If you remove the fuel filter, you won't get any fuel in the bowl because there is a spring loaded plunger that will not allow the flow of fuel without the filter installed. You can take the top off of the fuel filter canister and leave the filter in to check for fuel, but it won't work without the filer installed.
Also, have you replaced your cam sensor recently? They can cause the same symptoms you are having, and they are a pretty common failure.
