First, some days are like that. I started COLD in area 11. No history, no idea what I was doing and no internet. I had a meager season the first year away from the docks and banks.


There is no shortcut. You cannot possibly learn half of what you need to know, before you fish the water. It's the school of hard knocks for all of us.


I recomend keeping your ears and eyes open, but dont get caught up in doing "exactly " what someone else does. I cant tell you all of the rotten ways I trick people who follow me.


IMO, speed and action are the primary factors. If your downrigging, stick your rodtip in the water and check the action along side the boat. Adjust speed and setup accordingly.


Pay attention to the angle (resistance) of your mainline and cable. Because of the screwy tide directions in that area, you never know what direction or speed to go till your moving. Learn the angle (resistance), there's a "zone" that will catch fish. Try to stay within the zone. That angle will of course change with different weight, depth, setup. That's why I added (resistance). You can feel the right combination.


Try using a second rod(requires second fisherman) with a diver and different setup than your downrigger.

Adjust your speed and pattern, make random turns to intice the badboys.


Try fishing the shoreline. I like to stay 5-10 feet off the bottom and follow the contour at a given depth. @35'-65' is a good range.


Change up if it's not working.


Once you get the techniques down, work with the secondary factors like location, color, type, depth, scent, ect..


Wev'e discussed just a fraction of the knolledge you will learn in time. Dont hesitate to try something/place different. Be the next one to post a succesful new technique or location.


One last thing. Dont use too light a leader in area 11. There are big fish out there. That was THE most painful lesson to learn.


Hairlip.