New to fishing

[FishAddict104]

Hey im new to fishing and am so addicted. My problem is I dont know anyone that knows anything about fishing - or cares!

Im looking for someone to be my mentor (through Emails) and/or possibly tag along..?

By the way I live in illinois and will drive just about anywhere within the borders

[boostnut]

where in illinois?

[FishAddict104]

Chicago =) Ive been driving about 2 hours each time I go fishing since theres nothing good around here other than lake michigan - but without a boat the lake wont help much.

[SuperNewbie]

well the only thing i can offer is the jitterbug and the devil horse and MONEY so are powerbait worms

[Crestliner2008]

First of all, WELCOME! You've found the best site online for pure, knowledgeable information on fishing. I'd suggest reading the vast amount of literature in the headlines of the main page. Lots of good stuff there to start. And I'm sure there are a lot of fishermen from Illinois here as well.

[FishAddict104]

Ok thanks, theres just so much literature out the that ive read already, I just always have new questions...

[fishergrl]

I too am fairly new to fishing and while i have someone that knows a great deal about fishing i am still learning, We went to a farmers pond a few weeks ago and i had this spinning combo and my b/f gave me a 3 worm hook and had got 2 bass on it well while i was reeling one in my reel gears stripped and i lost my first bass!!! i was one mad grl!!!!! well they put a different reel on my pole and off i went again!!! my advice to u would be find rod and reel u are comfortable with and just try different baits and go for it. and  most of all read everything u can about fishing it will help alot!!!

[D4u2s0t]

read through the fishing articles on the top left, pretty much all the basics through advanced stuff is covered.  Then when you ave questions, post them up.  Most people are more than willing to help someone that is looking to learn more about fishing.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Like the others said, check the articles. The beginner section is very informative without being too simplistic. Don't get overwhelmed by advanced tactics right away, You can catch lts of fish with a few basic lures and presentations. Check topo maps for small bodies of water in the area you fish. Small ponds can grow big fish and don't require a boat. Good luck!

[catchbig0bass]

some tips-

An easy way to get into bass fishing is get yourself a heddon baby torpedo or jitterbug for when sun starts to really go down.

Gary Yamamoto senko 4-5" worms. More of a stick bait. These time and time again I catch tons of fish on. Pick darker purple, black, pumpkin colors. Use Gamsaku (pardon the spelling) EWG 3/0 hooks texas rigged.

Throw the senkos along weedlines and pretty much everywhere, let it fall and slowly reel it in while stopping every few turns and give it a little wiggle. Be patient with them and you will have good luck.

As for the jitterbug and torpedo just cast out as far as you can and give a slow retrieve back, if the time is right they will nail it.

Pay attention to these forums and posts about what is working in your area. The senko's work pretty much everywhere thats why I say there a good starter bait to use.

A decent reel and rod combination is key as well, ensures you have a good time fishing with quality equipment thats smooth and comfterable.

READ READ READ READ Everything and anything. Theres tons of spots on the web with a lot of info. Once you get down some techniques you will figure out where and when to use them and what water conditions mean and so forth. Theres a lot to know but me researching has produced me a heck of a lot more fish than when I didn't.

[unhbass37]

I pretty much use Senkos for everything. I hardly ever fish at night so I don't use top water baits that often, They usually miss more then you catch anyway. It is exciting when they do hit though. I use cheaper Ugly sticks 5'6" Med/Heavy rods LOL with zebco mono line and have caught a ton of big fish on this equipment. Buying the best rod /reel combo won't guarantee you will catch fish. Just buy what you can afford. Check out the thread anyone have any luck in southern NH. Everyone on here is willing to help so just ask. Good Luck and post pictures often.

[gordonusnret]

:)The Senko is my main choice of lure,Several colors that work well for me are,shad,cinnamon brown,and when these don't produce,I will use a lime green with white,this particular one has produced several 4-6 lb largemouth.I will also rigg the stick bait,whacky style,hook the senko in the middle of the body,use a slow drop and lift method,this also produces very well for me.For extra excitement hook the senko in the end of it with a weedless hook,cast it on top of lilly pads and use short retrieves.hold on to your hat,when a big bass comes up from underneath,and takes it.    GOOD LUCK

[logger]

Welcome, you are in the right place to get some great information,

Logger

[BLUESKY]

Hello and welcome. I live about 25/30 minutes west of O"hare and go fishing quite often. The fox river for smallies, a couple of good lakes within a 1/2 hour drive from home and a lot of lakes in Wisconsin. Often I am looking for someone to share a trip, if interested let me know. Also if you are looking for knowledge I suggest that you join a tournament club, as a non boater you would be out with some very knowledgeable people and it is a very good way to gain a lot of know how on Bass fishing.

[Lauren]

I found that the best way to meet people is fishing on shore. I found I learned a great deal more fishing in public areas and I almost always got free stuff. Normally I go for pan fish, but this year I caught a whole new species of fish, White Bass.

I usually fish up in Wis. so fishing IL was a new experience. Anyway I meant many new people, learned about catching a new species of fish.

I live in Elmhurst when I am not at school in Springfield.