New to the site and to fishing!

[bill_tyler]

I joined this site because I need to learn how to fish so I can teach my kids (10 and 12). I grew up in California and did not have access to fishing, now that I live in Chattanooga it seams like a great way to spend time with my kids outside away from the computer. I don't know anything but am willing to listen and learn. I took my kids out on the river last week just before the gorge and caught a small bream, it was all we caught for the day and my son was hooked, I need a little more excitement for my daughter but I am sure she will come around. Thank you for your time!

 

[bassin554]

Welcome to the board, and welcome to fishing. It can be more addicting than crack. Congrats for using something as wholesome as fishing to spend time and bond with your children. Taking them out with small poles, line, hooks, bobbers and some worms onto any of the banks around this wonderful river is a great way to begin your fishing experience. P.S. California is where the world record large mouth bass was caught. Along with several of the previous record holders.

 

[AThornton]

emoWelcome emoWelcome You came to the right place to learn, that's for sure! We are all willing to help for the most part and can answer nearly any of your questions. Like 554 said, take some light tackle and some live bait with bobbers and go find some docks. You are sure to get on some bream and crappie, and an occasional pull from a bass! Again, WELCOME!!! Glad to have you!

 

[Shankopotamus]

First of all Bill, emoWelcome </p>

Secondly, you have asked a HUGE open-ended question- how to fish! There is everything, and nothing, to it. It depends a great deal on what you are fishing for. You apparently have already gotten some basics if you caught a bream- rod, reel, hooks, etc.</p>

To keep it simple, get some worms, crickets, or minnows for bait. Use a bobber with a couple of small split shot for weight- enough to keep the bobber (float) upright but not pulling downunder the surface of the water- and some small hooks, size8is good for bream. Hook your bait on there and toss it out in a rather calm spot around trees, rocks, etc. Watch the bobber and wait until it starts to get pulled under water- this indicates the fish is running with it. Then pull up on the rod to set the hook. Most times you will wait for the bobber to completely go under before setting the hook</p>

The rest is basically getting a "feel" for when to set the hook, where to find the most fish, etc. Ponds are a great place for this, but a calm cove on the lake is great too. </p>

 

[Shankopotamus]

Actually, Bassin, the world record LMB was caught in Georgia, on the Ocmulgee Riverin 1932. The 25+ lb bass in California was never properly documented and was foul-hooked, so it is not recognized.

 

[bill_tyler]

Great information, thank you. We do have some rods, reels, hooks and some spinners. We will get some bobbers and all that for this weekend and I am on vacation all next week! We will post the results.

 

[Shankopotamus]

bill_tyler - 5/19/2009 5:29 PM Great information, thank you. We do have some rods, reels, hooks and some spinners. We will get some bobbers and all that for this weekend and I am on vacation all next week! We will post the results.

</p>

Bill, if you are truly just into fishing, forget the spinners for now. I recommend you start with basics and grow from there. When you get bobbers, get the "long" ones- they look like a spike with a fat middle and a spring on one end. They come in bright yellows and reds. The round ones don't work as well.</p>

When you apply weight, use just enough to get the bobber to stand up straight in the water (larger bobber = more weight). Don't weigh it down. Buy some "split shot", Walmart and bait shops sell assorted sizes inone round plastic container that lookes like a spoked wheel.</p>

I guarantee, if you are in a nice, quiet spot, you'll slay the bream and your daughter will be "hooked" too! Bream aren't finicky like most other fish- they eat almost all the time!</p>

Incidentally, we here in the South call them "bobbers", others call them "floats". We tend to get ridiculed for our nomenclature- ya know cuz we's hicks!!</p>

 

[vtec31284]

emoWelcome

 

[ditchdoc666]

emoWelcome emoWelcome

 

[SpurHunter]

WELCOME!!!
You have already gotten some terrific advice to start out with. I would also suggest booking a trip with our resident panfish expert Richard Simms or Rsimms. He will show yall a great time, and you will learn all you need to know about panfishing. AS a bonus, this IS the time to be doing it, the fish are on fire! emoHoppingmad

 

[dragfish]

Welcome aboard! As you can see it's a great place to get advice. The best path you are already on is getting your kids involved. Fishing is a great sport that teaches a lot of lessons and the more you do it the more you want to.
As you get better and have more questions, just ask here.
One more thing, our barbeque here is pulled pork, not sliced brisket.

 

[Thumper]

emoWelcome

 

[outfishing]

emoWelcome emoFish emoAngler

 

[tie1on]

emoWelcome You've picked the best place in the U.S. to live! This area has some of the best fishing in the world and just about any freshwater fish you can think of. If you like the outdoors, you'll never run out of things to do. The air is much cleaner down here too. The last time I went to Ca., I was so disappointed! It is a beautiful state but the smog is so thick, you could cut it w/ a knife. No wonder Ca. is so worried about global warming! emoPoke

 

[Lkgrant]

kinda like the beverly hillbillies in reverse. Go from sunshine and movie stars to the hills of Tennessee. Welcome friend I hope you enjoy this site

 

[fisherpal2k]

emoWelcome emoWelcome </p>

</p>

Glad you joined us! Its a great thing to get the kids involved in and have a lot of fun!</p>

 

[bill_tyler]

Lkgrant - 5/20/2009 8:36 AM

kinda like the beverly hillbillies in reverse. Go from sunshine and movie stars to the hills of Tennessee. Welcome friend I hope you enjoy this site

I moved from a not so nice place in california to a great place here I am sure it would make a better TV show!

 

[reliable]

I second the advice to get a trip with R Simms @ scenic city fishing - a great guy and teacher - let him know your intentions and he will customize a day for you with plenty of education and fish. A great way to get started - I learn something from him every time that we fish together or even talk on the phone - the man is good!

 

[Muskrat]

emoWelcome

 

[hotrod61]

emoWelcome emoWelcome emoAngler emoAngler