Techniques and color changes...???

[Chue Chang]

Some times I go for a long period (2-3 hours) with not a single bite.

How do I know if its:
1) Wrong technique. Say...I am fishing a jig but I should really be fishing a topwater.
2) If I am using the right technique for the given situation/conditions...maybe change the color of the bait?
3) Last but not least...there are NO fish in the area (within 100' of you) and you are just casting to dead water and therefore need to move to a new spot.

I hate getting skunked and have run many scenarios thru my mind and it seems like it could only be those 3 things. Technique change, color change or location change. I fish from the bank so I have no electronics.I can not tell where the fish are at any given time. So location ALWAYS wins out. But sometimes my energy/body says no and I am stuck in a specific spot for a uncertain amount of time.

Every time I go fishing...its by:
1. Experience
2. Wits
3. Geography
4. Chance
5. Research
6. Conditions
7. Energy
8. Fishing Itch

Out of those 3 things I am supposed to change to get more bites...which one is it probably most of the time?

Becuz I hate getting skunked =(. Im ok with moving from spot to spot through out my fishing day (its exercise and who doesn't need that). But I do think I could be doing something different that will get me more bites/fish and make my day a whole lot more fun.

Thanks for the help guys.

[fishinman]

No matter all fishin men get skunked now and then boat or no boat. To improve your chances fish as light of line you can 4lb, tiny 2-3 inch baits, dead stick 1-2 minutes then move bait a inch then let it sit 30 seconds. If you can handle that you'll be skunked much less. The key is needle sharp hooks and wind set with drag set at 33%. Good Ruck