Where to begin

[teachme]

Me and my wife just bought a house by a lake and several waterways and want to start fishing. I went fishing some when i was small child but, never got to go very much. My question is where do i even begin. We bought new rod and reel combo's some soft baits that people told us, was working. Thanks for any and all help. 

[mrmacwvu1]

watch the videos on this site and on youtube

get on the water

the more you fish the more you catch

good luck to you

[Hurricane]

Do some research... You can learn a lot on this site... Enjoy the sport.. Its awesome..

[Netfish and Chill]

2 minutes ago, teachme said:

Me and my wife just bought a house by a lake and several waterways and want to start fishing. I went fishing some when i was small child but, never got to go very much. My question is where do i even begin. We bought new rod and reel combo's some soft baits that people told us, was working. Thanks for any and all help. 

Well it sounds like you have a functioning rod and reel and you have some baits that have a good chance of working. Is there a problem like you need a boat or do you not know where to start fishing first?

[Hurricane]

8 minutes ago, teachme said:

Me and my wife just bought a house by a lake and several waterways and want to start fishing. I went fishing some when i was small child but, never got to go very much. My question is where do i even begin. We bought new rod and reel combo's some soft baits that people told us, was working. Thanks for any and all help. 

Also grab some spinnerbaits and rooster tails... They catch anything.. It would be a good start..

[Subaqua Adinterim]

This site is a great place to learn.  

There is no substitute for actually getting out and trying things.  You may want to go out with a local guide that can provide you with tips and techniques.

Remember that a small percentage of lures will work to catch most of the fish.  Find out what works the best and use that rather than buying dozens of different lures that will seldom get used.

Remember to have fun, enjoy just getting out and trying.  You will not always catch something, that's why it's called fishing and not catching.

Good luck and have fun.

[Nitrofreak]

Your first step was the best thing you could have ever done, you joined us here, welcome to BR.

secondly, just get out and enjoy the time you have on the water, don't over complicate things at first, there is a ton to learn, we have videos, articles and always there are these forums, worms and creature baits are an excellent start, from there you can start to get comfortable with different ways to rig each.

good luck and be safe !!!

[teachme]

15 minutes ago, Netfish and Chill said:

Well it sounds like you have a functioning rod and reel and you have some baits that have a good chance of working. Is there a problem like you need a boat or do you not know where to start fishing first?

Just wanting to learn more from people that have been doing this a lot longer than i have. I have caught a few bass and perch, also i am mostly doing bank fishing. 

[Netfish and Chill]

Just now, teachme said:

Just wanting to learn more from people that have been doing this a lot longer than i have. I have caught a few bass and perch, also i am mostly doing bank fishing. 

Alright well bank fishing is a great way to explore those ponds and lakes. The best thing you can do is to make observations about your lake and try every bait you have on those places. If you're looking for baits to purchase, I would recommend you start out with squarebill crankbaits, spinnerbaits, texas rigged worms and creature baits, and jigs. These are versatile basic techniques that you can get advice about from any experienced bass fisherman.

[teachme]

Also is 8 pound test enough? The rod and reel combo i have can only handle up to 12lb test. 

[bigbassin']

58 minutes ago, teachme said:

Also is 8 pound test enough? The rod and reel combo i have can only handle up to 12lb test. 

What rod and reel combo do you have? The line guidelines can often be more of a suggestion rather than something that must be absolutely followed. Also what baits do you have? Finally if you could describe the bodies of water around you/post a map of the bodies of water, you'll probably get better suggestions on how to approach fishing them.

[trick worms]

Fish small ponds at first.

[Fish the Mitt]

Like everyone else has already mentioned, use this time to enjoy yourself. Enjoy the new place, enjoy the water, and enjoy your wife's company as you embark on this new journey of learning together. It's an amazing thing. 

There is a lot to being a bass angler - or any species angler for that matter. Start slow. No need for a cram session. I would start with the softbaits you guys have, and learn everything you can about them. Different ways to use them and rig them. Once you're confident there, buy another type of lure (spinnerbait, crankbait, jig, etc..). Also, it's ok to start  with a hook and bobber with crawlers. Might seem juvenile but it's the basis of everything. It was the beginning for 99% of everyone here. 

