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Hi y’all, My family and I just moved down to Georgia and we’ve finally really settled down! We’ve fished before, but we aren’t really experienced my best is probably only around 3 pounds for largemouth. I live in Oglethorpe County and was hoping someone might know some good places to fish nearby? I’ve heard about the Oconee River and Lake Hartwell but lake Hartwell is a little far and we don’t have boats. Any sort of help or advice would be much appreciated, excited to be here!

I just got into fishing this year as a way to get through losing both my grandparents at Christmas. I have all the equipment I need, but I need a little help with setup Ideas. I'm not looking to upgrade because I'm just a novice. Most of this stuff came from a store that closed and the owners just gave it to me. Any suggestions will be appreciated. Also, please don't tell me I need a Shimano/Daiwa/Lew's reel, I know they are good, but I'm happy with what I have. Just looking for Ideas, maybe a list of setups. Here's my list of Rods and Reels. I have every test of FC, Braid, and Mono, so I'm covered I think. Tons of lures and sp. Thanks so much. Reels LPBC 541-Abu Orra Winch 641-Abu BMax3 Abu Gen Ike Abu Orra SX Pflueger Intensity 711-Abu Pmax3 731-Pflueger Monarch 811-Sougayaling MDC SR 511-Abu MaxX 40 521-Quantum Optix 581-Abu MaxSTX 30 Abu Max Stx 30 621-Lews Mach 2 300A RBC 381-Abu 1972 Ambassadeur 5000 631-Abu 6500 CL Rocket Rods Casting 60-Quantum Tour Edition 8-17 1/4-3/4 MF 66-Abu Bmax 8-15 1/4-5/8 MMF Abu Pmax 8-15 1/4-5/8 MMF Abu GenIke 8-15 1/4-5/8 MMF Fenwick Eagle GT 10-25 1/4-1 1/4 MHMF 68-Shimano Sellus W/J 10-20 1/4-1 MHXF 70-Lew's Laser HS 10-20 1/4-1 1/4 MHF Pflueger Monarch 10-20 1/4-3/4 MHF 72-Lew's TP1X Speed Stick 1/4-1 MHF 73-Abu Vendetta 14-30 3/8-1 1/2 HF Spinning 66-Abu Vengeance 10-14 1/4-3/4 MHF Abu MaxSTX 6-12 1/4-5/8 MMF 70-Lew's Mach 2 T/G MF

I have a few different graphs and a new trolling motor and I'm wondering what you think the optimal setup is with what I currently have. Below are the graphs and trolling motor I have. Humminbird Helix 12 Mega SI G2N (no chip installed yet) Humminbird Helix 10 SI (Not sure what Gen but has networking capability. Model # is 409990-1) Lakemaster V7 chip Humminbird Helix 10 Sonar (Not sure what Gen but has networking capability. Model # is 409960-1) Lakemaster V5 chip installed Humminbird Helix 7 SI Gen 1 (No networking ability) Navionics chip installed Minn Kota Ulterra 112 thrust trolling motor with Ipilot LINK and Mega DI The Helix 12 and trolling motor are new. I had the 7 SI on my previous boat and recently picked up the 10s as a package used for a decent price. I appreciate any input you have on: 1. How I should utilize what I have above? (Anything I should get rid of or don't need?) 2. Which unit I should have linked to the Ipilot LINK? 3. What do you recommend for the console/front/back of the boat and how to use when fishing? 4. Which transducers would you use and where? (Do I need more than 1 SI transducer mounted-have 3 but one is a mega, one is a larger one for the 10 SI and the 7 SI transducer is smaller) 5. Which units should have/need Lakemaster chips? (I only have 2 that are different versions as of this point) I know it is needed for ipilot link but anything else they are needed for? 6. Any units I don't need or should get rid of? Four units seem like a lot but maybe not? 7. I believe I will need to get a network hub but is there anything else I need or that you would recommend to get the most out of what I have? 8. When these units are networked, what kind of information can I expect to get from them being networked and how should I utilize the information? Sorry for all of the questions, but I really want to try and get this right the first time. I primarily fish a larger body of water (Mille Lacs) for small mouth if it matters. I am fairly new to fishing and am hoping the new setup can help me in getting on fish. BTW-my boat is a four corner fishing pontoon and I will likely have friends fishing with my on all four corners at various times. My wife wanted something comfy and multi purpose and wasn't as much interested in our main boat being a bass boat given how quick the weather can change. Hopefully I'll be able to get a bass boat in the future but I think I need to get better at fishing before she would consider letting me getting something more specific. James

