Tips On Getting Started

[kyled]

I would like advice from some of you seasoned anglers. I grew up fishing ponds and creeks. I finally have some time and a boat and would like to become better at just catching fish down on Table Rock. My goal would be to just catch (and release) fish on a consistent basis. I don't need to win any tournaments, and at this point would be perfectly happy if every fish I caught was 14 inches. I would just like to catch more of them. I fish mostly in the James arm. My question is...... If you guys could go back to when you first started, what would you do differently to speed your learning curve up? Is there a technique you would try to learn faster than others? Would you simplify your tackle choices down or throw a little of everything? I keep acquiring more and more tackle and gear and it does not seem to be translating into more fish. I have a decent graph, and comfortable with bait-casters. Any tips would be very appreciated.

[riverfish]

the jig was my crutch for the longest time not to say that i don't still use one alot just that i could throw a particular bait for maybe 15 min maybe an hour and if i didn't catch anything i could pick up my jig and at least catch a fish. practicley anywhere anytime you see it is a confidence thing more than a bait thing. bass in this lake main forage is shad and crawdads. they will eat numerous other things its just that these two baits are among the many ways to find out if the fish want a vertical or horizontal presentation once you get bit one way or the other you can further duplicate this specific piece of the puzzle along with terrain, pocket, point,flat,b channel swing so on and so forth. its called pattern fishing. hope this helps you out some

[Bill Babler]

For one thing, when I started there was nothing as far as the information and the equipement that we have today. It was a totally different world. Yes I did have an excellent mentor in my Step-Dad, but to tell the truth, it was so easy then that just about what ever you did caught fish.

Ozark Anglers is a great means of getting you most all the informantion on getting underway. Super how to articles, current fishing reports, bait and equipment information, maps that were marked by area pro's and guides and an archive that is simply priceless. Spend an hour or two a day reading past years reports and how to's. Always check and see what we are doing currently.

Find a local to fish with or hire a guide for a 1/2 day and see what their equipment and teniques and locations are and what to look for.

Lots of great people to show you the way and to give you tips.

Good Luck

[edwin]

I'm only a part time fisherman at most, but the best thing I ever did was hire a guide. I've learned more about my electronics, reasons why I'd fish that kind of area vs another based on conditions, learned new fishing techniques, etc. I shudder to think how my hundreds of gallons of gas and who knows how many days I spent driving all over h*ll and gone trying to catch fish.

[jmes]

I couldn't agree more with Bill this website will help you in more ways than you can imagine

years ago,information was mostly word of mouth and a magazine here and there

but with this website you get up to the date information and years of knowledge amoung

all the different members.

[motoman]

As mentioned, Absolutly immerse yourself in this site. And if you still struggle; definitly hire a guide.....even if for just a half day. A guide will having you looking like a hero on the later; in no time flat.

-

I've heard people (yes, guys i know too) grumble about not wanting to pay and hire a guide; but they spend thousands $$$$ on tackle they see on tv or read about; and then complain about not catching fish on The Rock.......foolish economics if you ask me.

[Feathers and Fins]

When I started it was much like Bill, not a whole lot of information in print and certainly no internet. My teachers were family and friends. As I grew older I had the honor and privilege of meeting and fishing with many sport fishing captains and guides.

The simplest baits on the planet were and still are live baits. Catching your own bait or buying it was part of fishing. I learned how to use them, there is so much more to it than just pinning them on a hook and tossing them out but in its simplest form it’s the simplest bait!

Lures were simple crank baits and black plastic worms. I still fall back on those when all else fails. I guess the simplest way to catch fish is Live bait, toss it out behind the boat and drop it in the rod holder it will sooner or later catch you a fish. While it is there find a lure you want to learn how to fish and start practicing with it. But the best advice I can give you is never fall into a set mold of ( this is how you have to or should fish this bait ) Experiment play around and have fun! Make the lure and technique your own and be confident in it. Confidence in and of itself will catch you fish.

Good Luck.

[rps]

Every comment made is accurate. If you are a reading learner, the archives here have nearly everything - jig, grub, jerkbait, top water, spinners, and the rest. For a catch fish under the worst conditions and a chance at a lunker under good conditions, I suggest you google Charlie Brewer and his Do Nothing methods and then see how the Ned rig is an off shoot. Drop shot, the C rig Fish Doctor, and the shaky head all are derived as well. On Table Rock, I think that may be the best place to start.

[two old poops fishing]

great advice would realy agree on the get a guide theory best bang for your buck to ramp up your confidence and knowledge on the lake learned more on the jerk bait in a short day with mr babler tnen i did on my own in months make that years question any wake baits that work better out of the box tnen the roughe realy do not want to go through 200 to get a good one thanks again for all the help

[crazy4fishin]

All of these are good answers - that is the way that I started over 12 years ago. I went to table rock got a guide and I was hooked! I have been able to translate that bass fishing where ever I go. I also get great ideas from this site i.e. the Ned Rig ....B.A.S.S. and just talking to the guys at place like Fins and Feathers, Bass Pro, Cabela's etc.

Also when buying gear - which I really have to much of (my wife made me type this part) - I watch this site and go to places like Scheels at the end of the season. They are really ready to wheel and deal.