Where is this water located? Does it have a name?

 

[Hurricane]

2 minutes ago, SemperBass said:

Like everyone else has already mentioned, use this time to enjoy yourself. Enjoy the new place, enjoy the water, and enjoy your wife's company as you embark on this new journey of learning together. It's an amazing thing. 

There is a lot to being a bass angler - or any specie angler for that matter. Start slow. No need for a cram session. I would start with the softbaits you guys have, and learn everything you can about them. Different ways to use them and rig them. Once you're confident there, buy another type of lure (spinnerbait, crankbait, jig, etc..)

Where is this water located? Does it have a name?

 

Well said...

[roadwarrior]

"Just Getting Started"
Guaranteed To Catch Bass
I just cant catch bass
Learning to fish on your own

 

[teachme]

14 hours ago, SemperBass said:

Like everyone else has already mentioned, use this time to enjoy yourself. Enjoy the new place, enjoy the water, and enjoy your wife's company as you embark on this new journey of learning together. It's an amazing thing. 

There is a lot to being a bass angler - or any species angler for that matter. Start slow. No need for a cram session. I would start with the softbaits you guys have, and learn everything you can about them. Different ways to use them and rig them. Once you're confident there, buy another type of lure (spinnerbait, crankbait, jig, etc..). Also, it's ok to start  with a hook and bobber with crawlers. Might seem juvenile but it's the basis of everything. It was the beginning for 99% of everyone here. 

Where is this water located? Does it have a name?

 

Keystone Lake, Tenkiller Lake, and the Arkansas River, all in Northeast Oklahoma.

14 hours ago, SemperBass said:

Like everyone else has already mentioned, use this time to enjoy yourself. Enjoy the new place, enjoy the water, and enjoy your wife's company as you embark on this new journey of learning together. It's an amazing thing. 

There is a lot to being a bass angler - or any species angler for that matter. Start slow. No need for a cram session. I would start with the softbaits you guys have, and learn everything you can about them. Different ways to use them and rig them. Once you're confident there, buy another type of lure (spinnerbait, crankbait, jig, etc..). Also, it's ok to start  with a hook and bobber with crawlers. Might seem juvenile but it's the basis of everything. It was the beginning for 99% of everyone here. 

Where is this water located? Does it have a name?

 

Keystone Lake, Tenkiller Lake, and the Arkansas River, all in Northeast Oklahoma.

[Fish the Mitt]

6 minutes ago, teachme said:

Keystone Lake, Tenkiller Lake, and the Arkansas River, all in Northeast Oklahoma.

Keystone Lake, Tenkiller Lake, and the Arkansas River, all in Northeast Oklahoma.

I suggest filling our your BR profile and staying a while  Learn what you can here, it's a fantastic resource. Use the search feature to see if there are answers to questions you have, if not, you can always ask and we're always here. Most importantly, enjoy your new hobby!!

 

[Darren.]

Welcome aboard!

Best advice is to read the articles
and suggested stuff above. I pored
over articles before joining years ago.

Extremely helpful, IMO.

[BaitMonkey1984]

Welcome to the club. I would start fishing with 5" GYCB senkos. You literally cast them out there and do nothing with them and they flat out catch fish. I would advise you to read as much on this site as possible. I am a diehard and the information available on this site is always increasing and there is always something new to try. 

 

Additionally, there are several great youtube channels regarding fishing that are extremely helpful if you need a break from reading. Glenn did a great job with the BR youtube channel videos as they are very informative. 

[IndianaFinesse]

Read all of the bassresource articles and watch all of the videos.  And a good youtuber to watch is our own Glenn May.

[Snakehead Whisperer]

There are some great fishing opportunities in your area. If I were in that part of Oklahoma and stuck on the bank, I'd probably fish more ponds, retention basins and smaller rivers over huge reservoirs like Keystone and Tenkiller. 

The Illinois River above Tenkiller is a favorite spot of mine that doesn't require a boat. Float trips down the river are pretty inexpensive too. Really fun smallmouth river. 

