So lately I am having no luck catching anything whatsoever; the ones I do catch are really small and not keepable. As much as I enjoying fishing, I feel like I am doing something very wrong, or simply have terrible luck. I mostly fish ponds and creeks. Occasionally lakes or rivers if the opportunity arises, but that's rare, and I've never had any luck fishing from lakes or rivers. The weather here has been pretty good lately, so on warmer days when I see the catfish in my own pond jumping or making ripples, I try a few local spots hoping to catch something larger than what my pond currently has. Plus, my pond cats are spawning and I don't want to bother them until spring time.
I hate to ask this, but I need to find some spots worth fishing at. I've tried all the local parks... once in a blue moon I can actually catch something, but typically I watch others catch stuff, or simply hear rumors that "yeah, that place has nice bass and/or catfish!", but never catch anything notable myself at those locations. Never had a keeper anyway, ever. I've tried every rig, every bait or lure imaginable... I am really discouraged and about ready to just give up on fishing and just buy my eating fish at the fish market, or just eat the cats in my pond. I prefer fresh ones I catch obviously, cause they just taste much better than the fish market. Another issue I have is snagging. NO matter what I do, I will find the ONE SNAG underwater that costs me my term tackle, or my floats, and fishing trip is over for me. Supplies are not cheap, and it makes me angry when that happens.
I am seeking spots where there are actually fish to catch, that don't have hidden snags, sticks, rocks, or aeration hoses to catch on, since "weedless" setups do not seem to work for me. If anyone lives in my area, or near it, and knows some places to go that aren't too far away, I'd appreciate a tip or two. Not looking to steal anyone's spots (since I am apparently very unlucky, it's unlikely I'll do any damage to your fishing hole anyway lol), I just want somewhere I can catch 1-2 nice fish and call it a day. I am also looking for a fishing buddy or two... that know what they're doing, if anyone is interested. I hardly think I am totally incompetent since I do a lot of research on techniques, seasons, temperatures, etc, and have actually been fishing for most of my life, on and off... but obviously I need to change something I do, whether it's my rigs, where I fish at, or how I fish. I don't have a boat either, I am purely a bank fisherman. I'd get a kayak if they weren't outrageously priced.
Any advice or tips would be great.