Hello! This is my first post on the forums so bear with me. I have been trying to get into bass fishing, but haven't had much success (I have only been bass fishing once so that's probably why but anyways). I'm pretty sure that the spawn has passed on my local lakes here in SoCal (Casitas, Cachuma, Piru, Castaic, Pyramid). I've heard that swim jigs are good to catch post-spawn to early summer bass. My question is: What are the best colors, techniques, gear, line, etc? Really, any tips to catch bass during this time period would help a lot. Also, I have a kayak but I won't be able to get it out onto the water until summer at the earliest, so I'm limited to the shore for now. Thanks for any advice!

Hello to all! New to the site and love all the information already. Been fishing all over Northern California my whole life (over forty but act 22 lol) and I’m especially excited as I have just ordered a new boat to get me and the kids out there more. Family, fishing, bbq, with an emphasis on NASCAR as well Looking forward to being a part of things, learning even more and thank you all in advance for the time ahead. Tight Lines! Matt

Hi all, pretty new member here. Had a question for you all. I started bass fishing this summer and just caught my 50th bass last week! I initially started using hot dogs as bait, which would catch bass once every roughly 90 min, in the 2-5 pound range, but the number of turtles getting snagged was unbearable, so I switched to soft plastics, starting with Yum dingers/lizards, and occsionally crankbaits/spinnerbaits. My issue is when I switch to soft plastics, I catch more fish per hour (1.5 per hour instead of .6 an hour), but they are generally small (1 pound or less). I like that I catch more fish, but I would like to catch bigger ones as well with soft plastics. Am I doing something wrong? Some info. 1. I flip/pitch 4-5 inch Yum dingers all over near what little cover there is (water plants). I almost never throw the senko to open water...seems unproductive. 2. The pond is in NYC, and it takes 20 min to walk around it, so not that big. 3. I have tried crankbaits and spinnerbaits, but I haven't gotten anything, besides a giant bluegill. I have issues with getting them snagged, because there are many underwater branches etc. 4. I notice bigger bass look at my senko and always avoid it, they don't even bite and spit it out. 5. I don't think I'm fishing the senko wrong but am open to suggestions, I have caught 2-3 pounders up in Montauk's lakes/ponds. 6. The water is VERY green. I use Junebug, watermelon red flake, green pumpkin colors. Any feedback is appreciated!

Hello all my name is Anthony and I'm new to forums and bass fishing. I've been fishing for about 5 months now mainly on the delta in California. Most of my fishing is bank fishing and when I'm lucky with friends on their boats. Just wanted to say hello and I'm looking forward to learning as much as I can.

I've always been more into hunting than fishing. And where I go to school the fishing action is huge from what I've experienced. Since I am trying to be more serious about fishing, I am looking to purchase 2-4 rods and reels, which for someone new may be excessive. Primarily looking for one or two overall spinning rods and reels that would work for a broad range of fish. Primarily up here we have small and large mouth bass, walleye, northern pike, white fish, crappie, salmon, occasionally perch, and trout. Also a lot of catfish at home in IL. Also looking for a quality fly rod as a friend said he would teach me, and maybe one or two ice rods. I've done research into the concepts of action, power, and line type. I don't know much about what kind of rod brands and reels are reputable and all. So any recommendations or guidance from you more experienced guys and gals would be incredibly appreciated.

