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[blush] I am new to the site and new to fishing. I fished when I was younger but I have not picked up a pole sense I was my sons age (9 years old). He has been fishing and cought fish but when I try to take him out we never catch anything (except a tiny little bull head). I don't know what kind of bait to use for fresh water fishing and is now a good time to go fishing? We planned a fishing trip this Saturday, and I would really like to atleast pretend that I know what I am doing and hopefully we will get lucky. Can anyone give me some beginners advice?
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First of all, welcome to BFT! There are plenty of us that should be able to give you some pointers on fishing. But, there are a few questions that can help narrow the information you need...
What area are you fishing? What species of fish are you after? Do you have a boat, or will you be fishing from shore?
There are other questions, but lets start with those. Answering those questions should help us narrow down to specific advice/tips that we can give you!
Thanks, bkidder
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Well I live the San Francisco Bay area but I was thinking tracey or stockton. We will be fishing off the bank. As far as the kind of fish, I think what ever is easiest to catch would be a good start. Maybe catfish?
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My best catfish bait has always been a worm... but, I don't go after catfish too often! I also am unfamiliar with your area, but others on here know CA very well. Be patient and you'll get some specific answers!
Thanks, bkidder
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thank you for your help so far night crawlers good enough or should I use the worms that bite? Sorry I forgot what they are called...lol
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If you are going to Stockton, you can fish any part of that River system for some nice Bass, Shad, Stripers or Catfish. If you have the patience, there are some nice Sturgeon in that area too.[cool]
Just stay clear of the Navy station over there. They don't like people in there too close.[crazy]
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A nightcrawler under a bobber or with a sinker on the bottom is a universal bait. In most places you just can't go wrong with that. I hope you got some good advice and let us know how you do.[cool]
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We actually went to the san pablo resevoir. We were there for quite a while and I tried casting in different areas but no bites at all. Then we moved to the main rec area and this guy helped me with a new set up. apparently I was set up for sea fishing..oops.
but after that I still didn't get a bite not even a nibble, I was using power bait on a tri-hook. After we tried nightcrawlers.
so when you say stockton is a good spot,which river exactly do you mean? what about tracy do you know any good places there too? I really want to catch a good size cat fish. I went with a friend out there at 10:00 at night and they were jumping out of the water.
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In Tracy, you can to Cal Park road. Stay on it till it turns into Klein Rd. There are several access points along the road. You are better to fish where the Victoria Island, Upper Jones Tract and the Union Island all meet.
Hook up a sliding rig with a 4 foot leader. 1/0 circle hook and a fat night crawler or chunk of hot dog.[cool]
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Wow...hotdogs? Thank you for that location info. Would it be better to fish at night? and can you use power bait as well? or does that only work in the daytime? Thank you so much for all your help. This is a really good site.
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You are most welcome for the info. We just want to help you catch fish.
As far as the Power Bait goes, you would be better off using the Power Nuggets for Catfish. Although most Catfish are more actively feeding at night, you can catch them in the day time also.
You may do better with the Hot Dogs if you get some of the Pro Cure injectable scent. You can inject it directly into the Hot Dog piece and creat a nice scent trail.
For the Cats I would recommend the Shrimp or Anchovie scent.[cool]
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hi and welcome to the world of fishing!
i recently started again too, ill tell you some things that helped me.
1. watch other people fish while your not catching anything, or while your just sitting back. then you learn what bait to use to catch what fish, and where to fish.
2. look for any structures in the water like a fallen log, or under the dock even. ive had my best luck under lilly pads. bass like to hide under stuff like this, and they are fun to catch and eat almost any type of bait.
3. if the water is murky and dark, use light colored bait like yellow or white or green. if the water is more clear, use glittery bait, they can see it better because the sun will reflect off of it.
4. a good beginner fish would be bass or bluegill(where i live). and the biggest bluegill i ever caught, i was using a doughball and fishing under the dock. and the biggest bass i ever caught was using a fake green minnow.
hopefully these will help you, and if your having trouble about bait, think about the size of their mouth, thats what i do. a bluegill cant eat anything too big, and they really dont eat minnows or live bait so use worms or bread or doughballs(even hotdog). bass like to eat
live bait so use fake crawdads, minnows, or other fake fish.
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