Hmm... I smell that you haven't been neglecting your duties.
A commendable attitude. No one's ever gotten worse at anything by practicing. No one I know, at least.
Then again, you can't expect the same old tricks to work with new fish. Big ones don't grow to be that way chasing everything that wiggles on a hook.
To catch the fish you want, you must first know what the fish wants. Only once their prize is at stake can you tantalize and tempt your prey to taste the forbidden tackle.
Anchovies may be willing to settle for lugworms, but harbor herring have a discerning palate that prefers pill bugs.
But don't take my word for it; go and see for yourself. Pick up some pill bugs from Syneyhil over in West Hawkers' Alley, then use them to catch three local harbor herring. Like anchovies, they can be caught right outside.
In case you've a mind to return to your previous spot, you should know that fish aren't as foolish as most might think. Keep casting your line in the same waters, and you'll find that fewer folk'll take the bait.