Question about starting out.

[laserbrn]

So I've been fishing a few times and I rather enjoy it. The problem is that I didn't grow up around fishing and I have no idea where to start. Let's just say I can't tie a knot, that's about where I'm at right now.

I purchased a boat and I've taken it out to Castaic a couple of times basically to test things and make sure everything is working okay. It's a 14 aluminum skiff so I'm not looking to take over the world on the thing, but I'd like to be able to enjoy my afternoon's fishing. I also bought the annual pass for the boat and the truck @ Castaic so I'm down to spend as much time as possible learning and enjoying this new sport.

My problem is that the internet seems like it has TOO much information and I can't find a good "getting started" type of guide to get me off in the right direction. My biggest fear is fumbling around for years and years when I couldv'e invested in some quality training/instruction or found a great set of resources to use such as books or other reading material.

So my questions....What books/reading material is available on getting started with fishing?

And...Would a guide service be a worthwhile investment for a super-noob? I really have no idea what I'm doing and when I launch this boat, I just see lots of water. No clue where to start.

BTW- If any of you experienced anglers out there have tons of fishing knowledge, but no boat, feel free to hit me up and I'd be much obliged just to take you out, hit some spots and soak up as much knowledge as possible.

[fishboy12]

I am relatively new to fishing also. I have had plenty of days when catching was a big challenge. The best experience I've had was going out with Pete Marino to DVL. He taught my son and I alot and we are still using his pointers to get on fish. Guides are well worth the money and no one can be too new not to have a good time.

[gletemfeelsteelgary]

I'd recomend a guide trip with Trout only for lesson's in trolling for stripers...if that's what you seek.

I'll see about making some time to make you a laundry list of stuff to buy that would help you to start off with.

There's internet instructions on knot tying (now animated to show you how).

I'd reccomend the improved clinch knot and secondly the palomar knot (I prefer clinch knot most times).

Keep you eyes peeled for a list I'll write up for you...welcome to the world of fishing and good luck.

[Shock]

Hey how's it going?

Heres a couple site that I had bookmarked on knot tying...

http://www.lake-link.com/anglers/knots/

And here is an animated one.

http://www.animatedknots.com/palomar/index.php?Categ=fishing&LogoImage=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com

Also, if it is Striper you seek up at Castaic, take a guide trip with Troutonly like Gary said....It is WELL worth it as he has vast knowledge of the lake and trolling....

Hope to see ya on the water one of these days!!

[gletemfeelsteelgary]

Let's see how this doc transfers....I disperse it at my fishing clinics....

I don't think the photos will come through w/o putting them through photobucket though....let's try it...

Simple Basic fishing Rigs and Knots
Compiled by Gary Wuebben 6/25/2009
Friends of Castaic Lake Member

Bluegill: –use #8- #14 single baitholder hook (use optional egg sinker in place of splitshot).
Redear: - use #8- #14 single baitholder hook (use optional egg sinker in place of splitshot).
Crappie: - use #8- #14 single baitholder hook (use optional egg sinker in place of splitshot).
Trout: - use #8- #14 single baitholder hook (use optional egg sinker in place of splitshot).
Bass: - use #4 - #6 single baitholder hook (use optional egg sinker in place of splitshot).

Use this rig with misc. live baits (Nightcrawlers, Meal Worms, Red Worms, Wax Worms)

See Diagram Below.






















Use this rig as well for all the fish and baits mentioned on previous page.
This rig keeps the bait up off the bottom.

We call it a Surf Rig:

See Diagram Below.




Bobber rig:
for
Bluegill – Crappie – Redear –Trout (use all live baits mentioned above)
See Diagram Below.




Floating bait rig for Trout: - use #14 - #18 treble hook with a sliding egg sinker.

12” to 18” leader

Use:
Powerbait
Nitro dough
Floating power eggs (optional real salmon eggs but they wont float)


See Diagram Below.




























The Palomar Knot





















More Basic rig Diagrams:






Flyline rig; (nightcrawlers)
Use this rig for Bass and other fish (cast very gently or the bait will “whip” off)






















The picture below depicts hooking the nightcrawler only 1 time and with a regular shank hook, try that ! (cast gently)




BUT I suggest hooking the nightcrawler 2 times (as shown in step #1 & 2 above) and use a BAITHOLDER STYLE HOOK (again-cast gently)
(see picture below for baitholder style hook)

NOTE: the 2 small barbs on the shank of the hook (those help keep the bait on the hook)

[Sublime-Steve]

Hey send me a pm...

