I've been fishing in Fairmount Park since I was a kid, so I've learned a few things about fishing these waters, and I'm certain they can be applied to other City-Parks that face the same kind of fishing pressure and conditions.

1) Always go with the lightest line you can. City Parks are heavily fished, so they learn quickly to associate bad things with line. The lighter the line, the harder for the fish to notice. The heaviest I use is 8lb when I cast for bass. I regularly use 2lb or 4lb for Carp, Catfish, Trout, and Bluegill in these waters.

2) Smaller Hooks! I always see these guys come around with huge hooks! In a city park, fish can feel the hook and WILL spit it out. 22-18 Sized Hooks are all you need. You'll get more bites and hook ups because when baited properly, the fish wont feel a heavy hook. Combined with light line and light weight, they wont feel anything, often taking off and setting the hook on themselves!

3) Baits! Bring several baits on your trip, because you never know whats going to be biting at the time! I bring several baits all the time, which usually consists of a can of Pop-top Corn, Mealworms, and some sort of Cut-Bait (Mackrel, Squid, or even Fish Guts from a previous catch). This lets you swap between baits to present, and even species to go after. When I want to catch Carp, I can use Corn or Mealworms, when I want Bluegill/Bass its Mealworms, and when I want Catfish Cut-Baits are there.

4) Have a light rig. For Carp and Bluegill you only need to go at most, 10ft or so from shore. So a few Split-shot weights and the hook with light line can more than accomplish this. With cut-baits, you can use a slightly larger hook (maybe a 16 or 12) to fish with.These baits have more weight to them and can be fly-lined out without sinkers.

5) Patience is Golden. Don't go to a City-Park for the first time and expect to catch like a pro. It took me several years and a few lucky guesses to whittle down my favorite spots to wait-n-bait when I go. Talk to people, find out where fish are stocked, where people seem to catch fish, and where the birds are fed. Catfish and Carp have a tendency to congregate where they'res easy food. Any bits of bread that sink down are fair game for these fish. Fish one spot or two each trip, and remember where you were when you did catch something. Next time, try it again and see if its a consistent spot.

Hope this helps anyone who is getting frustrated with a city park. I've talked to guys who swear to me that Fairmount has no fish at all, and even have called me a liar when I tell them about the 8+lb carp I've pulled out on 4lb line.

Good Luck!
Ranoxic