Learning to fish on your own

[Diablos]

You say you caught three bass?!...My approach since i'm learning is to analyze why I caught every bass, structure, bait, time of day. I  continually try those same techniques over and over until they don't work then figure out why after they don't. It sounds boring but after a while it becomes second nature.

[southbassfisher]

I pretty much taught myself how to bass fish. What I did was read a bunch of articles on this site and then if I had any unanswered question I would ask them on the forum. I am still learning and reading.

[bass109]

I taught myself everything on fishing. It helps to have a teacher and in this forum anglers are very experience, so you'll learn alot if you ask the right questions. 8-)

[Fish Chris]

I'm kind of surprised to see that so many of you guys are self taught !

My late, great Uncle Elton showed me what fishing was about, when I was about 2 1/2, with a cane pole, and redworms, catching Bluegill in his own private pond....... But I don't think he, nor my parents, nor anyone else, realised the affect that would have on my entire life !

Other than that though, my parents were not much into fishing, and my Uncle lived 2000 miles from where I grew up.

So, I'd like to think I taught myself a lot of what I know about fishing...... But interestingly, I had never caught a single bass over 10 lbs, up until 10 years ago (and whether this is coincidence or not) I had also never owned a PC.

Then I got the PC, started surfing for big bass info, learning and sharing, started my own website within 1 year of getting that first PC, and bam ! Big bass left and right, from that point forward :-)

So anyway, I think I had built a solid foundation of fishing basics, on my own, just through trial and effort...... But websites such as this one, and of course the people visiting my own site, who often knew a lot more than I did, put my learning curve into high gear ! :-)

Anyway yes, the kids nowadays just have unlimited knowledge available through the Internet ! The ones that use it for fishing, are going to do things that I could only dream of, at there age. And that's very cool ! :-)

Peace,

Fish

[KU_Bassmaster.]

My dad took me out and taught me the basics (how to tie a knot, cast, etc, etc) at around age 8 or so.  We would go maybe a couple times a months.  Not really targeting anything.  Didn't take me long to figure out bass was my fish.  I think at about 13 I realized I needed to get off the bank and saved up to buy a two man bass boat (which I still have and use until this day).  My dad made me a deal, I buy the boat ... he would buy the trollong motor.  After we got the boat, that's where I started taking over and teaching my dad really.  I read every magazine I could find and then tried to apply them to my lake, exploring, trying new things, etc.  10 years later ..... still learning.  This website would have dramatically increased the learning curve.

[kybassangler]

I found some good info in Woo Daves videos. You can find 'em at the Bass Pro. Mostly I started out with vibra rooster tails and plastic worms and a lot of experimentation. Woo's video is easy to understand by the average redneck, me. My favorite bait is a Zoom Brushog, I nice fellow threw me a pack one day on the lake. Get you somebody you can compete with two competitive spirits in a boat will foster experimentation and if you share secrets you will learn from each other.

[senile1]

My Dad started me out on bass fishing but he was what I would call a lazy bass fisherman.  He wasn't one to try out new baits, new lakes, or new techniques.  When he found something that worked, he stuck with it.  So I learned to fish on one lake, and the lures that worked were Rapala Floaters, Rapala Countdowns, and t-rigged and weightless plastic worms.  That was all he used.  I learned by imitating him.  We did all of our fishing with spincast equipment.  We fished from an aluminum boat with a trolling motor.  So when it came time to learn how to use baitcasting reels, spinning reels, a powered bassboat, and the myriad lures that exist I was on my own.  It took some time to become adept at all of these.  

I tell you all of this to encourage you.  I was fortunate to learn on a lake with a strong bass population and the fishing pressure was below average.  When you are learning, you need to have at least one location you can go to and catch fish even when your techniques aren't up to snuff.  This keeps you from losing confidence which can really affect your ability to catch fish.  If you are learning on a body of water where even the best anglers struggle, I would recommend you search high and low for another place to learn.  Don't get me wrong.  You still want to fish difficult waters, but the learning process requires some fish to be caught to keep your confidence and enthusiasm.  

Another point to consider is what is the size of the lake you are fishing?  If you are learning on a large lake, your first obstacle is to find the fish, since maybe 90 percent of the fish will be in 10 percent of the water.  This requires knowledge in reading a topographical map, knowledge in reading a depth finder, and time to "tour" the lake and find fish-holding areas.  

Considering the items above, a small body of water with a good bass population would probably serve your needs better in the learning phases of bass fishing.

[kybassangler]

Trial ad error. experimentation and talking to other bass fisherman. Strike up conversations on the water when they pass by and don't forget to ask 'em what they are using. sometimes you hit the motherload for the lake. If possible get a buddy he'll keep you motivated and get some good ole fashioned competition going. With competition comes inventiveness and learning from each other.

