I wouldn't say im a pro fisho and i certainly don't bag out, but I always come home with a feed so i'll try to help.
I generally decide upon a specific fish that im trying to target and do all of my research well in advance of the actual fishing trip. Once i've chosen my target, I look into what they prefer to bite on, the best possible rigs, and where they are. If possible I try a couple of days in advance to make a jetty trip to acquire fresh bait, usually squid or herrings. Ive found this to be the most successful way of catching fish, and if i dont get EXACTLY the target species im after, at least i get a reasonable/edible/entertaining by catch.
I realise that sounds nerdy, but much like yourself ive found when ive simply resolved 'im going fishin' and just go down to the local beach or jetty with some frozen pilchards or cockles I get less then SFA, sometimes not even a bite.
aaron85 got a reaction from Tinker in no fish..