Fishing for Beginners

My sons and I have recently been interested in fishing. The only problem is I really don't have any idea how. There's NO tradition of fishing in my family. I've got some rods and a license.

Does anyone have any advice on how to get started fishing in fresh water - lakes, creeks, and rivers? What specie should we be going after? What lures? Any tips or ideas on how to get started would be greatly appreciated.

...yes, I have googled this.

Buy bait, don't be cheap like someone I know who uses lures and never catches anything.

Well...I guess I was hoping for some more practical advice. I guess it's trial and error, for now.

I've only been freshwater fishing one time, I didn't catch a single fish untill the trip back to the dock when I let my line troll/drag behind the boat.

The only thing I know about fishing that may carry over into freshwater, is that it's important to keep the lure/bait moving. The moment movement stops and the fish gets a chance to check it out there's a chance the fish will get spooked.

If you keep it moving, and the fish are hungry, they're faced with the decision to take a chance or starve.

That makes sense. I've been fishing once in the last 20 years and the guy that took me told me what to do, step by step. As I remember, we did keep the rubber worms moving.

So far, I've found out how to tie a knot. I found out that I was putting stuff on the end of the line incorrectly. And, I found out that I have no idea what species of fish are available or what to use to catch them, respectively.

And make sure you have a plan just in case you would happen to catch a fish. That got me once the first time I ever went fishing all alone when I was 13 or 14. It caught me off guard and I was like "*plum* *plum* *plum* *plum*!" scrambling around trying to find a net and some pliers and stuff.

You're from South Carolina and dont' fish? You must be the only one. I'd be more then happy to help you out.

First off, where do you want to try first. River fishing is a little different then lake fishing.

What kind of poles/reels did you buy?

What type of fish are you after? Bass, trout, catfish.....

Do you want to sit in a lawn chair, on a boat, or cast a whole bunch?

I'd say for fun with your kids right now, just fish for whatever happens to bite on to your line. I seriously have seen guys that were trying to get one certain species, but they caught a nice big one of another species and were mad because it wasn't what they wanted. But me, I just go for it and let what ever happens happen.

Fishing For Dummies (you just worded your subject line slightly wrong)

Catching the fish is easy. That's the man's job. It's your wife's responsibility to learn how to gut and clean them *wink.

Good luck! I've almost convinced myself to take up fishing again. I miss it.

Fishing is great. Go at least once a week. If it wasnt' for golf, I would go more often. lol

Fly fishing, bank fishing, trout, bass, catfish, steelhead, salmon....... being outdoors!!!!

I love it!

And if you really want to have even more fun, buy a canoe. Keep an eye on craigslist or your local news paper for a cheap used one.

I went today and tried to catch Bream and/or Sunfish. No good though. I spent most of my time untagling my sons lines. I don't think it helped that it was 96 degrees outside.

I like the boat idea. The bank of Lake Murray wasn't much fun.

Thanks for pointing me towards the book. B&N is on my to-do list when I get a free moment.

If it was 96 degrees the fish probably went down deep in the water, and that is when it is less easy to catch them. Right after dawn and just before dusk are the best times.

That's funny! Those are the best times to take pictures too.

72 degrees is the magic number here in Florida.