WHY WHY can't I anymore

[Can"t Catchem]

I have been fishing my local lake (Big Stone)all my life(im 41). For the past 10 years ive been fishing in the local tournys(team walleye,MWC,classic).The first few years Id placed rather well usually top 25 last few years I cant catchem, more times than not im seeing double zeros...whats up with this...i know walleye fishing has changed and ive tried to follow I use boards,throw jigs,spinners and bouncers,try shallow,deep,..what can I do?? I fish in 2 leagues every week and am having trouble finding fish then too,, I fished the big stone classic yesterday and today double 0
HELP...

[Backtobasicsguy]

Here are three no-b.s. ideas to consider...
1) Give up fishing tourneys for awhile; fish for fun, take kids or family out fishing for fun or golf or something... give it a rest and come back later....
2) Hire the best guides you can find, spend 4-5 days with them and learn everything you can... try to be coachable and to "let the guide be the guide".
3) Instead of two leagues per week may I respectfully suggest that you take out two underprivileged kids or single-parent kids, etc. for fun and learning. Your local pastor or volunteer leaders can probably suggest a few worthwhile kids to take out. Most of us don't have to look any further than our own extended families. This can be a great way to rediscover the simpler joys of fishing and, by the way, to practice your strategies and tactics for more competitive events.
You sound like an angler with a lot of experience - put it to use in a different way and see what happens...

[Dutchman]

I've fished Big Btone for most of my life, my dad built the first cabin at Schmidts Landing 41 years ago, and I was old enough to get in the way trying to help. I have discovered through the years that there are no "regular" spots nor sure bet baits on the Stone. Hammered the fish in one spot one year and never catch a fish there again the next year. What I do is look for them before wetting a line, then work on a presentation that get's there attention. Sometimes the hooks on my electronics turn out to be huge Sheephead, but if I can get them to hit on something the Walleyes will usually take it too. I also look for the deep water fish in the old river channel, then fish various depths around this school of fish, trying different techniques to get them to the boat. Once you get that much figured out, your confidence will improve and so will your fishing luck. Also you may want to try a scent on your baits, there may be somthing on your hands that the fish don't like....

[Gord]

Did something change around the time you stopped catching fish? A new boat and motor perhaps? New boat a little too fast for slow presentations? Perhaps your style has changed. Might be time to go back to basics. If all else fails, you could try dropping your anchor and using a slip bobber after you've found the fish. Good luck... being under a black cloud can shake your confidence. It has happened to a lot of us.

[Hunter]

I fish the Detroit probably close to 100 days a year. This spring was the worst I have ever had, 4 fish in 4 weeks. Since then things have changed dramatically. Just putting too much pressure on myself I guess. You are probably suffering of the same thing. Like someone said earlier, make it fun again and your success will go up. I learned this year it is not numbers or weight that counts. It is getting out with friends and enjoying the day or night.