Why Fish Don’t Bite

If you’ve ever enjoyed a fishing break at one of our UK holiday parks, you will know what a peaceful and pleasurable experience this can be. Early starts or late afternoon sessions mean you make the most of every opportunity, and the stunning surroundings.

Whether you enjoy getting lost in nature as you wait for the fish to bite, or you simply want to get some sun and fresh air at your leisure, the lake and riverside locations of our parks are ideal.

Of course, no matter how often or how long you’re out for, sometimes the fish just don’t bite. But why? Well, though it might not ease your frustration, below, we have listed just five reasons fish don’t bite. So read on to learn a little more about your opponents and why, on occasion, they get the better of you.

They don’t like the bait

Fish can be temperamental and some like certain baits more than others. It might be a species-specific trait or a picky individual. It might even be that during the spring you chose to throw a worm when the fish were far happier with the newly hatched mayflies.

Fish can also be picky and perceptive when it comes to the size and colour of the hook and lure, as well as the diameter of the line. Too big and they’ll see it, making them wary. And if the colour isn’t working, don’t fight a losing battle; experiment with other colours.

They need a rest

Fish generally like to preserve their energy, so that when it is really needed (i.e. for safety or similarly important situations) they are prepared. If the fish you’re after have spent a few hours running from predators, chasing prey, or spawning, they are likely to be low on energy.

That means, by the time you’re ready to cast your rod, the fish you want will be resting in cool and deep water or sheltered areas, where you can’t get to them. Yes, fish need rest too. And that can be an unexpected hitch for those planning to spend their day fishing.

Something spooked them

Fish are not as tough as sharks, piranhas and the like would have you think. If fish are upset or panicking, for example, after a storm or a particularly spine-chilling predator has made its presence known, they will stop feeding temporarily.

Of course, whilst this makes perfect sense to the fish, it can prove to be an annoyance to keen fishermen. It is times like this where absolute stillness and unlimited patience become invaluable tools.

The wrong time, the wrong place

You need to move throughout the day if you want your fishing to be worthwhile. Fish will start their day at the shallow spots near the shore, but as the sun gets higher and the temperatures rise, they will seek cooler water.

This means they’ll head into deeper water or shaded spots. Of course, unless you have a boat to get you into the middle of the lake, this poses somewhat of a challenge. Pick your timing wisely. For a busy spell, you are best to go fishing when it is cool; early morning and early evening.

You’re terrible at hide and seek

If you’re angling and wading through the spot in which you’re about to fish, if you’re river fishing but casting a shadow the fish can see, or if you’re doing anything to make the fish skittish, you will not get any bites. Fish will know you’re there and they will show you how wily they can be.

Be smart, slow and as inconspicuous as you can manage. Fish will take in more than you might think about their surroundings, both above and below the water. So take time and make sure you don’t appear to be a threat.

Naturally, as with any sport and any wild creature, there are a thousand and one variables that influence if and when fish bite, and why they might not. So be sure to exercise patience, and if you find yourself having a particularly slow and frustrating day by the water, use the time to explore the park, the onsite amenities and the nearby attractions.