Okay, I just want to hear everyone's opinion for the conditions to fish each of the three types of lures topwater, plastics, jigs. I just want to gather all this info and try to see which technique would probably work for me because I seem a tad "un-coordinated". One second I throw in a zoom jerkbait and nothing; while my fried is fishing with a spinnerbait. Then I switch to a crankbait and next thing you know my friend gets a 2 pounder on a jerkbait and he's right beside me! Same color and everything. I find this quite odd. Any tips, help, tricks would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Get comfortable with how you like to fish, and what has been successful for you. Confidence in what your experience has shown you is vital. Learn to be proficient with one or two lures on top, one or two lures in the middle and one or two lures on the bottom of the water. Surrender everything else and relax. An anxious worried angry fisherman catches no fish.

While fishing with a new bait/lure that I haven't fished before, I like to fish it for up to several hours, trying different techniques, depths, ect., until I start having success..I have found that one important reason for being unsuccessful in catching fish, is that I wasn't fishing the lure properly, ie: reeling too fast/slow..Your friend may have "dialed-in" the proper method in fishing the same jerk-bait you were using and he/she was successful with that bait...Regardless of what bait/lure you are using; once you become proficient with it by continually practicing/experimenting, you will start catching fish..That's why some fisherman swear by a certain lure, while others think the same lure is worthless..Good luck

I generally like to start with a surface lure in the morning then work my way into deeper water column as the day progresses.

And also, what would be some good lures to focus on in the mid afternoon when the water is choppy?

Posted By vweeks on 28 Jun 2011 08:18 PM
And also, what would be some good lures to focus on in the mid afternoon when the water is choppy?

I always seem to start with a surface lure on choppy water.  I hit the shorelines of the windswept side.  I also look for where the breakline is for clear water to muddy water.  I will toss my lures to just inside of the muddy water often.

Thanks! I tried that today and had a bass on but he got off right at the shore >

Gubahead is right, confidence is key. If you believe in the lure you're throwing, you will catch fish on it. Almost any lure can work almost any time, if presented correctly and with confidence.