[BILLYsobx]

Get a couple of 6'-6" MED HEAVY Spinning Rod Combos.. They don't have to be top of the line, just don't go for the 25$ specials lol...Buy some Senco's in Green Pumpkin and Black/Blue Flake or just plain Black, get some Gamakatsu 3/0 Wide Gap hooks...  I like 30# up to 50# Power Pro Green Braid with a 17# - 20# Flourocarbon leader around 5-6 feet.... I use the double uni knot, has not failed when tied cautiously, Braid can burn the flouro if you cinch the knot too early plus lots of spit.... I actually put the flouro knot in my mouth as I slide it to the braid knot.... If you are fishing light cover or in a pond you can probably just use some good ol' Stren Super Knot 10#.... Cast that worm under docks,trees, and stumps.... The base of steps that people have going into the water from their dock is always a must shot... Let that Senco fall on a slack but slightly arced line. Be patient, let the worm swim freely... If the line bumps, moves sideways, or stops before it should, wind down pointing your rod at the line, feel for the fish and using a wrist snap set the hook and don't give her slack....  In my opinion anyone beginning to fish should tie a Senco on, They catch tons of fish, big and small, they don't require a lot of skill to make lifelike, and are practically snagproof.......    TIGHT LINES and GOOD LUCK with the addiction you are about to succumb to......   

[HoosierHawgs]

Here is a good starter kit to use. I would start here and then I would start to try and pick up with certain nuances on your own... "The fish eat x better when y." "I like to fish x bait on y rod and reel." Everyone has there own preferences and each body of water has it's own quirks that you learn. Like, if you learn the forage base is x or y. Take knowledge from everywhere, but only apply what is relevant. Obviously Kentucky Lake Ledge fishing will not be applicable to your situation.

The first thing I would do is watch these videos. They are a simple tutorial and offer well explained starting points.

Next I would look at this guide from F&S on baits for small bodies of water. I still continue to reference at as a guide and I have been fishing for over a decade.

http://www.fieldandstream.com/articles/2014/08/bait-guide-how-to-catch-bass-in-any-pond

Finally here is a guide on breaking down a small body of water like the one you mentioned.

http://www.outdoorlife.com/articles/fishing/2007/09/farm-pond-bass

 

Like I said, use these as a starting point so you can hit the ground running. Also, don't get too frustrated. The main point of fishing for most of us is to have fun. You will get skunked, you will lose fish, you will break line. You can't let yourself get frustrated or it will be no fun. The learning curve and the challenge are what make this sport exciting. Along with the big bass of course!

 

[Hurricane]

52 minutes ago, HoosierHawgs said:

Here is a good starter kit to use. I would start here and then I would start to try and pick up with certain nuances on your own... "The fish eat x better when y." "I like to fish x bait on y rod and reel." Everyone has there own preferences and each body of water has it's own quirks that you learn. Like, if you learn the forage base is x or y. Take knowledge from everywhere, but only apply what is relevant. Obviously Kentucky Lake Ledge fishing will not be applicable to your situation.

The first thing I would do is watch these videos. They are a simple tutorial and offer well explained starting points.

Next I would look at this guide from F&S on baits for small bodies of water. I still continue to reference at as a guide and I have been fishing for over a decade.

http://www.fieldandstream.com/articles/2014/08/bait-guide-how-to-catch-bass-in-any-pond

Finally here is a guide on breaking down a small body of water like the one you mentioned.

http://www.outdoorlife.com/articles/fishing/2007/09/farm-pond-bass

 

Like I said, use these as a starting point so you can hit the ground running. Also, don't get too frustrated. The main point of fishing for most of us is to have fun. You will get skunked, you will lose fish, you will break line. You can't let yourself get frustrated or it will be no fun. The learning curve and the challenge are what make this sport exciting. Along with the big bass of course!

 

Thanks for those articles...

[N Florida Mike]

If I moved to a new lake, the first thing I would do is go get a big bag of fish feed from the local hardware or feed store.Throw out several handfuls to where you plan to fish every day.This will attract all the fish in the area and produce some great fishing opportunities.