New Fisher In Northeast Phoenix

[ryant14]

Hi all, I am a brand-new fisher and I am looking for the best spots and advice to go fishing in the Phoenix area. I am home for the summer and have almost every day to fish. I have only caught one fish in over 15 hours of fishing time and that was at Gainey Ranch but I have to keep looking over my shoulder because it is part of the hotel and that just isn't fun nor right. I've gone to Tempe Town Lake twice and haven't caught anything, but it is relaxing however it is just too far for me to drive everyday because I am at 40th St. & Bell. I have also tried McCormick Ranch and haven't caught anything. There are a number of golf courses in my area but I don't think they allow fishing. I have tried going at sundown and have tried many types of baits such as plastic worms, different jigs, and live worms with nothing really working for me. I've gone mostly at sundown and have seen many fish in the lake but they just won't catch on. My goals of this post are to find more economical fishing locations and also gain any tips and tricks you can give to help me improve my skills for this summer. Any and all tips are greatly appreciated!

[WRB]

It's going to get hot fast in Phoenix area soon!

Can't help you with private ponds because it's been a long time since fishing there. There is a small lake near Tempe on the Salt River with decent bass fishing, Temp Town lake.

The nearest decent size bass lake is Saguaro.

What type of tackle do you have? Please be specific so I can make a few suggestions as to what to use.

Tom

[ryant14]

Yes, very hot very soon! 

I have used soft plastics mostly Texas Rigged on a 1/0 size hook. I have used Yum! purple worms and Gulp! 3" minnows. I have also tried a 3/8 oz football jig and a hard plastic minnow lure. The only bass I have caught was using a plastic purple worm at Gainey Ranch in Scottsdale. I also use an Eagle Claw Microwire leader. I am using 4-lb. test line on a Shakespeare Micro Series ultralight pole and reel combo. 

[WRB]

Yes, very hot very soon!

I have used soft plastics mostly Texas Rigged on a 1/0 size hook. I have used Yum! purple worms and Gulp! 3" minnows. I have also tried a 3/8 oz football jig and a hard plastic minnow lure. The only bass I have caught was using a plastic purple worm at Gainey Ranch in Scottsdale. I also use an Eagle Claw Microwire leader. I am using 4-lb. test line on a Shakespeare Micro Series ultralight pole and reel combo.

Very lite tackle for bass fishing, too lite for any weight over 3/16 oz.

My suggestion is a drop shot or slip shot rig with 4 1/2" Roboworms.

Get yourself the following from Hook Up Tackle, currently offering 20% off.

Size 1 Owner 5133 down shot hooks.

3/32 oz mojo sliding weight, 3/16 oz Owner drop shot weight.

4 1/2" baitball and morning sunrise straight tail worms.

Carolina Keepers, clear.

Drop shot rig, use the Owner 3/16 drop shot weight, tie the Owner 5133 hook about 12" above the weight with Palomar knot, weedless hook the Roboworm.

Slip shot rig, use the mojo style slip sinker, add the Carolina Keeper about 18" above the 5133 hook, weedless hook the Roboworm.

Use the Morning down early and late, the baitball anytime.

Cast either out and slowly work along the bottom, bounce slack line against the drop shot weight, drag the mojo weight.

You should consider getting a med-light 6'6" rod and use 6 lb line

Good luck.

Tom

PS, night fishing go with darker colors and 6" worms.