[Thisfool]

cool im glad to see some one takeing up fishing as a new hobbie.

the fastest easiest knot that is incredibly strong for how fast it is to tie is the Palomar knot

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtDKp0W6Y9U

another good and easy knot is the improved clinch knot.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuHE6SRVT_E

ok now that you know how to tie a couple good knots you need to ask your self what kind of fish do i want to go after.

the type of fish you decide to target will determine your tackle. ie size and type of weights size and type of hooks and what lb line, and also your gear. such as rod size and style reel reel size and style. if your just starting out i wouldn't recommend anything to pricey but that is up to you and how much you feel comfortable spending on something you might decide is not for you as far as what kind of fish your after.

walmart has some decent so called bass spinning rod combos that are advertised to be good for tossing plastic worms and such. i have a few of these rods that i have long since upgraded the reel on but my most expensive set up is only $100 that is a very modest trout set up by many peoples standards but it gets the job done. any way back to the walmart combos i have used these poles with great success at almost all types of fish i have done Pan fishing, cat fishing, bait and wait for trout and trolling for trout. due to my lack of funds most of my purchases must be multi use items.

but any way i guess what my rambling is trying to get at is the best way for any one to help you is for you to be more specific about what you would like to catch so that we can tell you were your money would be best spent to have the proper gear and tackle to catch that type of fish.

[laserbrn]

I'd recomend a guide trip with Trout only for lesson's in trolling for stripers...if that's what you seek.

I'll see about making some time to make you a laundry list of stuff to buy that would help you to start off with.

Thank you very much. A lot of good info here.

I want to fish for Stripers and LMB. I have attempted fishing a few times from shore, I've rented the rental boats at Castaic and I have a roommate who is pretty well versed with this stuff. He just seems to know so much it's overwhelming. I never know what the heck he is talking about. I feel like today I've learned a lot more than I have in a long time.

Thanks for the info and assuring me a guided trip would be beneficial and enjoyable. Hopefully I can get to that late Feb-March. Money isn't infinite and I'd like to get a little bigger motor for this boat.




Heres a couple site that I had bookmarked on knot tying...

http://www.lake-link.com/anglers/knots/

Thanks. I'm sitting at home practicing away. If I can cut down on the time I spend tying and rigging and spend more time with my line in the water I'll be happy.



the fastest easiest knot that is incredibly strong for how fast it is to tie is the Palomar knot

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtDKp0W6Y9U

another good and easy knot is the improved clinch knot.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuHE6SRVT_E

ok now that you know how to tie a couple good knots you need to ask your self what kind of fish do i want to go after.



I do have a couple of spinning combo's from walmart or Sport Chalet or wherever I got them, but I primarily use my Shimano Crucial rod with a Shimano Sahara 2500FB Reel. All I have is this spinning gear at this point. I purchased the Shimano based upon feel and balance with the reel. I read reviews and 2-3 years ago when I purchased this stuff it was highly rated. I went fishing with it a couple of times and realized I really wanted to fish from a boat. I got annoyed shore fishing and feeling like it was hopeless and I put it down.

I figured I'll add fishing boat to my list of must-have's in life. This list is long and it keeps me busy on Craigslist. I search it everyday for a motorcycle for the girlfriend, a pool table (Brunswick Gold Crown 2-4 in case you know anybody) and for the past couple of years, a fishing boat. Well, I found this one and I am happy with what I paid for it, so now I'm ready to get down on some fishing again.

So the boat has a meter, portable Humminbird PiranhaMax10. I figure someday I'll need something better, but I already had this from attempting to use the rental boat a few times before realizing it really was cost prohibitive and inconvenient.


Thanks for all of your encouragement, I'm looking forward to really getting into this. I have a way with hobbies and if this is like the others I'll love it for the rest of my days and enjoy spending my free time studying it, mastering it and enjoying it's challenges. Do I sound a little excited? Haha. I was afraid fishing was going to the land of people keeping secrets and not sharing the love. Glad to see there's a forum with helpful people, makes this a lot less daunting.

[Thisfool]

ok so you want the striper and lmb well i have never fished for striped bass and i just started trying to teach my self to bass fish last summer so i am totally not the guy to help you with those.

some one mentioned doing a guided trip with art berry and trout only. that would be your best bet to learn alot and very quickly

[laserbrn]

I'm going to start by focusing on Stripers. That's the only area I've had any reasonable success so I'd like to get good at that. So far the only thing I've tried is cut bait and worms on what I guess would be a carolina rig. Sliding sinker-swivel-leader-hook type of set.

[Inept Angler]

If you're looking for the basics, this is a good site: http://www.womenfishing.com/index.html. Because it's aimed at women with little or no fishing background, it does a good job of covering the basics. They also have a lot of books, videos, and gear available. Be careful buying from them, some of the items are designed to fit women and, well, you probably don't want to be out on the lake swinging around a pink rod with a pink reel and line.

[Ray Lopez]

So I've been fishing a few times and I rather enjoy it. The problem is that I didn't grow up around fishing and I have no idea where to start. Let's just say I can't tie a knot, that's about where I'm at right now.

I purchased a boat and I've taken it out to Castaic a couple of times basically to test things and make sure everything is working okay. It's a 14 aluminum skiff so I'm not looking to take over the world on the thing, but I'd like to be able to enjoy my afternoon's fishing. I also bought the annual pass for the boat and the truck @ Castaic so I'm down to spend as much time as possible learning and enjoying this new sport.

