NEW TO FISHING

christopherobin · 02-14-2004, 07:02 PM

I just spent a pretty penny on 2 9ft poles & reels (one spiner and 1 bait caster). The problem is that I'd know how to or what to purchase as far is tackle is concerned. I plan on fishing for steelhead, trout and bass, but need to find a book or DVD that talks about basic "pole-set-up" for these fish as well as how to fish (from bank, river, trolling on rivers, lakes, bays and on the ocean).

Specifically close-ups of different line "assemblies" and basic things to know and do.

My tackle box is brand new but empty. Any help, direction or ideas whould be great.

Thanks,

Christopher [img]graemlins/program.gif[/img]

SalmonNilla · 02-14-2004, 08:02 PM

I'd get a subscription to Salmon Trout Steelheader, lots of good info and illustrated rigs. Also Amato publications has put out a couple of good videos "float fishing for steelhead and "drift fishing for steelhead" Those would probably help you too, especially "float fishing" thats a good way to target steelhead you wont get hung up as much and you'll spend more time fishing. Check out First cast jigs they are an ifish sponsor and have some good info on there website. http://pnwws.com/cgi-bin/firstcastjigs/store/store.pl
Of course you can always search the ifish archives for tackle and rigging posts. Good luck, maybe I'll see you on the water soon.

crabbait · 02-14-2004, 08:03 PM

Go the Fishermen's Marine Supply. They have different rigs tied on display on top of the racks of tackle. This will give you a chance to eyeball the various setups.

The guys will be happy to tell you what different setups are for and to help you with the basics. They also have a supply of books and some videos.

Good luck.

[ 02-14-2004, 09:04 PM: Message edited by: crabbait ]

shalom · 02-14-2004, 09:12 PM

First let me welcome you to the board.
Second do not and I repeat do not start to fish for BASS. A good friend of mine noticed that I had about 20- tackle boxes and they were over flowing .He said to me do not start BASS FISHING ..I had to ask why shouldn�t I fish for Bass ? He said if you start to fish for BASS you will have twice that many tackle boxes for BASS .You know what , he was right .You mention that you bought two new poles Poles are a tool that you need for different situations .A golfer has different clubs for different shots. And you will need many poles for different situations . I DOINT SAY THIS TO IMPRESS YOU ,BUT I HAVE 1 4- POLES READY TO FISH WITH DIFFERENT BAITS ON ALL OF THEM . THIS IS COMMON. I didn�t listen to my friend and have been having a ball BASS FISHING .good luck .

:smile:

Bobby Ray · 02-14-2004, 09:31 PM

I wish you the best with your long journey. The guys above have some good info. When I first started I went to all the hot spots and just looked. Start talking to the anglers who are catching, most anglers will chat.

Ty · 02-14-2004, 09:51 PM

Salmon Trout Steelheader and maybe start goinr to NW Steelheader meeting's. GO FISHING!! Watch, learn, and listen to those around u. Many guys on the river will share tips and many are full of crap..

Good luck!

happybrew · 02-14-2004, 10:43 PM

Since you're in Eugene, your closest bet for steelhead would be the Siuslaw River. The simplest way to fish would be either a bobber and jig, or a corkie and pencil lead. Throw a few spinners in your tacklebox, and you'll be good to go, at least for a little while.

If you want trout, Hills Creek Reservoir, just outside of Oakridge would be a good choice this time of year. Use Powerbait on a size 14 treble hook about two feet above a BB sized split shot sinker, and a sliding sinker.

Your steelhead pole will work just fine for trout. Use the one with the spinning reel for that. You'll want to use about six pound test line for your leader.

That would get you started, and you'll catch fish. Of course, its only a start.

happybrew

happybrew · 02-14-2004, 10:46 PM

Crabbait suggested Fisherman's Marine Supply. That's in Oregon City, on highway 99E. Since you're in Eugene, GI Joe's off of Delta Highway would be closer, but Fisherman's is better.

happybrew

JohnB · 02-15-2004, 06:45 AM

Welcome to fishing. I suggest you read all you can. The Amato Books website has a great list of books to start. Fishing is a life-long learning adventure-- both from books, but more importantly, on the river.

I strongly recommend that you "invest" a little $$ in using a fish guide. Virtually every guide is a good teacher and will give you real-time education while on the water. Try several guides as each has his own style just as you will develop your own approach over time. There are several guides that fish the McKenzie for steelhead as a good start.

You are targeting one of the most fun, albeit difficult to catch sportfish so you will need to be patient.

Best of luck and welcome to the fraternity of the hopelessly addicted fishermen society!!!

[ 02-15-2004, 07:53 AM: Message edited by: JohnB ]

Jignfloat · 02-15-2004, 08:53 AM

Welcome aboard!!
Buying tackle....especially spinners and plugs, is so darn impulsive/compulsive. Ya never have enough, and then there's the new ones and new colors. It will take a while to compile all the trick stuff, (you'll know yer gettin close once you have 6 boxes over flowing) but a good shop can get you the necessities for your targeted fish. Its an ongoing learning process,humbling at times, but always interesting. Good luck!!!

Russ

letsfish · 02-15-2004, 09:47 AM

Welcome!! I have fished as long as I can remember. I say that to give yu a perspective on what I am about to say. If you are just getting started... I would put the wallet away- like any sideline,hobbie, or passion there are million things out there to buy. But you don't need them. The advice on a guide is a great first step, not only can a guide instruct you but can point you in the right location for fish, tackle actually needed and in the end can actually save you money. Do you have friends that fish? Hanging around some people you respect for there skill will really help, steer clear of those that advise you to do things that are unlawful or unethical. Don't be afraid to let others know of your new standing in the sport- a good fisherman will share what he can with you. Remember it doesn't come overnight-so don't become frustrated-if your not having fun then bag it for the day. Most fisherman do it for underlying reasons- it's a great way to relax in the outdoors.And remember keep us posted, we relive your experiences as if they are our own. That's a large part why I visit ifish.
Oh, I've heard that Umpqua has incredible smallmouth fishing and there are some great guides that can put you into some massive numbers of fish, I think late spring early summer. But check that out for some fun.

Crazy Fisherman · 02-15-2004, 05:09 PM

Salmon trout steelheader, it`s a great magazine and you can order books a videos on all kinds of fishing. I just wish it came out every month. And also welcome to the world of fishing, where sanity will never be the same again.

Thumper · 02-15-2004, 05:48 PM

If I was a newbie fisherman I would go to Firstcastjigs.com and spend at least an afternoon learning everything Mark talks about. Bobber/jig fishing is simple, cheap and deadly effective.

Then search Ifish for bobber/jig, bobber fishing, jigs, etc. The single most deadly and effective way to catch steelhead and many salmon is bobber/jig fishing.

Had I known all that 50 years ago I could have saved a lot of effort and a ton of money.

Then spend every available moment on Ifish. Get to know a few Ifishers in your area. Buy them a beer and listen.

Then pick a river and hire a guide. Tell him that you want to learn.

And enjoy every minute of your new disease. :grin: