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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.

(1) Greetings BR members! I've been looking to get after some smallies this summer on the Upper Potomac. I've had success at Riverbend Park and Goose Creek in years past, but I'm looking for spots that I can reach easier by bike from Arlington. The Ohio C&O Canal Towpath would be my route of choice to get upriver, so spots on the Maryland side are preferred (not asking for your honey holes, just general locations ideal for shore/wade fishing). I'm sort of a newbie to bass casting for SM in a river, so I may need some technical guidance and info on specific areas / structure to target. Beyond weedless tubes, it would also be helpful to get some insight as to what bait/profile/size is best for this river. (2) If anyone would like to fish with me, I've been looking for a fishing buddy! Unfortunately, I don't have a boat or consistent access to a car, but I can ride my bike a good long way to reach the fishing grounds. I can also comp for gas or other expenses. PM if interested. All advice and responses are welcome. Tight Lines!

Hey so I’m fishing a pond near a college campus. The air temps have been hovering around 45° for about a week now and when it’s not too windy I’m able to get out for an hour or two. Unfortunately this pond is fished by any and all anglers on campus because it is the only pond nearby. That means the fish have probably seen anything and everything imaginable. I’ve been to it 3 times and got skunked each time. Do you guys have any tactics that you use for VERY heavily fished ponds? PS. The pond is basically a big shallow circle with its deepest point in the center. It’s small too. Small enough to walk around the pond in under 10 minutes.

The wonderful season of Autumn is finally approaching us. As it creeps closer I have found that some people get sad that the summer months are over, while others get excited for the cooler weather and holidays. I know for my situation it is not good due to the fact that my ponds will freeze, and in turn, so will my fishing. The only thing I can do is hope to make the most of this last season in any way I can. What are some of you guys' favorite methods, tactics, techniques, and tips for fishing in the Fall? We all have our preferences. Some might work, while others might not. I want to make this an open share-point for fishermen of all skill levels and styles to talk about what they plan on doing this Fall in order to make the most of the rest of the year before the freeze sets in.

This is for those in the illinois, wisconsin, and iowa area, I've had terrible luck lately. Where are you guys finding them. I don't want to know your favorite fishin hole, but are you catching them in the shallows yet or are they still in the depths near you. Are the near the rocks, muck, or last years weedbeds. This is a discussion about where you're finding them, what your catchin them on, and your first good fishing stories of the year.