My problem is that the internet seems like it has TOO much information and I can't find a good "getting started" type of guide to get me off in the right direction. My biggest fear is fumbling around for years and years when I couldv'e invested in some quality training/instruction or found a great set of resources to use such as books or other reading material.

So my questions....What books/reading material is available on getting started with fishing?

And...Would a guide service be a worthwhile investment for a super-noob? I really have no idea what I'm doing and when I launch this boat, I just see lots of water. No clue where to start.

BTW- If any of you experienced anglers out there have tons of fishing knowledge, but no boat, feel free to hit me up and I'd be much obliged just to take you out, hit some spots and soak up as much knowledge as possible.

Read this book for some great information

http://www.amazon.com/Pursuit-Giant-Bass-Bill-Murphy/dp/0963312006

this book up'ed my fishing 100 fold.

[Ray Lopez]

your best bet would be do some shore fishing on the lagoon. You will eventually run into one of us regulars and i'm always down to show a new blood some fishing tips. But to get my fishing wisdom you gotta fish with me now and also you have to here my speech on catch and release and why it is important for LMB fishing.

[gletemfeelsteelgary]

your best bet would be do some shore fishing on the lagoon. You will eventually run into one of us regulars and i'm always down to show a new blood some fishing tips. But to get my fishing wisdom you gotta fish with me now and also you have to here my speech on catch and release and why it is important for LMB fishing.
U shouldn't send him to the goon now with an almost non existent bite, he need's motivation and at least some fair activity for inspiration....

I know if he were to tackle the tougher times of year it's all downhill afterwards but for a beginner catching SOMETHING is key to keep spirits up....

Just my 2 thoughts.....

From a boat trolling pyramid right now would be best...smaller grade fish but at least solid potential.

Lagoon will be better in a few months..

My 2 cents..
Gary

[Ray Lopez]

U shouldn't send him to the goon now with an almost non existent bite, he need's motivation and at least some fair activity for inspiration....

I know if he were to tackle the tougher times of year it's all downhill afterwards but for a beginner catching SOMETHING is key to keep spirits up....

Just my 2 thoughts.....

From a boat trolling pyramid right now would be best...smaller grade fish but at least solid potential.

Lagoon will be better in a few months..

My 2 cents..
Gary

not saying now as in this very minute lol. Fishing on the lagoon wont pick up till mid febuary. But i'm still able to pull one of two bass a trip right now.

[stg68]

your best bet would be do some shore fishing on the lagoon. You will eventually run into one of us regulars and i'm always down to show a new blood some fishing tips. But to get my fishing wisdom you gotta fish with me now and also you have to here my speech on catch and release and why it is important for LMB fishing.


As long as catch and release going ........... I am with you.

[laserbrn]

Well, it hasn't gone well thus far, but all of your comments and the recent activity on here has kept my spirits up. I'm still working out kinks with the boat as I don't know what I'm doing or what I need. I upped the motor from an 8hp to a 15hp because Castaic is kind of big. I now need a couple of long anchors as it's been breezy/windy and the fish are deep.

I'm just hoping I have all the silly junk out of the way when the bite comes to life. I'll keep trying hopefully when the bite picks up it'll pay off.

[Ray Lopez]

if you are going for LMB stick to the lagoon right now. You'll be hard pressed to find them in the upper lake right now seeing as they are possibly holding on steep drop offs or hunkered down in the deep water. The lagoon is a much smaller body of water and it will be a much easier task to dial in on the deep water bass. But carry a needle with you to depress their air bladders since you will be catching most bass in 25+ feet of water

[Racerzf]

Start on striper or catfish, move to trout THEN go for LMB.

-Both Striper & Catfish are easy, fun to catch and are a good tasting reward when you get them and with both species, when they bite it's just game on!

-Trout are a little trickier, really do teach you how to judge what size, collar and kind of lure to use (if your not bait and waiting). They are less picky than bass but more than the previous two but at times will test your patience especially if you want a BIG one. BTW I'm talking bout natural trout, not these troutzillas they stock at "pay lakes".

-Large Mouth are very tricky, will test your fishing knowledge and always will test your patience. I mean why else do they judge who the best fisherman is every year off of LMB and not other species.

The best is to become diverse and then when you go for fish outside of the four I listed, it'll just come naturally.

[fishfinder]

I'm going to start by focusing on Stripers. That's the only area I've had any reasonable success so I'd like to get good at that. So far the only thing I've tried is cut bait and worms on what I guess would be a carolina rig. Sliding sinker-swivel-leader-hook type of set.

I bought my own boat 4 years ago, and decided i wasn't foing to pay for a guide when i had my own boat. that i would learn from time on the lake. well i dont get much time on the lake so i dont learn that much. I have had some great days on the water, but not consistantly, and with verbal help from gary and bob, i have done better. but this year I am going to have to scrape together the cash and advance my fishing skills 4 fold by hiring bob. and i would like to give you the same advice, and you will have an epic year for stripers.