Hi from Temecula California! I started fishing about 3 months ago (as I live on a small lake) and first took my 2 daughter out (8 & 5) to catch bluegill because it is so easy on my lake. I decided to try for something larger and grabbed my first largemouth, I was hooked! (no pun intended) It seems to be all I think about now (just ask my wife) I have since upgraded my walmart spinning reel and added a baitcaster to the arsenal. Youtube has been a great help (shout out to Glenn May) This site is awesome! I love being able to ask questions and help in any way I can with people who share my passion. Peace and love Alex

Hello everyone! I just wanted to ask if anyone knew of any small pounds or small lakes to catch decent fish.... I live in lakeland Fl I've been to saddle creek and fished of bank all I catch is bluegill and suckers every now N than (I dont have a boat yet) so im limited I really want a bass or something new plz help any advice would be really appreciated

Hi guys and gals I'll try to keep this short and simple. I'm new to fishing, have a super tight budget and just wanna have fun with a somewhat dependable setup. I'd like to show you what i'm looking at and have someone help me disseminate what's best and worst of the group. 1) http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Tourney-Special-Rod-and-Reel-Baitcast-Combo/product/2254710/ 2) http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=65167646 3) https://www.amazon.com/Lews-Fishing-American-Heroes-Baitcast/dp/B00PB7J1DE/ref=sr_1_4?s=hunting-fishing&ie=UTF8&qid=1468902587&sr=1-4&keywords=reel+rod+combo&refinements=p_n_feature_nine_browse-bin%3A6680030011%2Cp_36%3A5000-10000 4) https://www.amazon.com/Shakespeare-Elite-Baitcast-Combo-Medium/dp/B011LUVLZU/ref=sr_1_12?s=hunting-fishing&ie=UTF8&qid=1468902308&sr=1-12&keywords=reel+rod+combo&refinements=p_n_feature_nine_browse-bin%3A6680030011 Or a non combo, something like this. 5) https://www.amazon.com/Shakespeare-Casting-8-20-Pound-6-Feet-Medium/dp/B00F0KLSBA/ref=sr_1_5?s=hunting-fishing&ie=UTF8&qid=1468903303&sr=1-5&keywords=baitcasting+rod&refinements=p_72%3A1248957011%2Cp_n_feature_nine_browse-bin%3A6680030011%2Cp_n_feature_keywords_five_browse-bin%3A7933066011|7933065011%2Cp_36%3A2000-5000 with https://www.amazon.com/Baitcasting-Fishing-Bearings-Baitcast-Baitcaster/dp/B011WM9D7A/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

Hi everyone, I've been fishing since I was about 5 years old thanks to a dad who used to take me camping on a lake filled with largies. It was a tonne of fun and something that I've never let go of! Nowadays I'm fishing more for smallmouth bass in the Kawartha Lakes here in Ontario but am hoping to head onto some new water on Lake Erie, Lake St. Clair, and the St. Lawrence River this coming year to learn a lot more. I'm shorebound but I don't let that discourage me as I've managed to learn how to catch decent sized fish from highly pressured bodies of water through spending time and learning from what I'm presented with at each spot that I go to. Cheers, and look forward to learning from all of you!

Hello fellow fishermen. I've been reteaching myself how to fish in general after many years since I was a kid. Now I've taken up bass and other freshwater species, hoping to meet fishing buddies and learn the sport. See you on the water!

Hello, I am new to bass fishing, but I have some fishing experience. Every year I do a lot of fishing for channel cats in chesapeake Maryland. However, I have this newfound fascination with catching bass!I've always watched shows on tv, and it looked interesting. Anyway I live in Delaware near several local ponds. I don't have a boat as of yet, but hopefully I'll get a kayak or something by next summer. I caught my first bass yesterday after trying for over a year. It's not as easy as they make it look on tv lol. I was determined yesterday. I went and bought a new rod, and a few different soft baits to try out. After about an hour fishing it started raining. Just as I was ready to call it quits, I got my first bass! I was so excited I let out a huge war cry lol! It's been a long time coming. So with that said I'm happy to be a part of bass resource, and I hope to get advice and tips here so that I can become a better angler!

Hey everybody, my name is Bill and I've been fishing on an off for about 39 years. I just moved to North Carolina a year and a half ago. I'm here mostly to learn from you more experienced members. I taught myself how to cast bait casters through trial and error during a ruff part of my life about six or seven years ago, when all I had was a small creek to practice casting in. Now I live close to a lake here in Stanley county and I'll soon be able to start putting all that practice to good use. I bought some pretty good reels and rods and even added to them lately. I even got lucky and bought a small reasonably priced boat for my first boat. Now I'll have to start learning about the various baits and how to use them. Thanks to the flea market here I was able to purchace a few Swim baits and some shallow water crank baits. I hope to learn alot from all of you, and am very glad to be a member here.