[stilldontlikeyou]

I've been fishing for a month now (I'm 25).  I started out on a small pond on a farm which I still love fishing, in fact I'm learned a TON from this pond.  It pretty small, and has quite a bit of bass.  I catch multiple fish every time, might take an hour or so but they start biting.  It great to try different baits, techniques, setting my drag, and etc...

I've done a little fishing from the shore on the beach, and some fishing for catfish and carp at a canal.  I know it's not a lot, but its a start, and every time I go fishing I have a blast and learn boat loads.  I can't wait to get on a boat and fish!!  

To date I've learned the most from - Experience (practice, practice, practice) my only fishing buddy at the moment which is my brother in law, and this website and forum.

I did however pick up the KISS Guide to Fishing last weekend, and it was a decent read talking about  buying the right reel, rod, knots and etc.....But I believe the best way to learn is trial and error.  Besides you have a blast doing it.  

I am going back to the farm for 3 days this weekend, and its all I think about.  I know there has to be some 4-5 pounders in there!!!  Plus, I gonna try some night time fishing!!  

[kybassangler]

If Caleb can do it you can do it. He just caught a nice hog saturday on a baby brush hog. He's 6 years old and learning as I am, and so can anyone.

[FivePoundBluegill]

The first step to learning is just to find a pond....or a spot on a big lake that has a big population of fish. Right now is probably one of the best times of year to learn because the bass will take any bait under the right conditions. Pick a bait that is easy to use and go out in the evening when fish are most aggressive. Senkos are a GREAT bait and the easyest to catch good size fish with but if your just looking to catch your first bass they might be hard to use. Maybe try an origional floating rapala...its the simplest bait to use and I always catch something when I throw one at this time of year. Actually I usually catch about 5 small bass and occasionally a big one per outing with this bait when I throw it in my local lakes. At this time of year I catch more bass with this lure than the senko.... I still do prefer the senko though since it catches me bigger fish. Easyest bait ever to use that will always catch lots of small bass and panfish is rooster tails though.

[Guest avid]

THE THREE MOST IMPORTANT RULES

1. you shoulda been here yesterday

2 no matter what side of the lake you are on, the fish are biting on the other side

3 Do you have an xyz lure in your tackle box?  Too bad, its the only bait they will hit today.,

[cart7t]

Has anyone here basically had to teach themselves how to fish? I have been on my friends boat a few times and my grandpa lives on the sound but my dad never liked fishing much. He was more of a sports guy, which also has helped me tremendously, but I never had any guidance on bass fishing or really any kind. I tried out fishing when i was in middle school and loved it and still do it now and im 17. I try to read a lot into bass fishing on here but the success never comes. Has anyone here ever basically had to teach themselves and gather information here and there rather than someone actually teach you?

I think me trying to teach myself is why I never catch anything.

My Dad tought me some basics of fishing but he never really like the sport, said it was a waste of time and money.  

So yes, I basically had to teach myself.  This was in the early 70's before there was an internet, no cable TV, only an occasional article in magazines like Sports Afield or Outdoor Life.  I waited anxiously for Sunday at around noon when the only fishing TV show on, "Outdoors with Virgil Ward", came on.  

Just the stuff on this forum is a multitude of learning more than what I had.  Consider yourself lucky.

If you want to speed up the learning curve, join a bass club.  

[Catt]

No one teaches themselves; we all gain knowledge & understanding by study, instruction, & experience.

There are two main ingredients required in becoming a fisherman who is consistently catches fish.

#1: Fish are predators and in order to catch a predator one must understand its prey.

#2: Fish are structure orientated; understand what structure is and how fish relate each type.

Simplicity is the key to fishing success  

[Bizzo]

Start reading through the excellent guides listed under "Fishing Articles" on the top of the page, and when you're done, read em again. They have been a HUGE help to me. Also, ask around about the best places to fish locally and keep asking. Talk to people at local bait shops about where to fish and what works there, ask about lure techniques as well. They are usually founts of information and happy to help. Also talk to the people you meet while fishing, most fisherman are happy to pass on what they know. Keep in mind though, you will hear all kinds of different things.

[jwo1124]

Hey NC, good to meet another angler. I'm like you in the sense that I had to teach myself how to fish. My mom's father was an angler and hunter, but he passed away from cancer when I was very young; around 8. I never got to grow up and fish with him, although he is sort of why I like fishing. After he passed, whenever I went up my grandmother's house, I would always go through all his fishing stuff, tackle boxes, rods, reels, and it fascinated me. I remember watching fishing shows he had recorded on VHS tapes and not knowing what was going on.

I later started watching the weekend line up of fishing shows like Bill Dance, Roland, Hank Parker, Shaw, Bassmasters, In fisherman, and numerous ohter shows. Any fishing show thats been on in the past, say, 8 or 9 years, I've probably seen it. I also subrscribed to every fishing magizine I could. I was getting BassMaster Mag, In-Fisherman mag, Field and Stream, On the Water(a new england fishing mag) I would also buy less familiar mags from bookstores whenever I would see a fishing one(like BASSIN') I would also go through all the lure and tackle catalogs like I was reading the bible.

I learned A LOT from watching all these shows and reading all these magizines. I thought I knew everything there was too know about fishing. Was I so wrong. All I really learned from all these shows and reading was the basics with a little extra on top. I'm been involved with fishing for 9 years now, and I have just scratched the surface of experience and knowledge.

My father never liked fishing either. I remember a few times he drove me out to the local pond when I asked him, but he would never fish. He'd just drink a beer or close his eyes and relax in a chair.

I fished a local kids derby at 13, and have been fishing ever since. I love the sport, and I hope my kids will not have to teach themselves how to fish. I have been chipping away at my younger brother and trying to turn him into an angler, but he's not as into it as many of us are. He likes to catch fish, but if there's no action for an hour we wants to call it quits. He's your run of the mill fair weather fisherman. When there's nothing better to do he'll go fishing, but he's no die hard like me. I'll fish in the rain, the snow, 30 degrees, 90 degrees, it doesn;t matter.

Your not alone NC. Literally and metaphorically speaking. As far as you not being successful, it just takes time. Try fishing with shiners at first, that how I started out. Its a great tactic to catch bass, and its so much fun watching your bobber get sucked into the water. This will get you started into bass fishing. Then experiment with lures.

My best advice is:

study your subject. Learn as much as you can from fishing shows, magizines, online posts etc. Bass Resource is great because its catagorized so it's easy to find everything you need to know about most aspects of bass fishing.

Use this forum as much as you can. Ask questions to anyone and everyone about any topic you need to, that's what we're here for.

Lastly, go fishing as much as you can, and apply your knowledge and past experiences. Never give up, don't get discouraged, and have fun.

[Guest the_muddy_man]

Hey: Keep reading on the threads. GO TO THE ARTICLES; there is a great amount of info for the begining bass angler. I would also go to the tacklebox and click on it and click open the log and print a bunch. I started logging and keeping records helps figuring things out

[bubbler]

join the club. i had to teach my self to fish on local lakes. and the local lake is lake casitas ca. and that lake is a #$^%* to fish.

but with alot of practice aND READING EVERY ARTICLE ON THE SITE i eventualy cought fish.

[fireandice]

I'd try and find some easy small ponds to start with that don't get a lot of fishing pressure from ski boats and weekend warriors.  If you can get hooked up with someone on some low pressure water that holds bass, then just about any technique on this site will produce fish for you pretty quick... even if you're no good at it.  

It's definitely a learning process.  My good fishing buddy and I have been at it for about 20 years now off and on, and when we go out now, we still find ourselves learning from eachother.  There's got to be someone in your vicinity that can teach you/take you fishing with them where they know you can catch bass.  Ask everyone you know.  Some friends uncle or cousin or nephew will surely we willing to take you, and if not, get out and hit the tackle shops in your area.  They will probably give you 4 or 5 spots to try just from asking them.

[JVM]

I agree, ask around and visit the tackle shops.  I am sure it has already been suggested, but join a club.  You'll be paired up with some real veterans in the tournaments that can teach you alot.  Also, I spend alot of time on youtube, watching videos.  The Bass Professor has alot of videos that will teach you some basics.  I also have Netflix which doesn;t carry that many fishing videos, but the ones they do carry I have watched them all, mostly garbage and 2 hour long advertisements but I have learned a few things there also.

Join a club if you can, and most importantly...Fish On!

[CenterBassHound]

Hello Everybody,

I am new to Bass Fishin.  I just bought my first bassin boat, a tacklebox full of various lures, some good Shakespear reels, and some good rods.  My first weekend out was on Sam Rayburn Lake in Broaddus, Texas (I live close to there)...I used a couple of spinner baits and caught 1- 2lb bass, and that was it for the day.

What I would like is to learn plastics:  How to rig C Rigs, Texas, and whatever else that might improve my fishing.  If any of ya all have some good, simple techniques that you can share, I would be deeply appreciated to ya.

Thanks

[xps94]

wow its like a spitting image of my fishing story..but im still 14..and my only family relative who fishes is my uncle in finland ...lol

[hawghunter1744]

I did everything on my own. From buying random lures that looked good to going out on my own. I had so little a clue when i first started that I would just close my eyes, start driving on the water, and randomly cut the motor off. I'd fish wherever I had landed. I dont advise this as it's very dangerous. However, the best advice I can give you is practice makes perfect. Another tip is ask lots of questions on here, as there are some very smart people here.

[fishfordollars]

I have had tons of help over the years. Without it I know I would not be as successful as I have been.

[weknowhowtolive]

I grew up fishing for trout and sometimes other fish mainly in rivers and streams. Lake fishing was always for catfish or crappie or something. I've only recently started fishing for bass and besides reading and watching tv, I've pretty much taught myself. So far I have done alright I think.