your water temps and figure out where the spawning flats are and hang out in the deep water near by while casting these baits out to them. Get the baits down in the 12-20 range (varies by lake of course so use your graph to locate baitfish and or schooling bass) and fish out on the mouths of coves.

Best early Spring (cold - sub 55 degree water) baits for us are in this order Jigs, Shaky Heads, Suspending Jerkbaits, & TX Rigged Worms.

Once it warms up then go to your cranks and spinner baits and go looking for aggressive fish. That's when the fishing gets fast and even more fun.

Stay patient, fish smaller more natural looking baits, and just slow it way down, they have not gone anywhere, you are most likely just out pacing them with your pace. We all do it so be concious of your speed. Fish like you are getting paid by the hour as Uncle Homer would say. Always good advice for cold water.

Good luck!

[gzbasser]

Thanks lknbassman, I took the advice on slowing down. Fished the same spots and they produced some really quality fish. Slow pause on a jerkbait, almost 3 minutes. I knew I was in the right areas but Im sure it was my patience that got the best of me. Its tough pausing for two to three minutes. Each cast would take 15 minutes.
I appreciate you taking the time to offer the good advice.

[Pokie Pa]

That was great advice above. S~L~O~W down with a suspending jerkbait is the key. I fish TX in northern NJ waters ( Hopatcong & Greenwood ) and SLOW is the key. YES, it is boring at times but when the bass are lethargic, you have to wait on them. ALSO, try a rattletrap with a slow retrieve.