Fishing beginner

[VikingWarlord]

I've gotten interested in learning how to fish. I haven't done it since before moving to Indiana back in 1993, and even before then it wasn't very serious.

I know the mechanics of casting, but everything else beyond that is pretty much nonexistent. I'm mainly interested in shoreline fishing rivers and lakes and whatnot. I have no idea how to figure out the best variety of starter tackle to get, and then no idea how to use it effectively. As I'm looking around for info, I see a lot of information and there's a LOT more options out there than there was back in those days.

If anyone can point me in the right direction or maybe be willing to let my skill-less ass tag along on an outing sometime to learn some things, that'd be great.

 

[VikingWarlord]

Damn, no advice for a newb?

 

[IndyGunworks]

I have plenty of advice, but i do not shorline fish, nor do i know how to give fishing advice over the internet.

Perhaps just stop by the shorlines where you see people fishing and ask what they are doing and why. thats how i start fishing waters that are unknown to me 90 percent of the time.

 

[.458socomhunter]

Shorefishing success depends on several factors:

Species sought
water depth,clarity and temperature
Fishing pressure.

I would suggest starting out using live bait, and try fishing off the bottom and see what you come up with. Worms will do. You have to know where deep spots are, what kind of bottom you're dealing with (rocks,sand vegetation submerged debris) and know where fish spend the day.

Early morning and evening are usually the best bites.

Not really sure what you are looking for?

 

[Moparracer89]

For a baseline on shoreline fishing, start with live bait and a bobber. Nightcrawlers are my favorite, these will target bluegill and bass. Try hotdogs for catfish if you want. For starters your best bet would be a smaller pond in the evening hours once its cooled down a little.

 

[Pitmaster]

I went through this last summer. Consider hiring a fishing guide. I bought a bunch of equipment and stuff but money and equipment didn't solve where to go and what to do. The guide has worked out great and in the long run I haven't wasted money. I live in an area with a lot of fishing options which also helps

 

[birdwing]

I do a lot of shoreline fishing in ponds and bayous. As those above me have said, live bait is always a good option. I find that a night crawler, a split shot, and a little patience can land you some panfish, bass, and catfish depending on your location.

 

[VikingWarlord]

Shorefishing success depends on several factors:

Species sought
water depth,clarity and temperature
Fishing pressure.

I would suggest starting out using live bait, and try fishing off the bottom and see what you come up with. Worms will do. You have to know where deep spots are, what kind of bottom you're dealing with (rocks,sand vegetation submerged debris) and know where fish spend the day.

Early morning and evening are usually the best bites.

Not really sure what you are looking for?

I'm so green that I'm not sure what specific questions to ask, but everyone so far has given me at least a starting point.

I can Google stuff all day but, like everything else, trying to figure out what's legit and what's not can really be a PITA. If there are any specific resources people know of that give more specific ideas, that's also cool.

I thought about a fishing guide but that's another thing I'm not completely sure of. How to figure out who's useful and who's not is a pretty daunting task, especially since they're not exactly cheap.

Thanks to everyone so far. Good to know I should be able to start pretty simply.

 

[Moparracer89]

Rod + Reel Shakespeare Synergy Classic Spincast Combo - Dick's Sporting Goods

Then get a pack of swivels, a bobber or two, and some hooks pre strung on a leader.

Then worms, bee moths, hotdogs, etc

And your good to go. I just got back actually, caught 7 bluegill 1-2lb each on bee moths and smoked sausage.

 

[cjfarmer]

Rod + Reel Shakespeare Synergy Classic Spincast Combo - Dick's Sporting Goods

Then get a pack of swivels, a bobber or two, and some hooks pre strung on a leader.

Then worms, bee moths, hotdogs, etc

And your good to go. I just got back actually, caught 7 bluegill 1-2lb each on bee moths and smoked sausage.

I prefer to tie my own knots without swivels. Swivels can add action that looks unnatural, if you're fishing with artificial lures.

 

[Moparracer89]

I prefer to tie my own knots without swivels. Swivels can add action that looks unnatural, if you're fishing with artificial lures.

You still have the tie the swivel to your line...

 

[cjfarmer]

Well yeah thats a given. Read the second sentence.

 

[Moparracer89]

Well yeah thats a given. Read the second sentence.

I understand what ya mean. I like them for quickly changing up lures. If I do use a swivel with artificial lure I put the lure on a long leader to eliminate any unwanted action.

 

[Mrmonte]

About the only time I use a swivel is if im using a spoon, inline, heavy duty leader, or something thats going to cause quite a bit of line twist.