lokus

Hey everyone. I'm getting back into bass fishing after having not fished for about 20 years. The last time I was fishing was when I was 12. I was excited to get back into bass fishing and also to try Lake Galena. It was either Galena or Nockamixon and I decided to go for Galena due to it being located closer to my home. I went into this fishing trip knowing the odds were probably against me since I would be fishing from the bank during the summer. I don't own a boat so I knew I'd have to put some extra leg work into finding an ok spot. After having bought all my starting tackle this past week, I headed out to Galena this morning. I arrived at around 5:45am and left around 11:00am. My initial approach was to scope out around the bridge towards the east end of the lake (near Chapman Rd) and soon found out that you aren't able to fish there due to it being a wildlife preserve or something of that nature. I was slightly disappointed because it appeared to have beautiful banks and plenty of trees/growth in the water that would be prime real estate for bass. I really didn't want to push my luck and potentially get a fine. Oh well. I walked the bank and decided on a starting location. I started fishing using a buzz bait to fish the top water. I also tried a spinner bait and a texas rigged green pumpkin senko. Nothing. About a half hour in a friendly fisherman walking by told me that I was fishing in a restricted area and didn't want to see me get caught or fined. I wasn't aware that I was still in a restricted area. I was appreciative and packed up. What I didn't know when fishing Galena is that there are multiple buoys in the water when heading towards the bridge that designate where you can start fishing and I presume stop boating so that you don't travel towards the restricted wildlife area. After packing up I walked further down the path to a bank location that wasn't restricted. After attempting to fish the buzzbait and spinner bait I decided to try the texas rigged green pumpkin senko again. I caught 2 LM bass. Nothing to write home about but I was happy to at least catch something on my first trip. I didn't measure the first but the second was 11.5 inches. I caught them within 10 minutes of each other when casting near the same location and at first I thought they were the same fish. I wasn't able to reel in any other fish at that location. I tried other locations but came up empty as well. I left happy that day that I at least caught something. I was really rusty for my first time out. I lost a few senkos, snagged a line, got my line tangled and had fun restringing a palomar knot. All in all it was a worthwhile trip and I learned more than I knew before I went to the lake. I did find it challenging in differentiating between a bite and my senko bouncing off the rocks at the bottom of the lake. I can admit that my hook setting skills need some work. For my next trip to Galena I think I may try the New Galena Rd side of the lake. Sorry for rambling but I enjoyed my trip and wanted to share it with everyone. Thanks!

I'm heading out tomorrow. Wish me luck! I'm gonna start with a buzz bait or rebel pop-r. Fingers crossed

Lake Galena (Peace Valley Park).

I'm heading out this Sunday to a lake in PA and will be fishing from the shore as I don't own a boat. It's my first bass outing so I'm new to all of this. I've located a few nice locations, if they are accessible. I was going to try using a Carolina rig to help me better understand the lake and to also help me get deep from the shore. I was also considering trying a crank bait to get into deeper waters. I also have a spinner bait and tackle for a Texas rig. Do you think starting off using a Carolina rig may be the best general approach to starting out fishing during this time of year?

I recently purchased the Shakespeare GX2 spinning combo (6.6ft, medium) set as a starter combo. What type of line and lb. test should I put on it for LM bass fishing?

I ended up picking up a 6.6 medium ugly stik and a pflueger trion. They didn't have any decent combos. Only thing about the rod is the large bottom ring is slightly slanted. Not sure if that matters. Should I return it? I didn't notice it until I got home.

I live in Horsham, near the Willowgrove air base. I'd love to go on a boat and learn from someone that has a bit more experience. Let me get a few sessions in on my own to work stuff out and then we can maybe meet up.

Thanks for the input. What do you mean by natural colors?

I'm looking to put together a basic tackle box for my first fishing trip in here in PA. While I understand that weather, water conditions and lake growth all have their place in selecting the appropriate lure, can anyone give me a list of some basic lures and tackle that I should consider purchasing. My initial thoughts were worm hooks, weights for texas rigs, 2 3/8 oz spinner baits, some plastic worms (what colors/kind?), and what else?? I'm looking for a general purpose tackle box at this point to get me started. I can always add to it as I gain more experience and learn more about the sport. My budget for this type of tackle is between $40-$50. I'd prefer to stick to the lower end. Thanks! Chuck

I'm getting back into fishing and will be heading out in probably 2 weeks on my first fishing trip in about 20 years (I'm 32). I was considering going for LMB at Lake Nockamixon or Peace Valley in PA. I've never fished these locations and will be doing bank fishing. Has anyone done bank fishing on these lakes and can recommend a decent area for me to start? I was going to try using spinners and plastic worms to start. Thanks! Chuck

Welcome to the forum Jim! I'm from the area as well and have Lake Nockamixon on my to do list as I'm just getting back into fishing.

Welcome to the forum! Good luck with getting back into tournaments and getting your boat ready.

Thanks for all the input! What would be the best rod length and strength? I've read 6.6 ft and medium heavy. I'm going to be starting off using spinnerbaits and plastic worms.

I used to bass fish years ago and am looking to get back into the hobby. Can anyone recommend an affordable (< $75) spinning combo? I was initially looking at the Shakespeare GX2 combo. I have a $50 Dick's Sporting Goods giftcard and can spare a little more. I'm gonna get my other tackle at Walmart or a local fishing shop. I'll probably upgrade at some point next year. Chuck

My name is Chuck and I live in Montgomery County, PA. I'm just getting back into fishing after 20 years (I'm in my early 30s). I used to go bass fishing, along with carp and catfish fishing as a young kid with my father. I want to get back into bass fishing because I'm looking to have a relaxing hobby. I'm currently looking to get a reasonably priced rod/reel combo so any recommendations are welcome. I'm not looking to spend more than $60 right now on the combo until next summer when I can upgrade if needed. Any other tips or recommendations are welcome. Thanks! Chuck